If you are a pet lover, it’s a natural reaction to want to interact with a dog you see out in public or even at the workplace. But we need to keep in mind a special group of canines – service dogs – which are most likely working when we see them.
Cpt. Louie A. Belluomini and his K9 companion, Star, travel around the country spreading awareness about service dogs in the workplace. The two were brought together by the K9s For Warriors program. They recently visited Indiana, where they led presentations at the Chamber’s 2020 Safety & Health Conference.
Here are a few guidelines:
- Don’t touch, talk, feed or otherwise distract the dog while he is wearing his harness or vest
- Don’t treat the dog as a pet; give him the respect of a working dog
- Speak to the handler, not the dog
Belluomini served in the U.S. Army for nine years and was honorably discharged in 2015 after suffering from a traumatic brain injury. He also struggled with PTSD. Star serves as his protector, co-worker and sidekick every day.
Star works alongside Belluomini, who is a paramedic in Ohio. She helped him overcome both physical and mental challenges to improve his quality of life with his wife and young child.
The duo even appears in a documentary, A New Leash on Life: K9s For Warriors Story, which won four Emmy Awards. Learn more about the program at www.k9sforwarriors.org.
And remember, try to be aware of your actions around service animals and their handlers. Be impressed with the dog’s dedication and patience but save your hugs and sensory overload for your furry friend at home.
Brenda Holmes is the communications and PR manager for the Indiana Chamber. She joined the organization this year and is also a writer for the Chamber’s award-winning BizVoice magazine.
