Overview
Hello, everyone! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Nala, my Dutch Shepherd service dog who has completely transformed my life. Nala is more than just a service dog; she’s my best friend, my rock, and an essential part of my daily routine. Join me as I take you through a day in the life of Nala and share the incredible bond we share.
A Little About Nala
Nala is about 3.5 years old (as of August 2024), and we’ve had the pleasure of having her in our lives for around 9 months now. We brought her home in December of 2023, and she has been an indispensable part of our family ever since. Nala is a Dutch Shepherd, a breed I had never heard of before we started our search for the perfect service dog. Dutch Shepherds are known for their high drive and love for work, and Nala is no exception. She has a beautiful brindle coat with strikingly bright orange hues that make her stand out wherever she goes.
Nala’s personality is a unique blend of seriousness and playfulness. When she’s on duty, she’s focused, determined, and ready to tackle any task. But when it’s time to relax, she’s playful and absolutely loves human affection. One of her favorite pastimes is chasing after her foam ball from Foam Dog Balls – just the sight of it gets her all riled up! Nala also has a soft spot for my two daughters. Each night, as we head to bed, she attempts to sneak into their room, even though she ultimately ends up sleeping with my wife and me.
Nala’s Role as a Service Dog
While not often observed, I can tell you that she is a true lifesaver. Since she came into my life, I’ve felt more confident and capable of enjoying everything life has to offer. Whether we’re out in public or just hanging out at home, Nala is always by my side, offering comfort, support, and companionship. On days when I’m feeling down or under the weather, she’s there to cheer me up with her unwavering loyalty and affection.
Nala has undergone extensive training to ensure she meets the high standards required for public access. Her obedience is impeccable, and she handles even the most chaotic environments with grace. Whether we’re at Walt Disney World (check out A Unique Experience: Exploring Disney World with a Service Dog), Walmart, or navigating a busy airport, Nala remains calm, focused, and ready to assist. Her ability to stay composed in the face of distractions is what allows us to move through life together with ease.
Coastline K9: The Experts Behind Nala
Nala’s journey to becoming an incredible service dog began at Coastline K9 in Naples, Florida, where Erick and his team provided exceptional training and support. Known for their elite dog training services, Coastline K9 goes above and beyond with their pre-purchase guidance and post-purchase relationship maintenance. Nala was imported from Germany in late July 2023 and underwent 3.5 months of intensive training under the expert care of Breton Penney, her main trainer. By early December, Nala was ready to join our family, and both Breton and Erick delivered her personally, extending the standard 5-day delivery to 7 days to ensure a smooth transition.
The dedication and expertise of Coastline K9 have made all the difference in Nala’s performance and behavior. Their commitment to excellence and the strong foundation they helped us build have resulted in a reliable, well-trained service dog who is now an irreplaceable member of our family. Working with Coastline K9 has been a truly rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the ongoing support they continue to provide.
A Day in the Life of Nala
Morning Routine
Nala’s day begins like many others – waking up in bed with me, my wife, and one of our other dogs, McCloud. From the moment I start my day, Nala is right by my side. One of her favorite morning activities is “cat fishing,” a game where she sits by the bedroom door and plays with our cats as they paw at each other under the door. It’s a fun way for Nala to start her day, and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
After our morning routine, I take Nala outside to use the bathroom in our front yard. Unlike our fenced-in backyard, the front yard offers a more challenging environment for Nala to practice her off-leash skills. It’s not uncommon for us to encounter neighbors, cars, and other distractions, but Nala handles them all with ease. This kind of environmental training is crucial for maintaining her high level of obedience in public.
Day to Day
Whether it’s a day filled with work, errands, or travel, Nala is with me for every moment. Saturdays are our grocery days, and Nala accompanies me to stores like Sam’s, Walmart, Publix, Target, and PetSmart. Navigating these busy places can be stressful, but with Nala by my side, I feel confident and in control. Throughout the day, Nala snacks on some of my meals, with cheese, blueberries, and strawberries being her favorite treats. She eats her main meal, a raw blend from Instinct Pet Food, around dinner time, and then it’s back outside for one last bathroom break before we settle in for the night.
Service Dog Etiquette
One of the most important things the public should know about interacting with a service dog like Nala is to avoid distractions. While she may be cute and well-behaved, petting her, talking to her, or even making eye contact can pull her attention away from her work. It’s important to remember that service dogs are there to perform specific tasks and should be allowed to do their job without interference.
Unfortunately, we do encounter challenges related to service dog etiquette from time to time. Some people feel entitled to pet Nala, and while I try to handle these situations with firmness and respect, it can be frustrating. My primary responsibility is to advocate for Nala and ensure she has a safe space to work in. Most people are understanding when I explain why they shouldn’t interact with her, but there have been instances where I’ve had to deal with rude or obnoxious behavior.
Reflections on Life with Nala
Having Nala as a service dog has changed my life in more ways than I can count. She’s not just an incredible asset to my daily routine, but she’s also become an irreplaceable part of my family. I can’t imagine going grocery shopping or traveling without her by my side. The most rewarding aspect of having Nala with me is the compliments we receive on her behavior in public. Although I didn’t train her myself, I’ve worked hard to maintain her high level of obedience, and it’s gratifying to see that effort recognized.
Nala has made me a better dog owner and a better person. Our bond is unbreakable, and I’m so grateful for the joy, support, and love she brings into my life every day.
Learn More
To see what gear and equipment we typically use, check out 14 Essential Tools for my Service Dog: A Comprehensive Guide.
Join the Adventure!
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So, welcome! Let’s embark on this journey together—one paw, one rep, and one adventure at a time.
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Until Our Next Adventure,
“Fuel Your Passion, Embrace the Journey, and Stay Pawsitive!”
~Brannon & Nala Bear
