Canine co-worker: service dog sparks important industry conversations

Kyle McDermott navigates civilian life with a Belgian Malinois service dog named Eros, who has embraced crane and rigging training.

Prior to joining ITI as an instructor in 2022, Kyle McDermott served in the United States Marine Corps, completing three tours in Afghanistan, all in active combat zones. Like many veterans who transition back to civilian life, McDermott found he could use some help navigating life. That help came in the form of a Belgian Malinois pup dubbed Eros, for the heart-shaped mark on his tail.

A dog lover, McDermott had previously worked with a service dog and wanted to assure Eros would not be a hindrance to his work. When scouting for a new pup, McDermott knew Eros came from Chien Policier Belgian Malinois, an award-winning and experienced breeder.

As McDermott and Eros started their journey together in the professional arena, they encountered a workplace at ITI that was supportive and open-minded about the benefits of a service dog on and offsite. To assure approval, ITI clients are informed of the service canine prior to his arrival. Thus far, the ITI team has not encountered a single person who has taken issue with Eros’ presence. McDermott’s students and colleagues report that having a furry friend around has provided a unique form of stress relief, fostering a more relaxed and inclusive environment. Students often sneak in treats, toys and one of Eros’ all-time favorites – peanut butter.

The presence of a service dog in the workplace has prompted conversations about inclusivity, mental health awareness and the diverse ways in which individuals cope with life’s challenges.

Stickler for safety

Beyond the initial novelty, Eros integrates into the classroom and training culture, often gaining honorable mention in McDermott’s instructor evaluations. Eros is actually a bit of a stickler for safety, having a certain affinity for gloves. If the students don’t have their gloves on during a yard exercise, chances are Eros knows where the gloves are located. McDermott jokes that Eros knows ITI’s crane and rigging training programs forwards and backwards. He is known as “classroom auditor.”

Eros is also well versed in airline travel, making his first trip at four months old. McDermott and Eros average two flights per week, making more than 50 flights last year.

Students quickly realize that Eros is a dedicated and highly trained service animal. Eros is good icebreaker among new groups, in and outside of the classroom.

Prior to joining ITI as an instructor in 2022, Kyle McDermott served in the United States Marine Corps, completing three tours in Afghanistan, all in active combat zones.

“It’s not at all uncommon for someone to stop us in a hotel or while we’re out running an errand and before I know it, I’ll end up in conversations where they’re telling me their life story, all because they felt more comfortable coming up to a guy with a dog,” he said.

The presence of a service dog in the workplace has prompted conversations about inclusivity, mental health awareness and the diverse ways in which individuals cope with life’s challenges. It has opened the eyes of McDermott’s colleagues to the realities faced by veterans. It has sparked a new level of workplace empathy.

In a world where stress and challenges are inevitable, the bond between a veteran and his service dog serves as an inspiring example of resilience, companionship and the power of acceptance in the workplace. As McDermott and Eros navigate the daily grind together, they are not just coworkers, but also a living testament to the positive impact that a furry friend can have on the human spirit.

True to form, McDermott wanted to assure ACT readers that he is open to answering questions about getting started with a service dog in the crane and rigging industry. You can reach McDermott by emailing him at [email protected].