• Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Policies
    • Privacy
    • Disclosure
    • Official Rules
  • Recent Posts

A Magical Mess

Finding Magic in Every Mess

  • Make Food
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks & Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Magical Treats
    • Drinks
  • Live Life
    • Pets & Family
    • Self-Care
      • Daith Piercing Journey
    • Entertainment
  • Get Creative
    • Crafts & DIY
    • Household
You are here: Home / Live Life / Pets and Family / Veteran Service Dogs – 5 Things to Know

Pets and Family

Veteran Service Dogs – 5 Things to Know

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

103shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

I learned some things about veteran service dogs while attending the Purina Better with Pets Summit. I always knew that service dogs were impressive, but never to the degree that I know now. Purina sponsored my trip to the summit, but all opinions are my own.

Veteran Service Dogs - 5 Things to Know

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Better with Pets Summit had several interactive displays. At one of the displays, we met Soldier Kent Phyfe and his service dog, Mike.

Veteran Service Dogs – 5 Things to Know

What service dogs can do – Training for service dogs vary depending on the veteran’s needs. In Soldier Kent Phyfe’s case, his dog completely changed – and possibly saved – his life. After serving our country, the soldier came home with neurocardiogenic syncope, a medical condition that causes him to unexpectedly faint. Mike is trained to react appropriately should he do so. He also opens doors, and even pulls the covers off of the soldier in case of a PTSD nightmare.

Veteran Service Dogs - 5 Things to Know

Don’t interact with a service dog – At a different pet event (thank goodness), I reached out to pet a service dog. The look on the faces around me were straight up appalled. Apparently, I was the only one who didn’t know that you never pet a service animal. I want to say I knew that somewhere deep in my brain, but the sight of a cute animal just makes me dumb, what can I say? 😉 In any case, service animals are working and should never be distracted from their jobs. Don’t try to interact with them in any way.

Don’t fake it with your dog – Thanks to social media making pets famous, many people have the urge to take their pet everywhere. Some have gone as far to buy a fake service dog vest so their animal will be allowed anywhere. No harm, right? WRONG. Veteran service dogs and all service animals undergo intense training. One of the most important things they are taught is to not get distracted by other animals. Soldier Kent Phyfe told us about a time where a dog wearing a service vest lunged at Mike on the subway. A legit and properly trained service dog would never do that.

Veteran Service Dogs - 5 Things to Know

Service dogs are not pets, but they are loved – The bond between Mike and Soldier Kent Phyfe was crystal clear. Mike didn’t acknowledge us once during our conversation. He laid on the ground relaxed, but completely alert. Every once in a while, Mike would look up adoringly at the soldier.

You can name a service dog – I kind of chuckled when I found out the service dog’s name is Mike. Not only because that’s my husband’s name, but because I love when dogs have human names. Training service dogs is extremely expensive, so donations are heavily relied upon. Donate enough and you can name the dog. Somewhere out there, there’s a generous human Mike to thank for the incredible service dog, Mike.

Speaking with the soldier was one of the main highlights of the summit for me. I learned so much, and I am so happy to know that this program exists. For more info and how you can donate, visit VetDogs.org.

Animal Articles to Read Next:

  • The benefits of getting an emotional support dog
  • Springtime activities for dogs
  • Reasons to always get the kennel cough vaccine

Veteran Service Dogs - 5 Things to Know

Thank you to Purina for the Better with Pets Summit. This is a prime example of how life is, in fact, Better with Pets. The next time you see a veteran service dog, be sure to give them extra respect – silently, of course. 😉


About Jennifer

Jennifer is the founder of A Magical Mess. She is married to a wonderful man, and together they live with their three rescue dogs. Jen is an entrepreneur at heart. Hobbies and interests include working, reading, playing word games, and learning new things.

Free Printable Fairy Activity Sheets!

Privacy Policy
« Add Some Sparkle to the Holiday Drinks for Kids
How To Remove Stains On Clothes »

Comments

  1. Liz says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:50 am

    They are amazing and so beautiful.

    • Jennifer says

      January 3, 2016 at 3:14 pm

      I agree! It’s a beautiful relationship, too!

  2. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:46 am

    Service dogs are truly amazing. They are such a gift to their owner and vice versa.

  3. Tammilee Tips says

    January 4, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Service dogs are amazing!!! They make such a difference in their owners lives, especially soldiers they have done so much for our country.

  4. Jennifer Sikora says

    January 4, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    I saw a segment on tv yesterday with a guy who trains these dogs and the man sharing his story broke my heart. I love that these dogs help vets to get through their PTSD and other issues.

  5. diane says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    I have always been a huge advocate of the service dog programs. Those are some good looking pups and they love the work they do!

  6. Shelley Zurek says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    I have always had so many questions about service dogs. What a wonderful service for our vets. We have a lady in our church who raises them until they are ready to be trained.

  7. Jeanette says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    This is such a wonderful service for our vets! I think service dogs are one of the best things. Our vets can be lonely, sad, depressed or more and with a pet by their side it makes it much easy to get through.

  8. Vera Sweeney says

    January 4, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    What an amazing event to get to go to! Service dogs are so expensive to train, I love that there is a program to help our vets they sacrifice so much for our country.

  9. Kelly Hutchinson says

    January 4, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    What a wonderful program for our vets who suffer from various medial and psychological disorders. I think a service dog would be a great companion and help mate at the same time.

  10. Marcie W. says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    Service dogs do so much and are important for so many reasons. I knew you were not supposed to pet a service dog (at least without permission) but I am always tempted.

  11. Jody Smith says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    These are some great points to keep in mind! I always teach my kids not to reach out to any strange pet but especially service dogs we see out in public.

  12. Jeanine says

    January 4, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    I always try to remind my kids as quickly, and as much as I can when we see services dogs to not bother just look. Service dogs are so important and I think amazing!

  13. Ann Bacciaglia says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    I have been seeing a lot more service dogs around. This is important information i will have to share. I did not know you should not pet them.

  14. Caroline Fernandez says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Thanks for the great information on Service Dogs. I will have to teach this to my kids.

  15. Liz Mays says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    They must share such a special bond. They really rely on each other! Service animals must be super smart.

  16. Autumn @Mamachallenge says

    January 4, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    That is really good information to know. I love seeing the special bond between the two of them.

  17. Anne says

    January 4, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    Great information, and I have seen a lot more service dogs around lately. It is good that these animals are able to help veterans.

  18. Clo Nevaeh says

    January 5, 2016 at 12:50 am

    Service dogs are so important. We had a service dog for a while until he passed. He was great and we couldn’t have done thing without him. It’s great to share the importance.

  19. Dogvills says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:46 am

    This is great information. I love reading stories about service dogs.

  20. Amy Desrosiers says

    January 5, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    I think it is great that these faithful dogs help those in need. I often see them when I am out and about and they seem like the BEST dogs ever!

  21. Maryann D. says

    February 15, 2016 at 7:05 am

    I think these service dogs are wonderful. These are all fantastic photos and so terrific.

  22. Sarah L says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    I have a friend who uses a service dog for knowing when she might have a seizure.

About Me

Welcome to A Magical Mess! My name is Jen. Click my picture to learn more. 
Jen Soltys and her little dog

Get free unicorn coloring pages!

unicorn coloring pages on workspace with art supplies

Unicorn Coloring Pages

A Magical Mess is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

You May Also Like

Top of layered jello with whipped cream dollop.

Valentine’s Day Layered Jello

Layers of brownies, pudding, and whipped cream in a trifle dish.

Chocolate Brownie Trifle Recipe

Strawberry crispy bark candy lined up on a board.

Crispy Chocolate Bark Candy

Three hot chocolate bombs on a board next to a mug.

Easy Hot Chocolate Bombs

Two Valentine's day cookies in front of a cup of coffee.

Marble Iced Sugar Cookies

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more