Join me to celebrate the people on the other end of the leash
There’s not a day goes by without me thanking my lucky stars I have one of the best jobs in the world. Heading up a fantastic global organization of dedicated, life-enhancing members would be reason enough. But, along with my colleagues at Assistance Dogs International (ADI), I spend a fair amount of my time looking a pictures of dogs of every breed, color and size you can imagine. Guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs, mobility service dogs, autism dogs, dementia dogs and PTSD dogs. What’s not to like?
But even if I can’t help smiling at those cute faces, it’s often the people at the other end of the leash that grab my attention. The trainers, puppy raisers, volunteer foster families and, of course, the clients whose lives have been changed by an ADI certified assistance dog.
Look at our social media posts - or those of our member programs - and it’s the dogs that tend to be front and center. That’s quite right - they are the stars of the show. But we should not forget the thousands of breeders, puppy raisers and walkers, kennel workers, trainers, fundraisers, behavior experts and veterinarians that make it all possible.
That’s why I’m excited about International Assistance Dog Week (IADW), which kicks off today and runs through August 13. Our theme for IADW 2022 is “the people at other end of the leash,” giving us an opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary dedication, skills and hard work.
I salute the thousands of ADI staff and volunteers all over the world who breed, train and place assistance dogs which change lives of their users by helping with practical tasks, enhancing independence and boosting wellbeing, dignity and confidence. They ensure our members train assistance dogs to the highest standards.
I also love hearing the stories of clients whose lives have been changed - and in some cases saved - by an ADI certified assistance dog. Many of them go on to be fundraisers, advocates and champions for ADI member programs.
At the start of IADW 2022, I guess the only cloud on my otherwise sunny horizon is that however hard we work, however much money we raise and however many dogs we train, demand always outstrips supply. In 2021, ADI’s 144 member programs had more than 11,000 puppies in training and over 27,000 active teams, but nearly 9,000 potential clients were on a waiting list. That’s 9,000 people desperately waiting for an assistance dog to help them with day-to-day practical tasks, give them more independence and confidence, or boost their physical or mental health.
ADI members play a key role promoting disability rights and access to health and social care, employment, education, transport, hospitality and public spaces. Many are at the cutting edge of research and innovation in specialist fields such as behavioral science or genetics. So as we celebrate IADW 2022, please join me in recognizing and honoring those who make it possible - the people at the other end of the leash.
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Chris Diefenthaler is the Executive Director for Assistance Dogs International (ADI), who works with the international and regional boards to oversee the daily operations, provide information to the public about the high standards developed by ADI and helps direct potential assistance dog consumers to the appropriate member organization that can meet their needs.
From my experience of twenty-five years managing a variety of nonprofit organizations including as an executive director of an assistance dog organization, I have a strong understanding of the issues and challenges facing assistance dog organizations. I really enjoy providing support to our members by organizing educational conferences/seminars, providing networking opportunities and sharing best practices and information to continually improve our member’s programs and services. I have a black lab, Tori, that has a wonderful sweet temperament and an ornery orange tabby cat, Scout. I enjoy outdoor activities with my husband, playing tennis, biking and walking at our local parks.
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