Nightmare scenario.
Sometimes it's a two year wait to get a Service Dog. Then the time training and working with the service dog make this even more tragic. (Ballpark for those who may not know: It's 12 - 16 weeks of hard work training for a Public Access Course alone.)
I hope you share future stories of Zoey.
We got very lucky this didn't happen to us when someone came in and left the front door open to bring things in not knowing wife and Service Dog was there. Scared the hell out of us when "ZIP! Poof!"... We contacted our trainer and worked through the problem.
It's been a learning curve to identify and deal with unexpected, but, common dangers to going everywhere with a Service Dog. "Entitled" pets where they shouldn't be straining at their leash barking at you to people who don't have a clue and intend harm...
When we let ours out back generally we are with her. We have a nice chair to sit out back and keep an eye on her. Great opportunity to practice the 'do your business' command with her. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes ... and in this case it's time not separated from the Service Dog. (Your needs may vary, but, not a good idea for a separation that long in our case.) After all Service Dog goes into the bathroom with you when you are out in public. We have all the yard gates locked.
Instead of expensive "dog treats" we use Goldfish fish-shaped crackers manufactured by Pepperidge Farm. Because if a child picks up and eats a dropped one: there is no "Paperwork" involved like there could be with a standard dog treat.
She is a "rescue" Newfoundland and we were not told she had Parvovirus with less than 50/50 odds of making it. 4 days at the vet hospital later she made it.
We have a "Tile" on her collar for two reasons. Help find the phone is a simple "Get over here." Press button on collar. And if she ever gets lost it may help track her down. There may be better tracking devices out there now.
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