Is that a real dog?

Yes.

Why is there a dog?

I work with a Service Dog specially trained to assist with my disability. She accompanies me whenever possible, including at work and on stage.

Can I pet that dog?

She doesn’t like to be touched while she’s working. It can be distracting and stressful for her. She gets lots of pets and play time on her breaks!

What’s the dog’s name?

Her full name is Kairi Yvaine Bingrid Elora Rey. I call her “Kairi” or “Kai.”

What kind of dog is she?

She’s an Aussiedoodle – that’s a cross between Australian Shepherd and Poodle. If you want to get technical about it, Kairi is an F1b Aussiedoodle; her mom was a first generation Aussiedoodle, and her dad was a Standard Poodle.

How old is she?

She was born January 4th, 2023.

Is she hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, Kairi’s poodle lineage gave her a non-shedding coat. For many people, this reduces or eliminates the risk of an allergic reaction. People with severe allergies to dogs may still react to non-shedding or even hairless dogs, as allergens can be present in dog saliva or dander. Do not hesitate to notify me or venue staff if you have any allergy-related concerns so that appropriate distance can be maintained.

What is a Service Dog?

A Service Animal is an animal that is specially trained to assist someone with a disability. Kairi is specially trained to help me throughout the day with tasks made more difficult by my medical condition.

What tasks does she perform?

Kairi is trained in Medical Alert and Response – that means she can alert me when she senses an oncoming medical episode, allowing me time to preemptively treat or prepare for it (medical alert), and that she can also help me stay safe during a medical episode (medical response). She is also trained to do light guide work, which helps me move through crowded areas that I would have difficulty navigating alone. She helps me in countless ways at home and out in the world, by interrupting damaging behaviors, retrieving forgotten items, and keeping me on track and on time.

What is your disability and/or medical condition?

That’s a personal question and I don’t know you.

Is your dog an Emotional Support Animal?

No. She is an ADA-recognized, professionally-trained and tested Service Dog. Emotional Support Animals are not required to be trained to assist a disabled person, and do not have the same access rights as Service Animals.

Does your dog protect you?

No. She is not a guard dog – she is trained to assist me with medical challenges. She is not permitted to bark, growl, intimidate, or bite on the job. Such signs indicate extreme stress and are not part of her typical behavior.

How much training does she have?

Kairi began her training at 8 weeks old. She learned all the normal “good dog” things like sit and stay, as well as Public Access Training (special training that prepares a Service Dog to be in public places) and Task Training (how to perform work and tasks to assist with my disability). She graduated at 18 months old, which is relatively fast – Service Dogs can take anywhere from a year and a half to four years to complete their training.

I want my dog to be a Service Dog!

That is a conversation that starts with your doctor, not your dog.

Where does your dog go to the bathroom?

Some places have a “Service Dog Relief Area,” which is usually a little patch of grass for you-know-what. Otherwise, we’re always on the lookout for the closest patch of grass out of the public eye.

I have a question that you haven’t answered yet.

Ask away!