A Message from the Executive

Director

Dear Friends,

September brings many things to our lives. The start of autumn, the start of NFL football, and germane to the mission of CILO, it is National Service Dog Month, also known as National Guide Dog Month. This is a month devoted annually to celebrate and honor the dogs that work hard to give people with disabilities greater freedom and independence.

As you may observe in your daily lives, many people with disabilities rely on an assistance dog in order to live independently. Here are a few things you should know about these animals and the wonderful role they play in our lives:

• There is a very big difference between a service dog and a guide dog. While each serves a very important purpose, they involve a very different set of functions and training for the animal.
• There are many ways a person with a disability can benefit from having a service animal. But we are all unique as individuals and every person can derive a different outcome.
• We may encounter service animals out in the community and it is important to know the proper etiquette for being in the presence of these dogs.
• There are policies in place when travelling with a service dog. Please have a look for information from the Transportation Security Administration.

There are many organizations in our service area who provide and train people with disabilities with service dogs. However, the demand far exceeds the capacity. If CILO can be of any assistance to you in accessing this information, please contact us and we will make every effort to help. 

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Please contact me at 513-338-5100 or by email. Thank you for your continued support of CILO.

Peace and Prosperity,

Rob Festenstein

P.S. This month I have a $10 Kroger gift card to the SEVENTH person to contact me by e-mail indicating you have read my message. Note: please use the “contact me” link above rather than replying to this message.

P.P.S. Are you following us on Twitter and Facebook?