By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
SPOTSWOOD Going beyond the call of doggy duty, one local service dog is being honored for her community efforts.
After conducting a nationwide search, Milk-Bone has recognized Spotswood service dog Piper as one of three New Jersey “Dogs Who Changed the World,” according to Mauricio Guitron, a public relations representative for Milk-Bone.
Piper is a golden retriever-Labrador who helps and encourages children who have special needs at her pet-owner’s riding stable Bayou Riding and Sales in Monroe.
“Piper helps students become more at ease around new people and the barn. She will help students with picking up brushes or just be their cheerleader. She also helps with students that are worried about opening up to others and lends an ear or paw for them to vent to without fear of judgement,” Piper’s owner Kate Miller said.
When Piper is not helping to motivate kids at the riding stable, she also helps her owner. Miller was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 13 and received her first service dog at 15.
“What people need to understand about service dogs is that they are like prosthetic limbs: when they are not near you, you feel like a part of you is missing. They truly become a part of you because you know that people may leave you, but that dog will never leave you. Because I have epilepsy, I often feel like I am misunderstood because I don’t look physically sick, but people often come up to me because of Piper and ask me why I have a dog and then I explain that I have epilepsy. Piper helps me break out of my shell because when people meet us they are more fascinated by this amazing dog than on the fact that I have epilepsy,” Miller said.
To assist them in choosing dogs to honor in this year’s program, Milk-Bone collaborated with Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities and special needs, according to Guitron.
“Dogs do so much for us, giving us comfort and love every day. In the case of Dogs Who Change the World, these hero dogs help people live fuller and richer lives by going above and beyond the call of doggy duty to help them navigate their world,” Guitron said.
“For our 2017 Dogs Who Changed the World, we scoured the nation searching for new heroes to feature dogs who display valor, courage and kindness. From coast to coast, Milk-Bone is recognizing 15 special dogs for their hard work throughout the year.”
After finding out that Piper was chosen in this year’s Milk-Bone contest, Miller said she is astonished since Piper is so much more than a service dog.
“Honestly, I am flabbergasted for Piper to get this type of accreditation. The work that services dogs do are often not recognized so it’s awesome that Piper was recognized for her work, not just for helping me but for the work that she does for others. She’s not just Piper the dog that helps with the horses and me, but she is able to touch people where it truly matters. She has not only helped me talk to people and break out of my shell but she helps others break out of their shells too,” Miller said.
As part of the contest, Piper has received a year’s supply of Milk-Bone treats, according to Guitron.
For more information about Canine Assistants, visit www.canineassistants.org.
For information on riding lessons offered at Bayou Riding and Sales. call 732-642-5895.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].