Service Dogs for Farmers

Photo Credit: Tammy Ljungblad / Kansas City Star

Unique Program Trains Service Dogs for Farmers-  by Caroline Golon

Service dogs are incredible additions to the lives of people with many different types of challenges. Now one organization is pairing service dogs with farmers with disabilities, helping them stay on their land.

According to the Kansas City Star, PHARM Dog (Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri) trains service dogs to assist farmers who are disabled or sick and don’t want to give up farm life.

The dogs are trained to do things like carry buckets, fetch tools and even open gates.

One farmer, Jim Harig, has trouble getting around by himself due to a neurological condition. His service dog, Dixon, wears a special brace on his back that Harig can hold on to so he can steady himself as he walks. Now, with Dixon’s help, Harig can check on his livestock daily.

Another farmer, Troy Balderston, uses a wheelchair and can manage his cattle with the help of his dog.

Alda Owen, a farmer with impaired vision feels safe knowing her dog is on the watch for dangers she might to notice right away. Before her dog Sweet Baby Jo arrived, Owen was knocked over by a falling gate, injuring her leg and requiring 60 stiches. Now, the dog keeps an eye on her. “She don’t like ‘em getting too close to me,” Owen tells Kansas City Star of her dog’s watchful eye over the herd of cattle.

PHARM founder, Jackie Allenbrand understands the desire for farmers to stay on their farms, even if they need help. “But here’s the thing about farmers – and I’m married to one – they’re stubborn,” she told the Kansas City Star. “It’s what they do. Most were born into it and they don’t want to give it up.”

Some of the dogs are rescues and strays, while some come from breeders. All of the dogs are trained by Bobby Miller, a Vietnam vet who donates his time training the dogs for PHARM.

Miller waives his fees because he knows what he is doing is changing lives.

He’s certainly changed Harig’s life. “I used to fall down a lot,” explains Harig. Now, he can keep up with his 200 acres of horses, donkeys, sheep, mules and alpacas, thanks to Dixon. “All he cares about is helping me.”