Ariel,

I am afraid I have to differ with you on this. My family has been involved with a local Service Dog organization. We have trained, housed, and whelped dog's in and being tested for the program. These dog's are trained to a very high set of standards both regarding what they learn as well as to insure there safety and happiness.

The packs that they carry are not heavy. The training is never down using physical discipline and there treatment both medically and physically are extremely rigors.

The dogs that are accepted into and graduate from these programs lead a very happy lifestyle. They actually tend to have more personal interaction, exercise and health care than 95% of your typical "pet" dog.

The joy, appreciation and love that you see once a dog is placed with there partner is an incredible feeling. This partnership adds to the success and well being of the human that are placed with. They are not just dropped off and wished the best. There care is checked w/ testing and follow-up at lease once a year. If, the relationship is not working out the dog is pulled for there own safety.

It really is a great program for all involved.

I have to repectfully disagree with you on this as well.

Most, if not all, of the breeds that are selected for this type of training are from what are referred to as "working breeds'. Breeds of dogs that were bred over the years for a specific purpose. Labs, German Shepards, Husky, Newfoundlands, and others. As well as mixes of these breeds. These breeds actually enjoy doing a task, and are most content and healthy when they are kept busy. Most behavioral problems associated with working breed dogs are a direct result of boredom. Chewing, seperation anxiety, accidental wetting, chasing prey, and dominance can usually be attributed to the dog just not having anything better to do.

The harness and muzzle are a signal to the dog that it is time to work. If you have ever spent time around working dogs, you would see an actual change in the dog's demeanor when the trainer gets the harness and muzzle out to put on the dog. The tail starts wagging and they get excited. Why? Because they know that it's time to go to work. Believe it or not, they actually enjoy it. The dog in the picture isn't sad, he's focused. He's that way because he is anticipating a command from the handler. He lives to please and to be rewarded for his efforts.

I love dogs. A lot. In fact, I like dogs more than the majority of people I meet. Dogs are honest, they will never lie to you, nor mislead you. You know exactly what a dog thinks of you the moment he looks at you. I can't say that about humans, not a one of them.

I have a Chocolate Lab. He is beyond a doubt the dumbest dog that ever drew a breath. When I rescued him at age 3, he was a handful. Refused to listen to commands, jumped up on people (he's 140 pounds and 28 inches tall at the shoulders) no matter how I tried to correct him. He could not walk on a leash without pulling and would bolt for anything that moved. I started him on a work regimine. He was given a variety of tasks to do. Fetch the paper, carry things when we walked, and put his toys in a box before we ran the vacuum. Things of that nature. Since starting that, he is well behaved, listens to commands, and is a more laid back dog (like a Lab should be). In fact he is now so laid back that he won't even chase the deer that come into our yard to be fed. He just looks at them and yawns. 3 years ago, he would have chased them down in a heartbeat, and not come back until God knows when.

I understand how you feel about dogs. If these were poodles or yorkies you would be right. Not all dogs are meant to do this sort of thing. But trust me, these dogs are right at home doing this, and love every minute of it.

Ditto SusQ and I'll add this. Would you rather have a dog companion or a human companion 24/7? Personally I'd take the dog. It's nice to have human interaction, but these dogs bring a certain joy to their people. It is the same with therapy dogs. You can see the patients' faces light up when the see the therapy dog. There is something about a dog - a true loyal companion. Heck, I even saw something where kids became much better readers simply be reading to a dog that came to visit the classroom. No judging, no pressure, just pure love.

the dogs do get "downtime"...i worked with many disabled folks from being in geriatrics for 15 years. they are often taught one word or phrase to be used in an emergency~ so if they are playing or sleeping or whatever, they know that they need to be "working", right that instant. some of the stories of these dogs would have you weep with their loyalty, courage, bravery, and love.
one woman i knew had collapsed, and called to her canine companion. he used the "special" button, (the panic button, many elderly or frail people have them hardwired into their homes, there is a service charge per month, but it can be a very good precaution.) and stayed by her side, licking her face whenever she started to slip away to keep her awake. she lived, thanks to the dog, and ended up leaving money towards more "service" dogs- that dog loved her, i have no doubt.
i'm glad there have been some great response in here.
hope that helps, some!!!