Fw: (JP) 'Oxy-Dogs' Providing Aid to Respiratory Patients

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http://www.anc.org/pets/pets_article.cfm?identifier=2002_0114_japan

 

'Oxy-Dogs' Providing Aid to Respiratory Patients

by Hedy Litke

Dogs recently started serving individuals in Japan who have respiratory

difficulties by pulling carts on which oxygen tanks weighing about 4.5

pounds have been placed. These so-called " oxy-dogs " provide a great amount

of mobility to people who otherwise would largely be confined to their

homes.

The first " oxy-dog, " a 22-month-old Labrador Retriever named Ben, was

prepared for his work over the course of a year by dog trainer Tadaomi Miya

at the request of the Japan Information Center for People with Respiratory

Ailments (JICPRA), a not-for-profit organization located in Tokyo.

Upon completion of the training, Ben was given to a 70-year-old man who

lives in Hokkaido.

Yuji Toyama, the Deputy Director of the JICPRA, said he was hopeful that

" oxy-dogs " could provide help to a significant percentage of the

organization's approximately 200,000 other members.

Akira Fuyama, the JICPRA staff member who first conceived of " oxy-dogs, " is

seeking to have the Japanese government grant them the same special status

as guide dogs. This would allow individuals making use of " oxy-dogs " to ride

on trains and enjoy other benefits.

© 2002 Animal News Center, Inc.

 

 

 

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