So much incorrect information about service dogs has circulated over the years that Anne Wicklund decided to dispel myths and write a book of truths.

With input from her husband Wayne, she published a “Handbook for Service Dogs” in August. Fountain Hills resident Mary Ann Bosnos edited the 108-page book.

The book is written for people interested in knowing more about service dogs and their options, said Wicklund.

“Service dogs can be trained to assist people with a wide range of medical needs from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to hearing problems to mobility issues. But how can they help and where exactly are they allowed to go?” said Wicklund.

She answers those questions and many others, as well as clearing away misinformation.

“There is still so much bad information or no information,” said Wicklund. “You would think that everybody would be pretty much up to speed on it, but they’re not.”

The Wicklunds speak from experience and research.

They trained two German shepherd guide dogs, the late Snow Prince, and Snow Shadow.

Wayne and Anne acquired Snow after Wayne began losing his hearing in 2001 and developed lung disease. Wayne trained Snow to alert him to sounds and potentially dangerous situations. Snow was Wayne’s companion for 12 years before passing.

Wayne trained Snow Shadow, now two years old, to replace Snow. As Wayne’s mobility complications develop, Shadow senses oncoming seizures and responds.

“Snow takes care of him,” said Anne. The dog will jump into his lap to stabilize him when Wayne suffers a seizure. When Wayne is too tired to walk, Snow will “dig his heels in and won’t budget an inch or will pull him to the car,” she said.

A myth about service dogs is that they can’t play and be a sociable pet.

“That’s not true,” said Ann. “As soon as their vest comes off, they can be a regular pet.”

When a service dog wears his vest, the animal takes on a different persona, said Wicklund. The animal becomes more focused on the person for whom the dog is working.

The size and breed of dog is the choice of an individual. Any breed is suitable as long as the dog is intelligent.

“Most people think a service dog has to be big. That’s not true,” she said.

“A service dog has to be able to perform the function required by the person that he’s taking care of.”

Some service-dog related agencies refuse to place a dog in a home where a child is present or another dog lives.

“These are myths. They are just someone’s policy,” she added.

The book also explores legal protections of a guide dog and where they are allowed to go.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go.

Wicklund said that the owner of a service dog should use discretion in some circumstances. She has a section on “when to fight for your rights or when to give it a rest.”

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” she explained.

The paperback guide sells for $14.95 on Amazon.com, eBay, Etsy, and the Wicklunds’ two websites: www.mrpaws.com and www.hearingimpaired. net.