DHWANI, THE SERVICE DOG

Not all dogs can be service dogs. They must demonstrate patience, intelligence and friendliness.

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Service dogs are destined and trained. They must demonstrate patience, intelligence, friendliness, self-discipline and a strong work ethic. These dogs have the capability to maintain focus on their tasks and remain attentive to their handlers, even in highly distracting environments. Equally important, they must be alert and perceptive, capable of anticipating their handler's needs with calm and reliable responsiveness.

Dhwani was a Labrador with fur the color of warm sand and eyes that carried more kindness than any human could muster in a thousand lifetimes. She had been trained with the highest honors to serve. But Dhwani was not just skilled—she was intuitively brilliant. Some said she could understand feelings the way most beings understood speech.