Soft & Wet, but a little Ruff

     Last Sunday, the Seesaw club partook in another Art service program, an integral aspect of our club since the inception of our enterprise.  While in previous meetings, we made keychains and dolls, the project for this meeting was more applicable than aesthetic: soap. I was paired with a visually impaired individual and got to know him throughout the activity. I found some of our common interests, but most importantly, I had my questions answered about his dog, a service dog. Previously, I was curious as to how a service dog may be different from an untrained dog like mine. Did they train? Are there specific breeds that are better suited? I found that usually, service dogs don't undergo additional formal training once they find their homes, but the owner, like my partner, can choose to self-train their dogs in additional maneuvers or simple recreational tricks. Additionally, he said that his dog was a Labrador Retriever, often considered the best suited for aiding the visually impaired. Through the enthusiastic manner in which he described his pet, I came to understand the important role that our gentle companions play in promoting a harmonious society.