Service Dog Team, The Handler's Movement...

A Service Dog Team, The Handler’s Movement… by Janie Heinrich

As I roll or walk out my apartment door with my Service Dog Beckett, there is nothing we cannot figure out to keep us moving. The outing could be anything from running errands, an invigorating walk, Huntington Library, or a favorite grandchildren's adventures! Each of these outings is filled with unlimited opportunities working as a Service Dog Team.

The difference between arm crutches and a service dog is the positioning of one’s body when one moves.

It is the way the weight is distributed and dispersed with each step, each movement. While I am grateful for my arm crutches and wheelchair, these much-needed tools do present limitations and undesirable outcomes for my body. Remember, we are each different; however, this is a positive reaction that many with service dogs experience on some level.

With arm crutches, I lean into them in the act of moving using the force of my body pressing into these tools, which allows me to propel my body forward. My posture, core, and muscles are not activated in a way that allows for good oxygen and blood flow. It puts unnatural stress on joints and ligaments because of the constant need to balance onto the arm crutches. Extended use of these tools creates a debilitating force on my body which, over time, limits my functionality.

When standing next to a Service Dog, my body chills into a more organic position forcing me to engage muscles that have been weakened or are no longer connected to my brain for movement due to my spinal cord injury. As you stand taller, you can take in deeper, fuller breaths filling your lungs with oxygen. This oxygenated blood is carried to your left ventricle, which circulates throughout your body: the more oxygen you breathe in, the higher level of oxygenated blood is going to circulate to all your organs!

It is crucial to have a proper harness made to your needs that properly distributes the movement over the dog as not to cause harm. My favorite harness maker is Katrina at Bold Lead Designs out of Denver, Colorado. Using the proper equipment is imperative for the well-being of your service dog and yourself.

We mustn't allow our disability to define who we are; that is why I keep moving and living my life. How many times do I get told to give it a rest and use my wheelchair? How many friendships have been broken because I step into living all of my life and refuse to be sidelined, which means a slower pace to get somewhere, always finding the ramped entrances or handicap seating at events, and being an advocate for all people with disabilities as I pause to educate? I understand, being with me is not the fastest pathway to dinner or a concert, but I can promise you we will always have a joyful and fun adventure!

Using a service dog to move with functional independence is the regenerate growth in muscles and nerves, standing in the most advantageous position, allowing me to will myself to walk into my tomorrows. We strengthen our bodies with each movement and build on that. Eating the most nourishing foods and learning to breathe deeply into each step. The service dog becomes an extension as we move in sync as one. The words, if you don’t use it, you will lose it are words of truth.

Teaming with a service dog expands us in ways we don’t even realize. Their basic care pushes us out of our comfort zone, encouraging movements in daunting ways that seem nearly impossible at their side. Exercising our service dogs force us out more. Grooming with a brush challenges our hands with grasping and angles. Picking up after they go, shishi demands our strongest core as we balance, leaning to the ground. Or using the Titan claw pooper-scooper engaging muscles in our hands and arms. As we step into these new modalities, our faithful service dog moves closer to protect us from a dangerous full-on fall, pressing into us, making it all a wee dash more balanced.

I am deeply grateful to be part of a Service Dog Team.