GREAT DANES TRAIN TO BECOME SERVICE DOGS - “In addition to their size advantage, Great Danes also are intelligent, train well, and like people…You can’t stay in a bad mood around a Dane for too long, so they’re great for this post-traumatic stress bit…”
A non-profit organization based out of Massachusetts called Service Dog Project, Inc. specializes in the training of Great Danes to become service dogs. The dogs help people with multiple sclerosis and other disabilities who need a sturdy dog for support. Apparently, Great Danes are well-suited for these tasks because of their calming presence and physical strength. Here’s more from boston.com:
Most people are familiar with guide dogs for the visually impaired and other types of helper animals for those with sensory or mobility challenges. But the Great Danes raised and trained by White on her Ipswich farm have a mission specific to their size. They help people with balance issues stay upright.
It’s literally a “lean on me” situation for people with Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, a stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Half of the 42 dogs donated by the organization since 2003 have gone to injured military combat veterans, who get preference.
Great Danes are lovable dogs, but it appears that these dogs in particular are making a difference in people’s lives by virtue of their big bodies and their big hearts. Click here for the full story and here to learn more about Service Dog Project, Inc. (Photos from the official Facebook page).
