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Civil war therapy dogs
Therapy dogs were first used during the Civil War in 1863. During the war, a puppy named Sallie was adopted by the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers into the battle of Gettysburg, where she served as a morale boost to the soldiers. -
Law Enforcement dog training school established
In 1899, a school was established that trained dogs for law enforcement work in Ghent. Prior to the start of this school, individuals in Germany and France had experimented with dogs serving police and other law enforcement officials. -
Seeing Eye Guide Dog Organization
In 1929, the first dog guide organization was founded called the Seeing Eye Guide Dog Organization by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank. Eustis had previously seen German Shepard dogs guiding blind German veterans while living in Switzerland. Frank trained under Eustis with a German Shepard in Switzerland. -
Therapy dogs used in World War II
During World War II in 1944, a Yorkshire Terrier was abandoned on the battlefield, and later adopted by Corporal William Wynne. There, he served as a both a morale boost, and as entertainment for the soldiers. -
Hearing Dog Program established
In the mid 1970s, The Hearing Dog Program was established which promoted hearing dog training organizations. -
Canine Companions for Independence founded
Canine Companions for Independence, established in 1975, was the first service dog-training program in the United States. -
Therapy Dogs international founded
In 1976, Elaine Smith founded Therapy Dogs international, an organization that “provides qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed,” according to their mission statement. -
Service dogs assists Iraqi soldier
In 2005, National Guardsman Sergeant Tony Larson was serving in Iraq and lost his right lower leg, suffered from brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. After being in rehab, he was placed with a dog that assisted him with balance, retrieval and emotional support. -
Law change regarding service animals
The laws regarding service animals changed on March 15, 2011. This law revised the meaning of service dogs, saying that only dogs will be recognized as service animals, that these animals must be leashed or harnessed in most cases with few exceptions, that service animals are not included in breed bans, or size and weight limitations and that businesses are required to create accommodations for miniature horses, though not considered service animals.