First, I wanted to say how sorry I am to the people here whose service dogs have passed away. I know it feels like losing a part of yourself.

Like Hoosier, I am on a service dog waiting list. I am attending candidate classes, along with ten other people who are on the active waiting list. It's been two years now since I applied, but I feel like I've moved a few steps forward.

I have MS (multiple sclerosis) and I've lost a lot of muscle strength in my arms and legs, having to use walking aids to get around, and falling often. I need a dog to keep me upright, help me get up out of a chair or off the potty, and open heavy restroom doors when I'm in a public restroom. Also, I want a dog so that my husband can go somewhere by himself and not have to worry about me so much.