How Service Animals Help People

Have you ever seen a dog wearing a special vest? You may have seen a service dog on the job. Service animals help people with disabilities live more independently and safely. Most service animals are dogs. They must be trained to help people with disabilities. Some important jobs they can do are help blind people walk, pull wheelchairs, or remind people to take medicine.

Some service dogs are very helpful to people who have seizures. During a seizure, people lose control of their bodies. They might shake or fall to the ground. Seizures can be dangerous if they happen to people when they're not expecting them. However, service dogs can go look for someone to help their owner. Other dogs can sense seizures before they happen. Then, they let their owner know. The owner can sit or lie down so they can stay safe during the seizure.

Other service dogs help people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Can you imagine being deaf? How would you know if someone rang the doorbell or if the smoke alarm goes off? This is one way service dogs can help. They let the deaf person know when they hear these sounds. A service dog might also let a deaf person know that their keys dropped or that their baby is crying.

Capuchin monkeys are another service animal that can help people who are paralyzed. People who are paralyzed may not be able to use their legs, their arms, or both. Monkeys can help people by turning the lights on and off. They can also help use the remote control or pick up objects that have been dropped.

Another important kind of animal is emotional support animals. These animals help cheer people up but are not specially trained. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, or even horses can be emotional support animals. They often help people who live with depression and anxiety. For example, having a dog can help a depressed person go for a walk every day. Therapy animals are similar to emotional support animals. However, instead of living with one person, they visit people. For example, a therapy dog might visit hospitals or nursing homes. Horses are also used in therapy. When people care for horses, they feel calmer and happier. Horses can also help people who are recovering from addiction.

Animals are wonderful. They help people in so many different ways. From helping with everyday tasks to being a safety lookout, service animals are essential to the lives of many people in this world.