Not a shaggy assistance dog story
I'm going to start a new mission on this here Ouch blog. A mission to bring you interesting little factettes that come my way during the average day in the our office.
For instance, we're already 36 days into this year, but I bet you didn't know that 2008 is , did you? Well, you do now. Yes, during the next 12 months (well, 11 months now, because I've only just discovered this), it's everybody's duty to mark the contribution made by support dogs, hearing dogs, guide dogs and, in fact, any other furry four-legged friends who help disabled people with their daily lives.
Not only that, but you can say thank you for their contribution just by sending a letter! Yes, really! Today, the Royal Mail launches a series of stamps to celebrate the roles performed by working dogs in the UK. You can see pictures of the stamps on , including one of a guide dog, and another of an assistance dog that is, very appropriately, posting a letter.
Right, can I have a puppy now?! Please?!
Comments
I actually think it's a nice idea, as does my daughter, who is disabled.
I guess this is because we're dog lovers, though. Our dogs have always been loving friends and family, when others have treated us like dirt.
We lost one of our dogs, a German Shepherd, in 2006. She was never a formal assistance dog, but gave us all love and devotion, for which we will always owe her a debt of gratitude.
She once independently made to decision to escort my daughter's wheelchair by walking a couple of feet in front, which cleared a crowded seaside promenade full of inconsiderate holiday makers like the red sea, just what we did actually need! She kept stopping and looking back- people thought she actually was some sort of helper dog, which was funny, especially as our other dog was straining at the leash, trying to run all over the place while my son held her and a bodyboard. Our Shepherd did so well - until she tried to get into another similar car in the car park, while kids were changing their bathing suits... or perhaps she was trying to commandeer it : )
I'm more than happy to have some sort of recognition of caring mutts. When various 'eminent' people who have caused so much trouble for disabled people get New Years Honours- now THAT is just inappropriate!