Summary
Our mission is to empower the disabled and veterans as well as increase their enjoyment and independence in everyday life through the use of assistance dogs.
We have become incorporated with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, within our first year!
We are a group of individuals dedicated to training assistance dogs to perform tasks based on individuals needs. All of our training and placements are with the disabled and veterans in the Quad City Area. By working with individuals and their specific needs each team has a custom training program. All of our dogs will go through basic training, but the skills taught to each dog will be unique to their partner's needs and abilities.
What is a disability?
A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activity. Document your disability and work with your doctor. Ask your doctor to write a letter stating that you are disabled and that he support your use of an assistance dog to help you manage your disability.
What is an assistance dog?
An assistance dog is trained to perform specific tasks for an individual to help them manage their disability. There are many different kinds of assistance dogs:
- Medical Response
- Mobility Assistance
- Facility Dogs
- Signal Dogs
- Guide Dogs
- Companion Dogs
These dogs not only help their owners physically and emotionally but, also provide freedom and independence.
Assistance Dog Etiquette
When you encounter a person with an assistance dog, remember one thing: The dog is working. You might not know what the dog is doing for the person, and any interruption may put that person in jeopardy. The following are tips for approaching a working assistance dog team:
- Don't be afraid of the dog. Assistance dogs are carefully selected for their temperament.
- Never touch the dog without asking permission first. This distraction may prevent the dog from attending their human partner.
- Never feed the dog. Food is the ultimate distraction, and the dog may be on a special diet.
- Do not whistle or make sounds to the dog; again this is a distraction away from their partner.
- Speak to the person, not the dog. Most handlers will be happy to talk to you about their assistance dog, given they have the time to do so.
- Never assume a person's intelligence, capabilities, or feelings because they have an assistance dog. They are, after all, still people just like you and I.
Illinois Law
- A service animal means any guide dog, signal dog or any other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impared vision, alerting individuals with impared hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching items.
- White Cane Law and Guide Dog Access Act both require individuals who use service dogs and service dogs in training to have access to public facilities.
- Requirements-the animal must be individually trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. NOT REQUIRED:proof of training, license, harness or special attire, certification, permits, ID.
- Permissible inquires-it is ok to ask what task the animal is trained to perform. It is NOT OKto ask what the individual's disability is, why they need a service animal, or if they have paperwork for the animal.
- Only allowed to exclude a service animal if they pose a direct threat. CANNOT EXCLUDE because someone has an allergy or fear of dogs.