Working Dogs / Dogs with Jobs

Dedicated to all those wonderful dogs who help people by giving unconditional love and friendship to the sick, lonely and helpless and make life a little easier for so many:

To those who would lay down their lives for us and do anything asked of them:

And to those who have been so important in Livestock Industries throughout the world:

A Working Dog's Oath

I will lay down my life for you
and expect nothing but love in return.
I protect my officer with my life,
and would gladly take a bullet in his place.
I am sent in to find lost children
and fugitives on the run.
I find drugs and weapons and even bombs.
I am the first sent in
and sometimes the last to leave.
I am the nose and ears of my officer.
I will protect and serve him.
I would die for him and for you.
I only ask for compassion and a kind word.

~ Author Unknown

Above photo courtesy of Bralex Perm. Reg'd. Labrador Retrievers

From Service Dog to SURFice Dog

Watch surf dog Ricochet's journey from Service Dog training to surfing with quadriplegic surfer, Patrick Ivison, to fundraise for charitable causes. A heartwarming and inspirational video. (Click the play button to watch it here.)

- The World Trade Center's Heroic Dog Yearbook
A Hall of Fame dedication to the heroic dogs who lent their abilities in the rescue efforts after the 9/11 tragedy. Plus many more articles and stories.

- Land of Pure Gold Foundation
A site that recognizes and celebrates the wonders of the Human-Golden Retriever Bond. All aspects of Golden Retriever living are explored and every service field and humanitarian effort that our Golden gems are responsible for, with respect to enhancing persons' lives, is highlighted.

HE IS YOUR DOG
"He is your friend, your partner,
your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him
to be worthy of such devotion."
~ Author Unknown

Pet Heroes (click the Play button to watch the video)

- 2011 Purina Animal Hall of Fame
Every year, Purina honours pets and service animals whose extraordinary acts of bravery, intelligence and devotion have gone beyond the human-pet bond to ultimately save lives.

- From Homeless to Hero — Norton's Story
The story of a rescued dog who returned the favour. Norton was inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame in 1999 for his heroic act.

Working Dog Books (Print & Electronic Books)

Working Dogs: Tales from the K-9 to 5 World

Working Dogs: Tales from the K-9 to 5 World

When is "working like a dog" a good thing? Find out in this special book, which invites you to spend a day on the job with a groundskeeper, a chaplain, a cheerleader, a state trooper, and ...

Working Dogs

Working Dogs

This book explores the many ways in which dogs historically and currently serve humankind, while encouraging sensitivity to the needs of working dog breeds...

Helping Paws, Dogs That Serve

Helping Paws, Dogs That Serve

This informative nonfiction book tells readers that dogs were originally domesticated over 12,000 years ago, and goes on to explore the role of working dogs throughout history, including sheep ...

Teach Your Dog to Read

Teach Your Dog to Read

(E-Book)

One of the world’s leading dog trainers shows how to increase your dog’s IQ while deepening the bond you share. Dr. Bonnie Bergin originated the service dog concept and movement, and she has been training dogs to assist people with disabilities for more than thirty years.

Note: We are always in need of articles, stories, poems, etc. for the Working Dogs section of the website — Submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to e-mail us.

If you are part of a working dog group and would like to be included in the listings, please email us with details.