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It just so happens that the dog is Trig's therapy dog; his assistance dog. We learn that he follows Trig around everywhere. Therapy dogs are specially trained to assist and be a companion to persons with disabilities. Our English Springer Spaniel Molly was a certified Therapy Dog.
"The Labrador Retriever is a sturdy, solid dog bred for one thing and one thing only: to pick things up, carry them around, and bring them back to his handler. While retrieving may be what the Labrador Retriever is bred for, this fleet-footed, muscular dog excels at nearly at task set to it. Extremely intelligent and trainable, the Labrador is quick-witted and a problem solver. Per the American Kennel Club breed standard, Labs should possess a “stable temperament,” weigh “55 to 75 pounds,” and be an “outgoing and devoted companion.”"
My male lab weighs every bit of 135# He is huge!
My female is 65#
Nothing there had anything to do with the FACT that standing on a dog CAN hurt the dog. If you don't think that putting weight on a dogs ribs, spine or lungs can harm it, then you have no idea of common injuries to dogs. If you don't know that a dog will bite or run when injured, possibly injuring the child, then you have no idea of dog behavior.
Even a dog trained to be around disabled people will not stand for being hurt. Trig is going to grow, and needs to be taught not to stand on the dog. This should have been used as a teaching moment, not a proud momma moment.
As Trig grows, I'm sure he will not be standing on the dog, nor will he need to. I wouldn't worry about it. I think if this was a problem for the dog, it would not have allowed Trig on his back.
You are unfamiliar with this breed (apparently) and also (apparently) don't know about service dogs and Therapy Dogs.
This is just another veiled attempt to criticize and find fault with Sarah Palin, and smear her with a phony scandal.
Last edited by nononsenseguy; 01-06-2015 at 01:57 PM..
Only had them in my home since birth, been a vet tech, and a trainer. But I'm sure you know more about me than I do.
I have to call BS on your post. The dog in the picture is a black Labrador retriever, which, even if a smaller female, weighs on average 55 to 70 pounds, and that's as a working dog. Anyone who has owned labs as pets knows an indoor lab will go 65 to 80 pounds easily. Glad you never "vet teched" or trained any of my dogs!
I can't imagine any Therapy Dog is trained to be used as a step-stool. I don't think Palin committed some grievous offense against humanity, but I hate it when parents lets their kids ride dogs like horses, sit on them or step on them. What happens when the dog has finally had enough and bites? Even the most tolerant dogs have their limits.
I have to call BS on your post. The dog in the picture is a black Labrador retriever, which, even if a smaller female, weighs on average 55 to 70 pounds, and that's as a working dog. Anyone who has owned labs as pets knows an indoor lab will go 65 to 80 pounds easily. Glad you never "vet teched" or trained any of my dogs!
Great. Allow the kid to stand on the dog until it turns on him. Then get mad that the dog bit him.
OR.
Get the kid a step stool and teach him not to stand on the dog.
Not my kid or my dog. I wouldn't allow my kids at any age or size to stand on my 180lb great dane.
Seems PETA and the Progressive Democrats are upset screaming animal cruelty, for a picture Sarah Palin Posted on-line.
The very same depiction Ellen Degenrous posted, that got ooooo's and awwwww's, how cute.
No rational person would give a hoot about what PETA thinks, on ANYTHING!
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