When we’re at a doctor’s appointment, therapy session, long meeting, or waiting room… what do we do? We scroll. We check email. We zone out for a minute. Meanwhile, our service dogs are lying quietly beside us, possibly napping 😴 — doing exactly what we’ve trained them to do. But they’re still dogs. Bringing an appropriate chew to a long appointment is not “spoiling” your dog — it’s thoughtful handling. A quiet, long-lasting chew can: • Help with duration work • Prevent restlessness • Lower stress • Make public access smoother for everyone Your dog works hard for you. Packing their go-bag with something appropriate for long waits is just fair! Structured enrichment is part of responsible handling. Small detail. Big difference 🙌 Ps. Thank you Saffy and @Julie Kelley for this great example!

Saffy is officially cleared from her spay recovery with the Dr’s order to go back to training/working!! Ya!!! James is away where he could not take Saffy and my Dad and I went to Home Depot so we took Saffy since it was later in the evening and the store would be quiet. Turns out they just got a truck so they were moving pallets everywhere. She got a little scared and hid but never tried to flee and did not get all shaky. I noticed the little bit of fear and made her sit and watch the noise and quickly rewarded her calmer behavior with praise and treats, then we checked out the pallet that was just placed! We walked around and she did awesome. I had to work on heel because she was excited and wanted to get a head. We stopped to look at cabinet handles and she actually kicked her hip out! So proud of how calm she was. She of course she got lots of praise and a jack pot level of treats!🤩🥳. I focused on her and not videos but did get a picture of the super calm down with me stepped away.

I’d like to take a moment to highlight one of our favorite service dog teams: @Kenzie Carlson and her service dog, Atlas 🐾💛 Kenzie received Atlas from ASA Service Dogs four years ago, and we’ve loved watching them grow together ever since! Not only do they shine as a working team, but they also give back so much to our program 🙌 ✨ Kenzie and her family volunteer with ASA fundraising and at community events. ✨ They serve as puppy raisers, giving program dogs-in-training a loving home environment. ✨ Her mom, Tammy, faithfully attends our puppy raiser classes and works side by side with Kenzie to help raise and train dogs that go on to change lives! ✨ Kenzie has also shared her knowledge publicly — giving presentations and spreading education about cerebral palsy and service dogs. Currently, they are raising Joy, one of our program pups, and they’ve raised several dogs before who have since graduated and are now working service dogs in their forever homes! 🙌 We are so grateful to Kenzie, Atlas, and their family for everything they contribute!! If anyone is considering applying for a program service dog through ASA, or interested in becoming a puppy raiser, Kenzie is a wonderful resource. She’s happy to answer questions and share her firsthand experience. Please join me in celebrating Kenzie & Atlas — an incredible team and an inspiring part of the ASA family! 🎉🐕💙