I only have a minute - but should have more time tomorrow to answer everyone's questions.

First, about the 4 month lab pup - I would not want to get the first dog trained. Even in progams, the percent of failure is 9 dogs fail per one dog placed. You want a dog that has had people with experience working with it.

In the next day or so, I'll PM you with some forums that you can join. THere will be someone near you to give you guidance on getting a SD. Can't you get one from the prison who has a training program in place? Also, although most SD are Labs, or Goldens, there are some lines of really nutty high strung Labs. The pups temperment is #1 in priority.

About getting a monkey - currently the laws say service animal. But the administration currently in office wants to make some sweeping changes. First on their list is to change the law from service animal to service dog. So, be aware that if they get their way, that dogs will be the only animal allowed.

I wonder if the admins would allow me to post links to service dog forums publicly. I know it's a no-no to post links to other forums, but NeuroTalk really has nothing service dog related so it would not conflict.

I'd love to post more right now. But, I have to get my symptom report done for SS so I can get it mailed tomorrow.

oh - you can train a SD to go on puppy pads. There are people who live alone and have a SD and cannot take them out, and live in apartments or places where they cannot have a doggie door. Also, many people train their dogs to go on puppy pads when traveling, as dog relief areas at airports can be a LONG way for a disabled person to go.

If I don't know answers, I can find out. I am thrilled that there is interest here, because a dog can really help you out. IF your interested, make a list of what you have problems doing. Such as, if you can't get up if seated, or need assistance getting in to a wheelchair, you need a good sized dog. If you don't need help with that, a much smaller dog will do. The smaller the dog, the less expensive to feed, vet care, groom, even collars cost less, and the lifetime of a smaller dog is longer than a big dog.

I promise - I will be back!