Wisconsin's newest police detection dog . . . Shaka! See how this pup's amazing nose is helping to cut down on drug problems in Wisconsin

"Princess," rescued from a fighting ring in Dane County, is now a certified therapy dog.

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Above and beyond their place as family companions and in traditional service occupations, dogs in Wisconsin serve in an ever-widening spectrum of therapeutic roles. The physical and emotional benefits to humans that come from relationships with dogs are now recognized and utilized by psychiatric facilities, assisted living centers, hospitals, schools . . . even prisons.

Wisconsin acknowledged the value of dogs in the lives of its citizens when, in 1985, it designated the American Water Spaniel as the official state dog.

While most people in Wisconsin understand the nature and value of dogs, the media spotlight on a dog attack can create the false impression that dogs pose a significant threat to the community. Sensationalized publicity, combined with a lack of knowledge about the infrequency and causes of dog attacks, has resulted in reactive and uninformed policies directed against certain types of dogs. At least ten counties, cities and towns in Wisconsin have banned or restricted certain types of dogs, most frequently "pit bull" dogs, in the profoundly mistaken belief that the appearance of a dog governs its behavior . . . or the behavior of its owner.

There have been 14 fatal dog attacks in Wisconsin over the past 44 years, none of which were inflicted by a "pit bull" dog. Attacks (severe and fatal) involving other breeds of dogs are ignored at the same time a community claims a need to restrict pit bulls.

Milwaukee's breed specific legislation is one example of how an attack by a dog identified as a "pit bull," and even an incident that does not involve an injury, can be chosen from among other canine-related incidents and offered as "evidence" of a breed-specific problem.

While some local legislatures have enacted reactive, discriminatory breed specific regulations, the Wisconsin justice system has acknowledged the negligence of owners as the critical factor in severe and fatal attacks. Authorities in Wisconsin have successfully prosecuted negligent owners since 1996, beginning with the Calumet County man, a paroled double murderer, who was convicted of "negligent control of vicious animals" after his two non- "pit bull" dogs severely injured a 14-year-old riding a bicycle.

Today, dogs contribute more to the welfare of individuals and society than perhaps at any other time in the history of the human-dog bond. Additionally, over the past three decades, increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in drastically lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries nationwide.

Unfortunately, some communities in Wisconsin have chosen to value dogs based solely on their appearance, without regard to the significant contribution they make to our lives.

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State Dog of Wisconsin: American Water Spaniel

Wisconsin designated the American Water Spaniel as the state dog in 1985.

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Dogs help students cope with stress of finals

It has become something of a tradition on the University of Wisconsin campus — just when student stress is at its highest, final exam week, dogs show up to help them chill out.

The Pet Therapy study break on the Madison campus was held again yesterday, with staff from University Health Services bringing their dogs to the Library Mall so students can pet and play with them.

In addition to the dogs soothing frazzled nerves, counselors from the school offer advice on how to deal with finals week — including telling them that all-night cram sessions are not the way to go. A good night's sleep will probably be more valuable.

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Zoey

A Different Kind of Help: The Dog That Changed a Teen Addict's Life

May 2009: WEAU13 News: By Mary Rinzel

When it seemed no one could get through to a troubled teen, a special dog nuzzled her way in. That teen says that dog changed her life.

As Danielle Hammill works sweetly and patiently with the little lab in front of her, it's impossible to ignore the love in her eyes. What isn't nearly as evident is the effort it took for Danielle to shake her addictions.

"I was doing drugs. I was partying. I had under-ages. I went to juvey like every other week," Danielle tells us. The 15 year old from Mondovi says she was expelled from two schools, was in and out of treatment homes and has a lengthy court record. She hated her court ordered therapy.

"We started out a while ago, not necessarily on the right foot," says Kathy Benson, Danielle's counselor at the L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls.

About six months ago, she started bringing another therapist to work—Zoey, her 2-year-old black lab. "I think a dog can get down and under a person's defenses very quickly—much more quickly than a person can at times," Kathy says.

Six months ago, Danielle says Zoey changed her life. "She like puts this different vibe in the room," Danielle says. "It makes you feel better when you're here."

With Zoey by her side, Danielle became more open to getting help, to moving forward and forgiving.

"They don't bring up the past or remember they didn't get their walk yesterday or maybe enough treats. They are just very forgiving," Kathy says.

Kathy says working with Zoey also teaches acceptance, passion and creativity. With Danielle, what Kathy saw surprised her.

"Danielle does things with Zoey where Danielle is so patient. It just amazes me because I guess before I didn't think of her being that patient of a person, but she can be very patient and persistent and very good at rewarding her," Kathy says. "But, it also helps me to see that she can be a bit tough on Zoey. I don't mean tough in a mean way, but a little bit tough, a little bit strict and I think she's that way on herself, too—even if she wouldn't admit it."

"If you think of behavioral psychology: It's repetition, it's consistency, it's kindness, the continual setting of boundaries, and being present," Kathy explains. "I think dogs and humans learn a lot in the same way. So, I think we can learn from them."

So, with the help of a loving little lab, a 15 year old made the choice to change and she did. She's now choosing to focus on her future.

"I think I'm going to be successful and demonstrate the things that she taught me," Danielle tells us. "She can't judge you at all. She just loves you no matter what."

Kathy says she's convinced anyone can benefit from pet therapy, unless of course they're afraid of dogs or have allergies. There's no extra charge to have Zoey in the room.

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Wisconsin Civil War Mascot

During the Civil War, the 28th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry owned a black and yellow dog named Calamity. Calamity would assist the soldiers in foraging missions.

National Canine Research Council

What is a dog bite?

While the question seems simple enough, the answer is often not what we imagine.

Over the past 3 decades, increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries nationwide.

National Canine Research Council