August 3-9 is International Assistance Dog Week!

International Assistance Dog Week, celebrated last week from August 3rd through August 9th, recognizes the special skills service dogs provide to the disability community, and all the trainers out there that help assistance dogs reach their full potential. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, recognized dogs trained to assist people with disabilities as service dogs. Each year, a week in August is dedicated to celebrate this achievement that allows assistance dogs to be legally recognized and given the right to aid the disability community in achieving a more equitable and integrated experience in society. 

In honor of International Assistance Dog Week, we would like to share about one of our favorite assistance dogs: Hulk! In June, Hulk made his first visit to the Easton location to hang out with our members and staff. Hulk loved his house tour in Easton, and he stayed around for a few hours to get pets and love from the members. 

Hulk was a homeless dog in Jordan when he was hit by a car and saved by a passerby, though the accident left him partially paralyzed. Hulk needed a home that could support his new medical needs. After traveling 6,000 miles to a rescue in Rhode Island, Hulk was adopted by his handler Craig. Now, Hulk is proud to serve as a therapy dog, visiting different schools, community centers, and organizations like HOPe.

HOPe is so grateful to be able to host Hulk as he visits our members, highlighting the work he does for his community, and his inspiring backstory. Laws like the ADA allow Hulk to spread not only happiness, but a message of strength and support. His story of resilience, and of course how cute he is, brings joy to everyone he meets.