Member - Animal Assisted Intervention International
Pawsitivity Service Dogs is proud to be a full member of AAII (Animal Assisted Intervention International).
From AAII's website: Animal Assisted Intervention International is the only organization that offers standards and accreditation.
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Tips for Air Travel With Your Service Dog
Before Your Trip
9/27/2021: The DOT now requires travelers with a service dog fill out this "U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form". and if the flight is over 8 hours, this Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
The most important thing you can do is communicate with the airline to let them know you’ll be bringing your service dog with you. When you book your ticket, either do it by phone or (if you book your ticket online) call the airline to tell them you will be traveling with your service dog. They will make a note in your records which will appear on your ticket.
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Wonderful new MN law forbidding fake service dogs
Minnesota statute # HF3157*/SF2646/CH106: A new 2018 Minnesota law: An offender with a fake service dog will be subject to a $100 fine on the 1st offense, and for a second offense, charged with a misdemeanor which can include $1000 fine and/or 90 days in prison. Here is the text of the law, plus other laws about service dogs in Minnesota. (Courtesy of the Animal Legal and Historical Center).
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Heartwarming story regarding autism
One of our mentors, Dr. Beth Rausch, DVM, sent me this great article about a child with autism:
MPR News
Cinta company is now hiring in MN (especially people with disabilities)
The Cintas company in Minnesota is seeking talented applicants for open positions in the Minneapolis/St Paul, MN metro area, and the company is open to people with autism spectrum disorder, and people with other disabilities. Below is a partial list of current open positions.
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April 2019 study: 50% reduction of autism symptoms with fecal transplant
New peer-reviewed study in Science Daily:
Autism symptoms reduced nearly 50% two years after fecal transplant. Woah...
In a new study, researchers demonstrate long-term beneficial effects for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder through a revolutionary fecal transplant technique known as microbiota transfer therapy (MTT).
Read more here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190409093725.htm
Pawsitivity Service Dogs makes the list at Charities Review Council
The Charities Review Council has strict standards, and Pawsitivity Service Dogs is proud to once again make those standards. Hip, hip, hurray!
Can a Service Dog help with self-harming behaviors? (Videos)
Trigger warning: These videos show self-harm which can be triggering to some viewers.
Pawsitivity Service Dogs has been training a Psychiatric Service Dog for the task of helping with self-harming behaviors like scratching (shown with the trainer) and cutting.
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer:
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Graduation Day for Lexi!
So proud of this amazing young woman—who is now paired and working hard with her service dog! To college and beyond!
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Autism Service Dog Tasks
One of the requirements for an Autism Service Dog is that they provide a task for the person with autism (this requirement is set by the Americans with Disabilities Act). The most common Autism Service Dog Tasks are:
Medication reminder
Tethering (for a child who bolts or elopes)
Lap
Turning on lights (for the child who is afraid to go into a dark bedroom)
Lap (the weight and pressure of the dog is soothing)
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