If you're interested in contributing material for a blog post or a full blog post, please fill out our form. Please be aware that all blog posts must be educational in nature and no fundraising or promotional posts will be allowed. Members of the public may submit the initial interest form, but blog posts from ADI and ADI members are prioritized over publicly generated posts.
Join me to celebrate the people on the other end of the leash
Published Monday, August 8, 2022 | by Chris Diefenthaler
Assistance Dogs International 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 International Assistance Dog Week 2022, please join me in recognizing and honoring those who make it possible - the people at the other end of the leash.
Closer to limiting the use of so-called "fake" assistance dogs
Published Monday, August 1, 2022 | by Dušan Pospíchal
It has been nearly a year since ADI launched its digital identification card. Dušan Pospíchal from Helppess - Centre for Assistance Dogs gives us a review of his experiences utilizing the card with clients.
Addressing Burnout and Staff Retention - Interview with Jessica Dolce (2 of 2)
Published Friday, July 1, 2022 | by Samantha Jagt
As COVID and the “Great Resignation” increase turnover in most industries, including the assistance dog industry, staff burnout can contribute to this high turnover. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview with Jessica Dolce—a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator—on what organizations can do to better worker wellbeing and reduce burnout to increase staff retention. Read Part 1.
Addressing Burnout and Staff Retention - Interview with Jessica Dolce (1 of 2)
Published Wednesday, June 1, 2022 | by Samantha Jagt
As COVID and the “Great Resignation” increase turnover in most industries, including the assistance dog industry, staff burnout can contribute to this high turnover. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Jessica Dolce—a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator—on what organizations can do to better worker wellbeing and reduce burnout to increase staff retention. Be sure to check back for part 2 in July!
Assistance dogs at the heart of the family
Published Sunday, May 15, 2022 | by Chris Diefenthaler
We often hear pets described as being “one of the family.” For families living with an assistance dog, however, the relationship is more complex, and as we mark the UN International Day of Families, it’s a good time to celebrate the role that assistance dogs play in family life.
Assistance dogs: unlocking the door to independent living
Published Thursday, May 5, 2022 | by Chris Diefenthaler
None of us is entirely self-sufficient. However independent we think we are, from time to time we all need support, whether from family, friends or professionals. As the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) puts it, “independence is created by having assistance when and how one requires it.”
The Heavy Truth About Program Puppy and Working Dog Weight Gain
Published Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | by Stephanie Colman
It’s a delicate situation. A volunteer puppy raiser or program graduate comes in for a visit, proud to report the most recent accomplishments, and as part of the conversation, you find yourself needing to bring up the “F-word.”
The dog is fat.
Nobody likes to talk about weight gain. Taboo or not, it’s important to help puppy raisers and graduates better understand the importance of keeping the dogs in their care, and dutifully working at their side, at a healthy weight.
Cats, rats, and birds, oh my! The role small animals play in training an Assistance Dog
Published Monday, February 28, 2022 | by Haley Gorenflo
At Paws With A Cause (also known as PAWS) in Michigan, you won’t find just dogs on campus. PAWS has had a variety of animals, some residents, and some visitors, help prepare the dogs in training for what they may encounter when they’re out working.