Willow Service Dogs LLC: Celiac and allergen service dogs

06/12/2026

MYTH OR FACT?
I think this one is going to surprise a lot of people... Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, but just how incredible is it?
Scientists estimate that dogs can detect odors at concentrations far beyond what humans can perceive, but what gives them that advantage?

Which statement is TRUE?
🟤A dog has about the same number of smell receptors as a human.
🔵A dog has about 10 times more smell receptors than a human.
🟤A dog has about 50 times more smell receptors than a human.🔵A dog has about 220 million MORE smell receptors than a human.

Comment your answer below! No Googling... just take your best guess.
Let's see who knows their canine science. Answers revealed Monday!

06/10/2026

Hot weather is finally here, but remember, your dog isn't walking on the air temperature. They're walking on pavement that can be significantly hotter.
Paw burns can happen faster than many people realize, especially on asphalt and parking lots.
Before heading out, ask yourself:
~Is there shade?
~Is there grass nearby?
~Does my dog need boots?
‼️If you can't comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it's probably too hot for your dog's paws.
Does your dog wear boots in the summer? Tell us where and when in the comments!

06/08/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans! Thank you to all our long time supporters and to our new fans!
How should do you want to see us demonstrate Gluten is Glitter next?

06/05/2026

Make your voice heard! Get those letters to congress!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Duwg94Vku/

Please use this letter or one in your own words to send to your Congress Member regarding the 2026 Celiac Safety Act, H.R. 9048, which would require gluten-containing grains to be disclosed under federal allergen labeling law.

I am writing as a constituent and as a person living with celiac disease to ask for your support of H.R. 9048, the Celiac Safety Act of 2026. This legislation would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include gluten-containing grains in the definition of a major food allergen.

Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the population and is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in the United States. For individuals with celiac disease, consuming even small amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine and can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological complications, and other serious health consequences.

Celiac disease is not a food allergy. It is an autoimmune disease. But food labeling laws still matter because the only current treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.

Under current U.S. labeling law, wheat must be disclosed as a major allergen. However, gluten is also found in rye, barley, and crossbred hybrids such as triticale. These gluten-containing grains are not currently required to receive the same clear allergen disclosure. As a result, people with celiac disease must spend significant time reviewing ingredient labels, researching products, and contacting manufacturers to determine whether foods are safe to consume.

H.R. 9048 would help improve transparency and make food labeling easier to understand for consumers who must avoid gluten for medical reasons. Clearer identification of gluten-containing ingredients would improve food safety, reduce confusion, and help individuals and families make informed decisions about the products they purchase.

This legislation is not about convenience. For people with celiac disease, accurate labeling is a public health issue. A gluten-free diet is currently the only treatment available, and the ability to identify gluten-containing grains quickly and accurately is essential to maintaining health.

I respectfully ask that you support H.R. 9048 and work with your colleagues to advance policies that improve food safety and quality of life for Americans living with celiac disease.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

06/02/2026

✨ Gluten is like glitter. ✨
You may think you’ve cleaned it all up, but somehow it still finds its way onto every surface, every hand, and into places you never expected.
For individuals with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can cause serious health issues. That’s why awareness, careful food handling, and detection dogs like Willow are so important.
The next time someone says, “It’s just a crumb,” remember: one speck of glitter can cover an entire room.

05/29/2026

Let's have an honest conversation. As the weather gets nicer, youth sports fields start filling up—not just with players and families, but with pets too. We love dogs. You know we do. But just because an event is outdoors doesn't automatically mean it's the right environment for every dog.
Think about what a dog experiences at a busy sporting event. The noise, crowds, whistles, cheering, running children, flying balls, food smells, unfamiliar dogs, and constant movement all create a flood of sensory information.
From a behavioral science perspective, this can create what trainers often call "trigger stacking." Trigger stacking happens when multiple stressors or exciting events occur close together, causing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to build up in the body. A dog may appear fine at first, but each new stimulus adds another layer of arousal. Eventually, the dog reaches a point where it has a much harder time making good decisions, regulating emotions, or responding to cues.
A dog doesn't have to be fearful or aggressive for trigger stacking to occur. Excitement, frustration, overstimulation, and stress all contribute to elevated arousal levels. The friendly dog who wants to greet everyone, the anxious dog trying to cope with the environment, and the reactive dog struggling to stay calm can all be affected.
There's another side to consider, too.
Many service dog teams attend these events. A pet that is distracted, reactive, overly excited, or simply wants to say hello can interfere with a working service dog's ability to focus on its handler. For some handlers, that's more than an inconvenience; it can affect their safety, medical needs, and independence.
So while some dogs may genuinely enjoy these environments and have the training and temperament to handle them, others may be experiencing far more stress than their owners realize. What do you think?
Should family pets attend youth sporting events, or are some outings better enjoyed from home? Drop your thoughts below. We'd love to hear different perspectives.

05/27/2026

There’s been a lot of fear, confusion, and misinformation spreading about HUD and emotional support animals lately. So let’s slow down and look at the facts.
An internal HUD enforcement memo is NOT the same thing as:
• a new law
• a regulation change
• or a formal repeal of existing housing guidance
At this time, HUD’s published 2020 guidance still recognizes that assistance animals in housing can include emotional support animals, not just ADA-trained service dogs. That does NOT mean every ESA request is automatically approved.
But it DOES mean housing providers are generally still expected to conduct individualized assessments instead of blanket denials. What may change?
-More documentation requests
-More scrutiny of online ESA letters
-More denials and legal challenges
- More confusion between ADA and FHA laws
And that distinction matters: FHA housing law is different from ADA public-access law.
Education matters now more than ever. Read the guidance. Know your rights. Know your responsibilities, and don’t rely on viral headlines alone.

05/25/2026

Today, the Gluten Detectives pause to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom.
This Memorial Day, we also want to give special thanks to the military members and first responders who continue to serve and protect every single day. Your courage, sacrifice, long hours, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
From all of us at Willow Service Dogs, Thank You. ❤️🤍💙
Today and every day, we remember. We honor. We appreciate you.

05/22/2026

Alright… answer time!!!!
First off, sorry for the delay this week. We ran into a few tech issues behind the scenes. BUT the answers are finally in… And honestly? We were a little surprised there wasn’t more interaction on this one. 😢This is SUCH a huge part of having a service animal and one of the most common misconceptions we see in public every single day.
The correct answer was:
NIMBER 4: Businesses CAN legally ask TWO specific questions.
Under the ADA, businesses may ask:
1️. Is the dog required because of a disability?
2️. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? That’s it.
❌ They cannot ask for paperwork
❌ They cannot ask for certification
❌ They cannot ask about your disability
❌ They cannot require registration or ID
Education matters! For handlers, businesses, and the public. Did you get it right? Or did this one surprise you?
The Gluten Detectives will be back soon for a Memorial Day special... stay tuned!

05/22/2026

Bonus Friday post because we had some tech issues earlier this week 😅 And honestly… this video was too good not to share.
Don’t underestimate the power of your voice.
Jess did an excellent job introducing Cillian to elevators here: keeping things light, fun, and pressure-free while simply practicing going in and out with confidence and speed.
No forcing.
No overwhelm.
Just encouragement, repetition, and a happy voice tone. I always say your voice is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox as a handler and trainer. Dogs pick up on our energy fast, and the way we communicate can completely shape how they feel about new environments.
This is how confidence is built. 🐾