K9 Spotlight: Josie Monnick and Oswald

Josie Monnick & Oswald
Dog Handler // Service Therapy Dog
@champagne5upernova

"Six months ago Oswald came home with me for the first time and my life was forever changed.

I don’t share such personal details, partly due to an overwhelming misunderstanding, miseducation and general lack of respect but I think it’s important for people to recognize the difficulties of living independently when coping with serious psychiatric disorders. Having access to a trained service animal is not feasible for everyone who needs one but fortunately the stars aligned and it has given me a freedom I never saw for myself. During the first week of having Oswald, he helped me out of a terrifying situation that he couldn’t have been trained for. I consider our bond like that of elephants and their mahouts, life-long and incredibly strong. Friends and family have seen a marked difference in my happiness and quality of life in the short time I’ve had him.

I have to thank Bob “Mutt Master” Warren and Sandy at Mutt Masters for making this all possible. I welcome private questions but below is the US definition of a service animal, which doesn’t differ in content to the UK’s definition of an assistance dog and both are protected by law.

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities."

Their Gear : Nomad Patrol Combo Harness, easy to get on and off, comfortable for him, patches visible and stay put with space for small and large  pouches to carry his supplies and my medication. I love using a Herm Sprenger slip collar and prong collar - both great for effective handling of a large dog and the  ClicLock Buckle makes the prong collar so easy to put on and take off. Favorite aspect is the high quality and durability of the gear to keep up with all our adventures.

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