We observed mucous membranes of the gingiva, hard palate, tongue, and cheek to assess cytological findings in the oral cavities of 8 mobility service dogs (4 males and 4 females) aged 1.2-2 years old during the training period. Cells from each surface were collected using Cytobrush Plus (Cooper Surgical Inc., CT, USA). The cells were smeared onto glass slides and stained employing Papanicolaou's staining method. As a result, angular squamous epithelial cells with round nuclear exfoliated from the superficial and intermediate layers of the oral mucous membranes were noted. Keratinized squamous epithelial cells whose cytoplasm was stained with eosin and orange G were predominant in all the mucous membranes examined involving the gingiva, hard palate, tongue, and cheek. Therefore, non-keratinized squamous epithelial cells whose cytoplasm was stained light green were observed inferiorly in the mucous membranes of the gingiva, hard palate, tongue, and cheek. Neutrophils and bacterial colonies were observed in various ratios at each membrane site.

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We tested the effects of water spray before brushing dogs' coats, using four Labrador Retrievers. In two of the four Labrador Retrievers, we prepared three kinds of coats: coats without brushing, coats brushed with a rubber brush and coats brushed after spraying water. These coats were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Special attention was placed on the effect of removing dust from the coats. Additionally, we calculated the number of removed hairs from these four Labrador Retrievers (the former two dogs and remaining two dogs), in which the left sides were brushed without water spray and the right sides were brushed after spraying water.
The Effects of water spray were verified to enhance removal of dust from the coats, and increase the amount of hair removed by a brush. We confirmed that brushing water sprayed coats has remarkable effects for dog coat care.

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In this paper, I try to find out how we can increase the social awareness and acceptance of service dogs in Japan, indicating the results of the research among college students of department of animal health technology, who have much knowledge of companion animals. The students have experienced various occasions related to service dogs at schools during classes and hours for comprehensive studies, during the past 8 years since the Law Concerning Assistance Dogs for the Disabled took effect. The questionnaires used for the research contain questions on the awareness of service dogs, experiences with service dogs, measures and ideas for increasing social awareness and acceptance of service dogs. In conclusion, from the results of the research, likely measures will be indicated for increasing social acceptance of service dogs. Service dogs' harmlessness, severe training, high selection, necessity of service dogs in society may well be emphasized on possible appealing opportunities and much more opportunities of meeting service dogs should be increased.

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This study was conducted to gather information on the behavior problems during puppy walking (3 month old to 12 month old), and draw a comparison between novice and experienced puppy walker. The questionnaire was answered in the presence or absence about 6 problems (housebreaking, playbiting, destructiveness, pull on leash, jump on people, and excessive barking) each months of age. A question survey was taken 193 puppy walkers who brought up Labrador Retrievers that were born from March 1st 2005 to July 16th 2008. Prevalence of "housebreaking" and "play-baiting" were shown significant differences (p < 0.05) on only 3 months of age. And prevalence of "destructiveness", "pulling on leash" and "jumping on people" were shown significant difference (p < 0.05) from early to medium period of puppy walking. In "excessive barking", significant difference was not found in all months. It was shown that experienced puppy walkers made good use of their experience in early and medium period of puppy walking. And because the movements of appearance ratio in all behaviors were kept parallel to another ones in all months, it was suggested that there was the time of advice that was appropriate for each behavioral problems.

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In order to obtain a perspective for supporting and encouraging the activities of volunteer handlers of retired guide dogs, interviews were conducted with five volunteers caring for retired guide dogs about their experiences in living with the retired dogs and their motivation for volunteering. The results of a qualitative analysis using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach revealed that in the process of handling the retired dogs, volunteers had experiences which may be grouped into five categories: "steps toward starting as a volunteer," "a new life from viewpoint of retired dogs," "discovering guide dog characteristics," "broadening the meaning of volunteer activity," and "being there during the process of illness, growing old, and death." To support and encourage these activities, suggestions are put forward, including the idea that many opportunities be provided for people to come into contact with guide dogs and retired dogs; that handling retired dogs does not only encompass caring for and watching over the dogs in their last days but also embodies a sense of fulfillment and a feeling of intimacy; and that consultation services be established so volunteers are able to care for their dogs without anxiety through a center or other social alliance.

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Objective: Medical facilities are required to admit service dogs to allow patients relying on such dogs access to proper medical services. We surveyed the circumstances and issues relating to service dogs in medical facilities.
Method: Questionnaires were sent out to nursing directors at 166 hospitals in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan between August and September in 2008.
Result: Collection rate for questionnaires was 65.1% (108 facilities). Visits of service dog users were confirmed in 18.5% (18 facilities). Three of the 18 facilities experienced some difficulties managing these dogs. All three facilities pointed out sanitary concerns as the chief difficulty. Training or instruction for staffs to accept service dogs was conducted in five of the visited facilities. Meanwhile, a manual was prepared in only one facility. However 72.2% (78 facilities) reported anxiety about accepting service dogs.
Discussion: Insufficient training and a resulting inability to deal with potential issues were considered the reasons for anxiety.
Conclusion: Medical facilities should prepare for the visit of service dogs by compiling a manual and providing additional training for workers coming into contact with service dogs.

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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