Service Dogs

A **diabetic alert service dog** is specially trained to assist individuals with diabetes by detecting and alerting them to dangerous changes in their blood sugar levels. These dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell that allows them to detect subtle scent changes in a person’s body chemistry caused by high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels. When they detect these changes, the dog will perform a trained alert behavior—such as pawing, nudging, barking, or bringing a specific object—to get the person’s attention. This early warning gives the individual time to take action, like testing their blood sugar or taking insulin or glucose. In addition to alerting, diabetic alert dogs can also: - Retrieve medical supplies or snacks - Get help from another person if the handler is unresponsive - Provide comfort and support during episodes of low or high blood sugar These dogs are not just medical tools they also offer companionship and peace of mind, significantly improving the quality of life for people living with diabetes.

Mobility and Stability Mobility service dogs assist individuals who currently utilize a manual or power wheelchair. The dogs assist their handler in various ways such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, and turning on lights. They do not pull the wheelchair. They help their handler to navigate this very inaccessible world by reaching things high and low. Stability service dogs are of considerable size to provide the strength needed to help their handler sit down and stand up. They also provide a strong guide when walking up and down stairs. Many stability dog handlers utilize a wheelchair and/or roller walker. These service dogs also retrieve dropped items, open doors, and turn lights on.

The rules and roles differ for service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals (ESA). Each type of dog has a different skill set, temperament, and rights or limitations to access public spaces. Service dogs are trained to perform a task or tasks for an individual to help mitigate their disability. Service dogs accompany their handler in public where pets are not permitted. Therapy dogs are trained to give comfort to persons they visit. Therapy dogs are invited into facilities for therapy for therapy dog visits. Reading groups, family courts, nursing homes, and hospitals are typical visits for a trained therapy dog. Emotional Support Animals (ESA's) do not require training and may be permitted to live in housing where pets are not permitted. An ESA can be any animal that you feel provides comfort in your home. ESA's are not permitted on airline flights or in public spaces.

Mobility and Stability Mobility service dogs assist individuals who currently utilize a manual or power wheelchair. The dogs assist their handler in various ways such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, and turning on lights. They do not pull the wheelchair. They help their handler to navigate this very inaccessible world by reaching things high and low. Stability service dogs are of considerable size to provide the strength needed to help their handler sit down and stand up. They also provide a strong guide when walking up and down stairs. Many stability dog handlers utilize a wheelchair and/or roller walker. These service dogs also retrieve dropped items, open doors, and turn lights on.

**Stanley Cartwright** *Service Dog Trainer – Cape Fear Service Dogs (a division of Salty Dogs Obedience Training)* Stanley Cartwright brings years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for canine training to his new role at **Cape Fear Service Dogs**, a division of **Salty Dogs Obedience Training**. With a proven track record of successfully training service dogs for individuals with a wide range of needs—including diabetic alert, mobility assistance, and PTSD support—Stanley is known for his calm, compassionate approach and commitment to excellence. Over the past several years, Stanley has helped transform countless lives by preparing dogs to perform critical tasks while also ensuring they become well-mannered companions. His training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, consistency, and building strong bonds between dog and handler. Now joining the team at Cape Fear Service Dogs, Stanley is excited to continue his mission of empowering individuals through expertly trained service animals. Whether he’s fine-tuning advanced alerts or guiding a puppy through its first obedience session, Stanley’s dedication shines through in every step of the process. Outside the training field, Stanley is a lifelong dog lover and advocate for service dog awareness. His calm demeanor, deep knowledge, and approachable style make him a valued asset to the Cape Fear and Salty Dogs community.