Yo, Petentials! As you know, I have interviewed some pretty cool celebs. This interview is no exception, although my interviewee isn't on TV or in movies! Diamond, a Petentials member, is an assistance (or service) dog. She is a German German Shepherd from Texas, and helps her human with everyday life. How cool is that?

Read my great interview with Diamond below:

1. How did you become a service dog in the first place? Your profile says you are a 2nd generation service dog, so were your parents in the business?

Well, my mom needed a dog to help her walk & balance her, and I was tall enough to have her put her hand on me and she noticed that I could lend a helping paw for her...so she started to work with me. My dad was my mom first assistance dog but he passed away. I had been watching my mom and my dad working (training)and when it was time for me to help I knew what to do but need to work on some items that i was so so on.

2. When did you meet your human mate & how long have you been together? Did you know you would get along instantly?

My mom bred my dad and I was the pick of the litter! I came to live with my mom when I was 3 weeks old, and it's going on 9 years that we have been together! Oh, I knew from the start that we would get along instantly.

3. What do you think is the most important part of your job?

Keeping my mom balanced and walking and not letting her fall.

4. What do you think is the hardest part of your job?

Trying to keep her from falling and hurting herself.

5. Are there any fun aspects of being a service dog? What is the coolest thing you get to do with your human?

Getting to spend time with her and getting to go to a lot of places.

6. Can any dog become a service dog or are there special traits or training involved?

Any dog can be a service dog, but it depends on what the dog will be asked to do. For instance, if someone is hearing impaired they might not want a big dog like me so they might get a Chihuahua or a Toy Poodle for that job. Some people choose Italian Greyhounds. Some folks even employ mix breeds to help them out. And of course, there are schools that train you to become a help dog (or assistance dog).

7. For those who may not know, why do humans even need service dogs?

Humans need service dogs for many reasons...to help them walk/balance, because they're blind or hearing impaired, or to alert them when they are about to have a seizure.

8. Is there anything else you would like the Petentials crowd to know about dogs like you?

Assistance dogs are friendly dogs who have gone through a lot of training. We are here to help our owners. We have a very unique purpose and a job to do!

For more information on service/assistance dogs, check out these great Web sites:

http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/

http://www.iaadp.org/