If you walk into the headquarters of United Disabilities Services (UDS), located at 2270 Erin Court, Lancaster, you'll find more than a few reasons that dogs are commonly referred to as man's best friend. The nonprofit organization provides highly trained service dogs for clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas, and each UDS dog is equipped with a special skillset to meet its owner's needs.

In early January, an office on the second floor of UDS' main building was temporarily converted into a kennel for a litter of young golden Labs. The six puppies were less than 3 months old and, like all new arrivals at UDS, adorable but unruly. After a 22-month training program, each dog will be obedient enough to accomplish tasks such as opening a door and picking up a TV remote from the floor. Outside the room of puppies, UDS volunteer Linda Rineer worked with CJ, a black Lab that is almost ready to be paired with a client. While a chorus of yelping and whining echoed from the temporary kennel, Rineer praised and encouraged CJ as he pulled a walker and opened doors on command.

"The key to successfully training a dog is food, food and more food," said Rineer, a resident of the Buck who frequently travels to UDS' facility to assist with training. "A lot of people think (service dogs) are working, but for them, it's like playing ball all day."

UDS service dogs specialize in different areas, and each canine is matched with a job that complements its personality traits and strengths. Some dogs may have a calming presence that can help anxious children feel more comfortable in school, and others are perceptive enough to recognize the early signs of a traumatic flashback and rush to their owners' side. Rineer said the fourth UDS dog she helped train was able to fetch bottles of water from the refrigerator for a client with mobility restrictions. The dog was even able to take the empty bottles to the recycling bin after the owner was finished.

In recent years, UDS has broadened its service area to include clients within five hours of Lancaster County. The number of local school districts requesting a service dog has steadily increased as well, and UDS dogs currently serve nearly every school district in the county. Jennifer King, a member of the UDS service dog ambassador team, said many teachers testify that service dogs have reached students in ways no school staff member was able. "It's the power of a wagging tail and a wet nose," King said.

UDS relies on sponsorships and donations from the community to sustain its service dog programs. Each dog requires an investment upward of $25,000 to cover the cost of coaching and food during the 22-month training period, and financial support from individuals and businesses allows UDS to lessen the cost of acquiring a dog for clients.

UDS will hold its annual bingo fundraiser on Sunday, March 9, at Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. The organization is always accepting volunteers who wish to help with events and training sessions.

For more information, including how to become a volunteer, visit https://udservices.org.