Service Dog Nation Nancy Sommers, CEO of Service Dog Nation

In this episode Nancy Sommers discusses the proposed changes by the Dept. of Transportation regarding service dogs and provides context explaining the differences in the language of service dogs at the federal level. The changes address concerns from individuals with disabilities, flight attendants, airlines, airports and other members of the public regarding service animals on aircraft. The DOT recognizes the important role service dogs play in the lives of individuals with disabilities and wants to ensure they can continue to use their service dog while reducing the likelihood of passengers traveling with their pets on aircraft will be able to falsely claim their pets as service animals. 

In this episode Dr. Bonita (Bonnie) Bergin tells the story of how she came up with the concept of the service dog and the story behind the first service dog team.
Dr. Bergin founded the Bergin University for Canine Studies, offering Degree Programs in the Assistance Dog Institute or School of Business & Companion Dogs, from Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science or Master of Science Degrees. 
She also founded Canine Companions for Independence and involved in the founding of agencies that hold the highest standards for Guide and Assistance Dogs today the IAADP and ADI.  
You'll hear her passion for what's been her lifelong journey, what's next and she humbly refers to teaching and founding but she is truly a humanitarian Leader!  
www.BerginU.edu
 

In this episode Emily Wright talks candidly about her climb back from homelessness, addiction and associated traumas to finding her purpose and passion to educate. 
With a duo diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress and Diabetes Emily takes her Service Dog Kailey to the classroom when she teaches and discusses the differences in the United States and Canada around service dog laws and access.  
Emily is actively making a difference in the world with her story on speaking platforms and has achieved a Masters Degree Teaching. 
 
https://www.emilywright.ca

In this conversation Sonia Cunningham talks about the management of diabetes, explaining highs and lows of blood sugar levels and how the body reacts to life-threatening changes. 
You'll learn the red flag symptoms of diabetes that affects people of all ages and particularly self-confidence and social development in young people. A service dog is an important decision and Sonia is not only a youth advocate but involved with raising and training these special alert dogs. She is currently housing the first diabetic exchange student from Italy, in the United States. 
If there is someone you know or love with diabetes that might benefit from a service dog or you want to know more and whether or not a dog is right for you or your loved one, this is the episode to listen too! 
Please check out Sonia's Diabetic Alert Dog link below:
https://fisherthedad.com
 

Hedy Starr is a dog trainer and dog behavior consultant.
In this episode we talk about the difference between dog training and when a behaviorist is needed, what a behavior consultant is, and Hedy describes techniques and processes she uses. There's plenty of Service Dog discussion, laws and regulations around emotional support dogs.
Hedy explains why she is enjoying scent and nose work a lot more these days than dealing with the issues around service dogs. She talks about dog aggression and takes it down to the psychology of the the dog, their environment and handlers. 
Hedy is more than just a dog trainer. She is well versed about the business side of service and working dogs, dogs for law enforcement, understanding it not only professionally but as a handler of herself. 
You can find more out about Hedy Starr at her web site: 
www.VonElinTraining.com
and the facility she co-trains in upstate New York: 
Https://k9college.net 

In this episode, I have a conversation with veteran Rick McGuire about his horror story after leaving his well trained service dog at the groomer. In an hour, the dog's career was destroyed.
This story was picked up by the national media and went viral on social media.
Hear the first hand account of what happened.
Rick talks about Susan Paneccasio's help and support in the podcast and would like to pass on her contact information:
https://www.projectpethouses.com