Running With Freedom—for a Purpose

My next 5K has a name that feels especially fitting: Paws for Freedom. And the dog I’m planning to have beside me? Freedom, my service dog in training.

As an Army veteran, a runner, and someone whose animals are family, supporting Paws of War brings together things that matter deeply to me.

Freedom and I train every day. We’re building our partnership through practice, patience, and consistency. That includes preparing for our miles together—and resting when we need to. Some days we run, some days we walk, and some days we take things easier.

Her service-dog training has a purpose beyond exercise: developing skills to assist me with disability-related needs.

Because Service Dogs are invited I will be running with a service dog in training on the 24th.....BUT.......

What makes a dog a service dog?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is individually trained to perform work or tasks related to a person’s disability. Companionship and comfort alone don’t meet that definition. A special vest, identification card, or online certificate doesn’t establish service-dog status, and the ADA doesn’t require them. People with disabilities may train their own service dogs.

What can staff ask?

When the dog’s role isn’t obvious, staff at an ADA-covered business or public facility may ask:

1. “Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?”

2. “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?”

They cannot require service-dog certification, ask for a demonstration, or ask about the nature of the handler’s disability.

Handlers have responsibilities, too. Dogs must be housebroken and under control.

A leash, harness, or tether is generally required unless disability or task-related needs prevent its use; effective control is still required.

Ordinary local dog-licensing and vaccination rules also apply.

And what about “in training Service dogs”?

The ADA’s public-access protections do not cover service dogs still in training. For instance, New York law provides additional rights for people training dogs to assist someone with a disability while engaged in training, and for the person with a disability for whom the dog is being trained. (Each state can differ)That distinction matters when describing Freedom’s current status.

As a veteran who has anxiety that led to a stroke, my dog helps me control my anxiety. Over the years with the dogs by my sidemy anxiety has been in control. We will talk more about this in tomorrows extra email...because I want to include you in on what's happening......

Help us support Paws of War

I’m raising funds through the Paws for Freedom 5K to support Paws of War, whose work includes training rescued dogs as service dogs for veterans and first responders. That mission means something personal to me.

If you’re able, please consider donating through my fundraiser. Sharing the link is another way to help. You can be a hero to our American Heroes too!

Freedom and I are taking this one foot, one paw at a time. Thank you for cheering us on.

Until next time have a happy and healthy tail wagging day,

Be a Hero to our Heroes if you can or maybe just by sharing this newsletter with someone.....

Pam and Freedom