Assistance Dog Week — August 4-10, 2013

This week is International Assistance Dog Week. What does that mean? The week was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs that help people get through their daily routines and "mitigate their disability related limitations."

Do you know any assistance dogs?

Meet Ranger! He is an assistance dog used to help with anxiety. He is specifically for one person, me, but he assists everyone at the radio station with stress relieve. Just ask Jeff from Eagle 106.3, Jim and Lisa from Kicker 102.5, John Williams the News Guy, Jackie in the Business Office, Jack, Mitzi or one of the other folks in our Sales Department or Cindy in the Traffic Office. They all enjoy Ranger's loving personality and sweet smiles (and occasional toe-licking).

Studies have been done that show pets can relieve stress and promote healthier living through lower blood pressure and reduced risk of other stress causing conditions.

According to Assistance Dog Week's website, the goals of Assistance Dog Week are to:

• Recognize and honor assistance dogs
• Raise awareness and educate the public about assistance dogs
• Honor puppy raisers and trainers
• Recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities