The true value of a dog

I just watched a video (again) that stirs my heart every time.

This video is about a dog that was born to be a service dog. From the day he was born, his handlers set about his training schedule to make him the best service dog ever, so he could help a disabled person. What a noble professions for this dog. He excelled at his training and proved his service skills were the best.

He had one “flaw” (?) He liked to chase birds and run fast. That sudden distraction and impulse to abandon his duty, in pursuit of play could be potentially dangerous to the person he was supposed to serve. Most service animals can be trained not to be distracted, but he couldn’t. For some people, this would mean the end of this dog. He was now a failure as a service dog.

But....his handlers were more loving and smarter than to give him such a label or (gasp) consider his life was over. Instead they observed what he was good at, what could he do, instead of what he couldn’t do.

He loved to be in the water. He loved to surf and he was very good at it. When he surfs he is ecstatically happy and other people can see it and feel it. His joy brings smiles to others faces, and he touches their hearts. His direction of service was adjusted. He now uses his surfing talents to raise funds for charity. As a “service” dog, he is now able to serve many more people.

I urge you to watch the movie and see him for yourself.

The true value of a dog is in the love they give us unconditionally - especially when they are allowed and encouraged to be all they can be.