GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER’S PROJECT
Items are available for purchase to support the Service Dog Project. See your Chapter or Regional Representative
Photo Courtesy of
Karen McKibben,
General Chairman, 2018
At the 48th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Service Dogs was established as primary and permanent charity of General grand Chapter along with the adoption of a Service Dog Committee as a Standing Committee. The overall goal is to identify the Eastern Star with Service Dogs. Funds raised in PA stay in PA and will enable the Service Dog Committee give funds towards service dogs in our communities.
What is a Service Dog?
1. Service Dogs are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
2. Service Dogs undergo extensive training to perform their jobs.
3. Service Dogs perform a variety of different tasks.
4. Service Dogs are NOT pets. Do not pet, talk to, or distract a working service dog.
5. The only types of animals recognized as trained to do work/perform tasks for people with disabilities are dogs and miniature horses.
6. Service dogs can be any breed or size. While larger dogs such as Labradors are commonly used as guide and mobility dogs, smaller dogs can also be service dogs.
7. Service dogs should (but don’t always) wear special harnesses or vests with patches identifying them as service, guide, or medical
alert dogs.
8. A Service dog is expected to behave in accordance with strict standards, and its handler is expected to adhere to dog handler etiquette.
9. Service dogs are allowed access to any place that is open to the public, however, can be asked to leave if not under control.
10. A Service dog must be accompanying a disabled person in order to be granted access. The rights of the disabled handler are protected – not the dog. Remember, not all types of disabilities are apparent to others.
There are different types of service dogs: guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs, mobility dogs, medical alert dogs, medical assistance dogs, and psychiatric service dogs.