Hi there! My name is Beanie, and I’m a Therapy Dog in Training at Cedar Hill Physical Therapy. I may not have my official vest yet, but I’m already practicing what I do best— bringing comfort, smiles, and a little extra tail-wagging joy to everyone I meet.

September is a very special month for me and all my animal friends. It’s National Service Dog Month and Animal Pain Awareness Month. That means this month, we get to celebrate the incredible work that service animals do and remind the humans we love to watch out for signs that we might not be feeling our best.

Why service dogs are paws-itively amazing

I look up to service dogs so much. They’re like superheroes in fur coats. These dogs are trained to help people in ways that still amaze me:

• Guiding people who can’t see safely across busy streets.
• Alerting someone before a seizure happens.
• Picking up dropped items or opening doors for people who can’t do it themselves.
• Even helping people with anxiety or PTSD feel safe and calm.

The best part? Service dogs give people more independence and confidence. They help humans live fuller lives, go more places, and feel less alone. That’s the dream, isn’t it? To be a loyal helper and best friend rolled into one.

Training is hard work (but worth it)

I’ll let you in on a little secret: training to be a therapy dog isn’t always easy. I have to learn to stay calm, ignore distractions (even squirrels—gulp), and pay attention when someone needs me. Service dogs go through even more intense training—sometimes up to two years before they graduate.

This month is about honoring all that hard work—both the dogs (and other animals) who learn so much, and the humans who spend countless hours guiding us. Every treat, every “good dog!” along the way helps us become the steady, loving partners people rely on.

The other side of September: Animal Pain Awareness

As a loyal helper and best friend, we want to please you. Sometimes we even push through pain. Animals like me can’t say out loud when something hurts. We rely on our humans to notice when something is of. That’s why September is also Animal Pain Awareness Month.

Here are some ways we try to tell you we’re in pain:

• We stop wanting to play as much, or we hide.
• We limp, move stiffly, or don’t want to go up the stairs.
• We whine, growl, or cry more than usual.
• We eat less or don’t seem excited about food.
• We lick or chew at the same spot over and over.

Sometimes people think these changes are “just getting older.” But pain isn’t normal—it means something needs attention. A trip to the veterinarian can make a world of difference for us.

Why it matters so much for service and therapy dogs

If I’m going to help people feel better, I need to feel good myself. That’s true for every service dog, therapy dog, and furry friend out there. When we’re healthy and pain-free, we can give our very best—whether that’s guiding, calming, fetching, or just curling up beside someone who needs comfort.

So, while this month celebrates how incredible service dogs are, it’s also a reminder: please keep an eye on us. We give you our whole hearts—it’s only fair that you protect our well-being in return.

My call to action (with a wagging tail)

Here’s what I hope you’ll do this September:

• Cheer on the amazing service animals out there.
• Support organizations that train service dogs.
• Teach friends and family how important it is not to distract us when we’re working.
• Learn the signs of animal pain and take them seriously.
• Love us enough to get us the care we need if something seems wrong.

From one therapy dog in training to all of you wonderful humans, thank you for celebrating with me this month. Let’s honor the heroes in harnesses and make sure every animal— whether they’re service dogs, therapy dogs, or just beloved pets at home—lives free from pain.

If you’re a human and experiencing pain, be sure to contact my friend, Paul the Physical Therapist. He’ll do his best to help you move better and feel better!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I earned a belly rub for writing this.

Paws and love,

Beanie

Therapy Dog in Training Cedar Hill Physical Therapy