It's not nice to enter someplace new without an introduction.

My friends call me Ranger. I am a disabled Tribal Ranger (worked for the Indians) and no longer working. I live in the Sonora desert with my family, 2 dogs and 2 cats. Abby (9yrs) a rough collie was my patrol, trail and search dog until we were disabled together in a backcountry incident that injured 3 and killed one dog. Jin is a 14 mo old border collie. He is a multifunction medical assist, PSDiT, and work dog about halfway through his PAT and task training and task. Both dogs have their CGC (Canine Good Citizenship) Certificates.

My problems are both physical: arthritis and bursitis coupled with a lifetime of injuries with plates and pins that limits my ability to work and severe PTSD couple with extreme ADD/HD. When the two decide to play together the world vanishes for me.

I have over 40 yrs experience working with dogs in various capacities from herding, industrial, trail and patrol, sports and now as service dogs. I do my own training. I'm also very knowledgeable about the physical, legal and emotional aspects of owning dogs including SDs. That may not seem to mean much however but when you get into the details of a long term canine relationship it does especially with a service dog.

I am well educated but rough around the edges and not politically correct. It goes against the grain and prevents me from doing the job I had for so many years... keeping people safe from themselves in the wilderness. I've taught classes in outdoor craft including survival, rock climbing, basic camping, disaster preparation and more. There are also books and a survival tool that everyone who hikes should carry. Lastly I can make a fire without matches or tools, not even a knife.

I'll work up a profile for you to look at and will probably be most active in Service Animals.

Hi Ranger and welcome to Neuro talk.

It really is a great place full of kind caring people.

Sounds like you've got a great family, I love rough collies and border collies they are great dogs. Well there aren't many dogs I don't like, I had a stumpy tailed blue heeler X bull terrier, a wonderful dog, but alas he is no longer with me.

Looks like you've already found your way around, but if you need any help, just ask, someone will be along to help.
Kate

welcome to NT

It's great to find a place like this, where you can share your heartfelt experiences and get support and info on a wide variety of subjects. You'll certainly add to the dimensions here.

I love the outdoors and used to have no fear in the wilderness (backyard hills). Used to love to trek through the hills.

I also have a passion for animals. I dont have any critters right now, and that's okay for now. I've had more my share in life.

After being so active I imagine it's very hard filling the day with things to do.

Relaxing is an art, I've found. Yoga and relaxation techniques helps me. I was over 40 and learning how to breathe.

Life is good.

Hello serviceranger, and welcome to NT. We're so glad you found us, and I'm sure you will be able to contribute greatly to the Service Dog forum.

I have MS, and have a sweet service dog named Montana. We were partnered two years ago, and he is an immense help to me as well as a comforting friend.

Well Howdy Ranger:

I just had to say howdy because I find you absolutely fascinating and your devotion to your canines is extremely admirable. Your honesty with what ails you is also admirable. Not easy living with PTSD and ADD, I can well imagine.

Anyway, just wanted to stop by and say hi. I live in Brooklyn, NY and near my home EVERYBODY HAS A DOG. I can't go around the corner without being jumped on, licked and just about be in heaven because all these dogs are wonderful.

Last night I visited my friend and her granddaughter who lives upstairs, well, she brought down the new addition to the family. Her name is Nellie Clementine and she just about ate me up. I never laughed so hard.

Dogs must know who they can jump on and lick. They had to drag her off of me, I was sitting on the couch one minute and laying down with her licking my face, in the next minute.

Never laughed so hard. Made my evening.

Pets are wonderful, and service animals save lives. So kudos to you for training them.

Take care, and I hope you are feeling good today.

Melody

Welcome to this fantastic site.

Were here for all.

Donna

Thank you Donna and Meody,

Right now let's see if I fint in.

Hi and welcome to our humble abode.