I am so excited to introduce you all to Luke of Ruff (pronounced roof)!
Last year, when I began my search for service dog teams to include in my book, Luke and Ruff were the first to reach out, and I just about melted!
Check out this dodo video of them:

Luke has Downs syndrome. He can easily get scared, confused, or feel the need to run away. Not to fear, Ruff is there for him. Aside from Ruffs presence calming Luke, Ruffs vest also has a handle on it for Luke to hold on to, which helps him to stay close to mom in new and crowded places. He also inspires Luke to try new things. If Roof gets a taste of new food first, Luke is happy to take a bite too. 

Ruff is an independence assistance service dog, also known as autism or downs syndrome dogs. Ruff was trained by Linda Donnelly with CCI dogs(Canine Companions For Independence). CCI dogs like Ruff are becoming more and more popular for kids with behavioral and cognitive disabilities. They  help children in many ways, but also offer a priceless companionship. 

I asked Luke's mom what the best thing about having Ruff was. She said, "Ruff has changed our lives as a family by making it easier for public outings. Less stress for all of us. 
What a delight he has been!"
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Luke and Ruffs page was one of the most fun to illustrate. Take a sneak peak at it here, and don't miss seeing them in "Our Service Dogs" coming to Amazon March 1st 2021.

Can you spot the celebrity cameo? it was an accident at first, but then it was just too funny to not include. Comment below if you see anyone familiar :)

TRAINER CREDIT:
 Ruff was trained by Linda Donnelly with CCI dogs(Canine Companions For Independence). 
Amber Diane Hill does not officially endorse or support CCI dogs training company. Please do your own research when choosing a trainer. 

The official release of "Our Service Dogs" is March 1st 2021.
but.....
You can actually go on Amazon right now and order it for $10.35!!
Be one of the first people to read this amazing new children's book and let me know what you think!

7 Facts from ADA.gov about service dogs. These facts apply to the United States. Other countries have different terminology and laws. Click the button below to download the images to print or share to social media.  
Leave a comment with any questions you may have about service dogs.

Seeing eye dogs are known for being some of the most disciplined of service dogs. The training they undergo is especially rigorous and only certain types of dogs are cut out for it. Seeing eye dogs like Quigley, need to be obedient but at the same time, have the ability to discern what is best for their handler even if it goes against what the handler is asking them to do. Quigley will lead Lindsay around a poll, or construction sites, but he will also ignore Lindsay's commands if they leave her in a dangerous situation. If Lindsay tries to walk forward, Quigley will stop if there is a car coming and will not let her go until it is safe. 
It can be difficult for a blind person to feel independent. They are unable to drive, or even walk in unfamiliar places alone. Having a guide dog at their side gives them their independence back. Lindsay says that is her favorite thing about Quigley, that and “the fact that he’s really snuggly”.

“Quigley has been my partner in crime for eight years now and still going strong.”

Don't miss Lindsay and Quigley in "Our Service Dogs" paperback coming to amazon March 1st 2021.

Before our experience with Riley and the service dog world, I thought the general rule to service dogs was "ask before you pet". I think that is the common understanding. Yes, you should definitely ask before you pet someone's service dog, and be prepared for a "no". But should we even be asking to pet someone's service dog in the first place?
I posted a poll on my favorite service dog community Facebook group asking them how they feel about being approached with their service dog in the grocery store. Here are the results of 300 service dog handlers:

56% said they prefer to be completely ignored. 
25% said that they did not mind being respectfully approached and asked questions, but did not want to be asked if their service dog could be pet.
13% said they enjoyed passing compliments but nothing more
4% said they liked being asked questions by disabled people who are considering a service dog. 
2%, yes, just 2% said they like it when people ask to pet their service dog. 

Now, keep in mind I only asked 300 of the roughly 80 million service dog handlers in America. But I think these numbers give the right message: Most service dog handlers don't want their service dogs to be pet, especially not while they are out running errands. 

Here are some of the comments that were left on the poll that I think will help people to understand why they answered the way they did. 
 
"I have a [traumatic brain injury] that makes it hard to remember and process things, and I'm blind. So if I'm trying to just get my shopping done, I really just want to be ignored. I know my dog is cute and is a good boy but he's just doing his job and I'm trying to run errands."

"I would love to be completely ignored, but if someone is to interact with us, I want them to ONLY talk to me, not my dog. she just started public access training and LOVES people, so it can be difficult..."

"It depends on my mood and what I need to get done. 99% of the time I want to be left alone but sometimes if I'm just out with no agenda, I don't mind when people ask questions."

The take away:
People with service dogs have them for a reason. Often that reason makes it hard for them to interact with strangers. So lets change the social norm and stop asking people if you can pet their service dog. Most owners are happy to answer respectful, sincere questions. If they are okay with you petting their service dog, they will most likely offer. 

Download the files to print and share. Be sure to tag me if you share them on social media!
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