Assistance Dog Day
August 4, Monday
When it is celebrated
The holiday is celebrated on August 4 and is part of Assistance Dog Week, which runs from August 4 to August 10 (dates may vary slightly from year to year).
Meaning of the holiday
Assistance Dog Day aims to:
* recognize the contribution of service dogs to the lives of people with disabilities;
* raise public awareness about the role and rights of such dogs;
* support organizations involved in training and providing assistance dogs;
* spread information on how dogs improve the quality of life for their owners.
Types of assistance dogs
Assistance dogs can perform many functions. Among them are:
* guide dogs for the visually impaired;
* dogs for people with hearing impairments;
* dogs for people with mobility impairments;
* dogs that help with epilepsy, diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.
How it is celebrated
The holiday may include:
* special events and demonstrations of trained dogs;
* fundraising campaigns for the training and care of assistance dogs;
* educational programs in schools, institutions, and online;
* stories and interviews with owners of assistance dogs.
Interesting fact
Each assistance dog undergoes lengthy training that can last up to two years and costs tens of thousands of dollars. However, they are often provided free of charge to people in need thanks to charitable organizations and sponsors.