2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards {Vote Daily}

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hero dog awards 2014

We remember and honor the heroes and victims of 9/11 on the 13th anniversary of that tragic day. And today, we’re taking a break from bringing you pet deals and giveaway news, and invite you to join with us in paying tribute to America’s outstanding hero dogs.

Voting for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards is open, and you have the chance to help name the top American Hero Dog of 2014. Go HERE to read all about the 8 finalists and vote for your favorite.  They are ALL heroic hounds for sure!

Of particular note among the fearless furry finalists is Bretagne, believed to be the last known living 9/11 Ground Zero search and rescue dog. You can read more about her talents and selfless work by visiting her nominee profile here.

Other finalists include a military dog, a guide dog, a therapy dog and more. Visit herodogawards.org to learn more and vote now through September 15 when voting ends. Rules say you can vote daily!

FREE: Get UPS My Choice and Never Miss a Package Again!

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Daisy UPS Delivery

Since starting my blog, we’ve received LOTS of deliveries with cool stuff that companies want us to test and tell you about. Plus, I’m a big fan of online shopping and take advantage of many of the deals I find and share with you. With SO many good things arriving almost daily, it’s not all that surprising that Daisy now thinks the UPS guys and gals work for HER!

I hate missing my deliveries because I don’t know when they are coming or forgot to track an order so I was super happy when I learned about UPS My Choice. It’s a FREE service you signup for that lets you know when a delivery is scheduled to arrive at your address. You tell the service the names of people at the address and how you want to be alerted, and then it does the rest. I selected to receive email notification when a delivery is coming, and a reminder with the approximate delivery time on the day before it’s supposed to arrive. YOU could choose a text message or voice mail if you prefer!

The UPS system automatically detects when someone is sending you a package and alerts you about when and where to expect it. You can also login to reroute or reschedule a delivery if you want. I’ve been using the Free UPS My Choice service for 3 months and I love it! You can go here to learn more about UPS My Choice and to sign up for Free.

 

Sponsored Content. All opinions and experiences are 100% mine and Daisy’s.

Sign Up for FREE to UPS My Choice and Get Delivery on YOUR Schedule!

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Free signup for UPS My Choice

Since starting my blog, I’ve been receiving lots of Press Kits and deliveries with samples for Product Reviews, and promotions. I also have a bit of an online shopping habit, in case you hadn’t noticed.

I got tired of missing my deliveries because I didn’t know when they were coming or forgot to track an order so I was super happy when I heard about UPS My Choice. It’s a FREE service you signup for that lets you know when a delivery is scheduled to arrive at your address. You tell the service the names of people at the address and how you want to be alerted, and then it does the rest.

The UPS system automatically detects when someone is sending you a package and alerts you about when and where to expect it. You can also login to reroute or reschedule a delivery if you want. There are optional premium services but I’ve been using the Free UPS My Choice options for 3 weeks and I love it! You can go here to learn more about UPS My Choice and to sign up for Free.

Sponsored Content. All opinions and experiences are 100% my own.

Salute to America’s VetDogs and Tips on Etiquette for Encounters with Service and Assistance Dogs

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America's VetDogs

I’d like to start featuring the many pawsome animal-related causes and nonprofit organizations out there. Since Daisy’s papa is an Army veteran, I thought it would be fitting to begin by shining the spotlight on America’s VetDogs. In addition to learning about their wonderful programs, I also found some very important information we all should know, about the proper way for humans to behave when encountering an assistance dog.

America’s VetDogs uses guide dogs, service dogs, and state-of-the-art technology to help disabled veterans live better lives. Not only does a VetDog provide assistance with daily activities, the dog provides the motivation to conquer new challenges: people focus on the dog, not the disability. And with a VetDog by his or her side, a veteran is never alone!

VetDogs trains and provides assistance dogs for veterans who are blind or visually impaired and those with disabilities other than blindness. Their organization trains physical, occupational, and emotional therapy dogs to work with wounded soldiers and active duty personnel. For a dog to become a VetDog, it must meet strict health, safety, and training standards. Each dog is also trained and matched for the specific needs of the individual veteran being paired with the dog. Read more about VetDog’s Programs and how you can support them.

 

Etiquette and Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs perform vital tasks for their human partner. They are guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired and service dogs for those with disabilities other than blindness. They provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship.

These dogs are specially bred and trained for these important jobs. There are several guidelines people must follow when in the presence of a guide or service dog to allow for the safety of the dog and its handler. Disregarding these guidelines can distract the dog, which can create a dangerous situation for the team.

  • Don’t touch, talk, feed or otherwise distract the dog while he is wearing his harness or service vest.
  • Do allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of his handler. 
  • Don’t treat the dog as a pet.
  • Do give it the respect of a working dog. 
  • Don’t give the dog commands.
  • Do allow the handler to do so. 
  • Don’t try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or handler.
  • Do assist the handler upon her request. 
  • Don’t walk on the dog’s left side as it may become distracted or confused.
  • Do walk on the handler’s right side. For someone who is blind, you should be several paces behind. 
  • Don’t attempt to grab or steer the person while his guide dog is guiding him or attempt to hold the dog’s harness.
  • Do ask if the handler needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm. 
  • Don’t give the dog people food.
  • Do respect the handler’s wishes. 
  • Don’t tease or abuse the dog.
  • Do allow it to rest undisturbed. 
  • Don’t allow pets to challenge or intimidate an assistance dog.
  • Do allow them to meet on neutral ground when all parties can be carefully supervised. 
  • Don’t allow the dog on your furniture or in areas of the home where the handler doesn’t want it to go.
  • Do ask the handler to correct any misbehavior or trespassing. 
  • Don’t let the dog out of the house unsupervised. It is a very valuable animal!
  • Don’t pat the dog on the head.
  • Do stroke the dog on the shoulder area but only with its handler’s approval.

For more Resources and Information regarding Assistance Dogs, Access Laws, and Materials for Students and Teachers, Visit VetDogs here.