A brief history of the long standing positive relationship between dog and man as provided by TDI: “The use of canines to help mankind is known throughout the world. They have been used for guarding flocks, tracking, hunting, search and rescue, leading the blind, and in assisting the deaf and physically challenged. The bond between dog and man dates back to early history, but it wasn’t until recently that a correlation was acknowledged between this bond and the emotional health of humans. Studies have shown that a person holding or petting an animal will cause a lowering of blood pressure, the release of strain and tension, and can draw out a person from loneliness and depression.
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
Another organization created to help with matter relating to service dogs is the IAADP, "A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs."
According the group's welcome page, their goals and mission are as follws: "When we first discussed the possibility of developing a web site, the issue that we all agreed on was the need to provide a way for individuals to gather comprehensive information about the assistance dog community. Many of us had gone through the frustrating experience of spending numerous hours on the telephone trying to gather information, or receiving information and finding it only provided a limited perspective on a complex field. Others recounted how they were hesitant to raise questions that might display their ignorance or, through their lack of information, made choices that ended up not being appropriate for their needs. Since one of the primary goals of IAADP is to educate and provide information, we looked at ways that we could develop a resource tool that individuals could learn to rely on not only for comprehensive, but also accurate and objective information about the assistance dog field. This resource would underscore our belief that if individuals are provided with information that allows them to assess the merits and drawbacks of an issue, they ultimately are able to make the most responsible decision for their particular needs. In addition to providing these resources to those that visit our site, we also strongly believe that the assistance dog community can benefit from input from our visitors. New ideas, training techniques and methods, and resources are constantly becoming available. By sharing this information with each other, we can all reap the benefits of improved assistance dog partnerships. To help with this input, we have provided you with numerous opportunities throughout the site to provide us with feedback, ask questions, or share information. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. "
According the group's welcome page, their goals and mission are as follws: "When we first discussed the possibility of developing a web site, the issue that we all agreed on was the need to provide a way for individuals to gather comprehensive information about the assistance dog community. Many of us had gone through the frustrating experience of spending numerous hours on the telephone trying to gather information, or receiving information and finding it only provided a limited perspective on a complex field. Others recounted how they were hesitant to raise questions that might display their ignorance or, through their lack of information, made choices that ended up not being appropriate for their needs. Since one of the primary goals of IAADP is to educate and provide information, we looked at ways that we could develop a resource tool that individuals could learn to rely on not only for comprehensive, but also accurate and objective information about the assistance dog field. This resource would underscore our belief that if individuals are provided with information that allows them to assess the merits and drawbacks of an issue, they ultimately are able to make the most responsible decision for their particular needs. In addition to providing these resources to those that visit our site, we also strongly believe that the assistance dog community can benefit from input from our visitors. New ideas, training techniques and methods, and resources are constantly becoming available. By sharing this information with each other, we can all reap the benefits of improved assistance dog partnerships. To help with this input, we have provided you with numerous opportunities throughout the site to provide us with feedback, ask questions, or share information. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. "