About Us
Hi I'm Portland! I am a Canine Companion, Successor Service Dog (not a guide { seeing eye} dog) partnered with Amy, a woman who has Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. She is a licensed clinical social worker, author, motivational speaker and consultant. Please visit her page if you would like to learn more.
About Me
My Quick Facts: Breed: Labrador Golden Retriever cross Date of Birth: 8/23/2012 Loved Since: 8/15/2014. As her service dog, I help Amy get out of the couch, retrieve the phone, carry or retrieve (dropped) items, tug doors open and push them shut. I can also help her turn on/off light switches that are out of reach and I even help with the laundry! Loves: Having my ears pet, being the center of attention, H2O, ice cubes, working, playing with other dogs and going for fast brisk walks Likes: Playing fetch when the mood strikes me Dislikes: When people pet me without asking while I'm working. Nicknames: Mr. P. and Porty.
We want you to learn everything you can about me. To that end, we have created a blog and a canine family legacy page for those who are interested in my ancestry.
Other Things To Know
I am not an attack dog, my primary function is to serve as Amy’s companion and facilitate her increased independence. To that end, the American's with Disabilities Act permits me access to any place that Amy would go (i.e. schools, restaurants, zoos, airplanes, etc.). It is important to know this law to help us guard against Service Dog Fraud, a real issue for service dog teams like ours.
Another issue we face as a team is what Amy lovingly calls "drive-by pets." This phenomenon occurs when people pet me without asking permission, either because they have never been taught service dog etiquette, or they just disregard it. You can help us guard against drive-by's and other unwanted distractions. If you see us in public, you should:
1. ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU PET! It may be advisable for you to shake hands with me or not to pet me at all; ultimately the decision will be Amy's. If you are petting me I ask that you be polite and not ignore Amy. While this may be hard because I am so lovable and cute, she enjoys engaging in conversation and welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Understand that if she gives a command while you are petting me, you will need to stop. You should not try to distract or call me over to you and away from her.
2. LIMIT YOUR INTERACTION WITH THE DOG AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. When you see me, it is best to IGNORE my presence. It is important that my needs (toileting, commanding, praising, and petting) be met by Amy. However, understand that she may ask for help with some of these tasks.
3. NEVER FEED A WORKING DOG ANYTHING! I do not rely on treats to perform my commands. I work for praise and love from Amy. I am fed on a regular schedule and any treats are given by her. Giving me treats may upset my stomach, distract me from my work, or cause me to gain weight.
Please remember these guidelines when interacting with me at home or in our neighborhood too, especially number one. When I'm home, or walking with Amy around the neighborhood I don't wear my vest. I am trained to do what Amy asks me to, regardless of whether or not I have my vest on! My blue vest is a signal to tell the pubic, not me, that I am working.
About Me
My Quick Facts: Breed: Labrador Golden Retriever cross Date of Birth: 8/23/2012 Loved Since: 8/15/2014. As her service dog, I help Amy get out of the couch, retrieve the phone, carry or retrieve (dropped) items, tug doors open and push them shut. I can also help her turn on/off light switches that are out of reach and I even help with the laundry! Loves: Having my ears pet, being the center of attention, H2O, ice cubes, working, playing with other dogs and going for fast brisk walks Likes: Playing fetch when the mood strikes me Dislikes: When people pet me without asking while I'm working. Nicknames: Mr. P. and Porty.
We want you to learn everything you can about me. To that end, we have created a blog and a canine family legacy page for those who are interested in my ancestry.
Other Things To Know
I am not an attack dog, my primary function is to serve as Amy’s companion and facilitate her increased independence. To that end, the American's with Disabilities Act permits me access to any place that Amy would go (i.e. schools, restaurants, zoos, airplanes, etc.). It is important to know this law to help us guard against Service Dog Fraud, a real issue for service dog teams like ours.
Another issue we face as a team is what Amy lovingly calls "drive-by pets." This phenomenon occurs when people pet me without asking permission, either because they have never been taught service dog etiquette, or they just disregard it. You can help us guard against drive-by's and other unwanted distractions. If you see us in public, you should:
1. ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU PET! It may be advisable for you to shake hands with me or not to pet me at all; ultimately the decision will be Amy's. If you are petting me I ask that you be polite and not ignore Amy. While this may be hard because I am so lovable and cute, she enjoys engaging in conversation and welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Understand that if she gives a command while you are petting me, you will need to stop. You should not try to distract or call me over to you and away from her.
2. LIMIT YOUR INTERACTION WITH THE DOG AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. When you see me, it is best to IGNORE my presence. It is important that my needs (toileting, commanding, praising, and petting) be met by Amy. However, understand that she may ask for help with some of these tasks.
3. NEVER FEED A WORKING DOG ANYTHING! I do not rely on treats to perform my commands. I work for praise and love from Amy. I am fed on a regular schedule and any treats are given by her. Giving me treats may upset my stomach, distract me from my work, or cause me to gain weight.
Please remember these guidelines when interacting with me at home or in our neighborhood too, especially number one. When I'm home, or walking with Amy around the neighborhood I don't wear my vest. I am trained to do what Amy asks me to, regardless of whether or not I have my vest on! My blue vest is a signal to tell the pubic, not me, that I am working.
Past Team Members
Yazzen ( Rainbow Bridge 11/23/03-7/7/14)
My Quick Facts: Breed: Labrador Golden Retriever cross Date of Birth: 11/23/2003 Loved Since: 8/13/2005. As her service dog, I helped Amy get in and out of the couch, retrieve the phone and/or the remote, carry or retrieve (dropped) items, pull open doors or push them shut. Loved: Working, playing fetch, lounging in my pool and eating apples. Liked: Going for walks and playing with other dogs. Disliked: When people pet my ears or pet me without asking, while I was working. Nicknames: Yaz, Yazzie, Yazziemodo and Budda. |