Hello Everybody!

I am a "retired" mom, which means my only daughter has left the coop. In October 1998 she was struck by a car and suffered from Trauma Brain Injury (TBI). As we were "imports" from Germany we didn't have family to help. As loving as friends, colleagues, church are, long term illness takes another avenue. We battled for years and ended up "between the cracks". Amazingly it was a tiny sheltie pup that shed light onto our lives. Since my child had/s seizures this little fellow taught us how to recognize/forwarn chemical imbalances. He taught us! Since then it is my deepest desire to train dog's for folks with challenges.

As for myself, I held on as long as I could. After battleing the world to get my daughter help, I "crashed" to the point were i didn't know my age, only some personal history. After a year or two of rest, I was able to go back to school part time. So I went and graduated from the only NY City and State school for K9 training certification. And I still havent learned enough.

Now I would like to train my own Psych Dog. So I got a collie pup, but am having a hard time. I thought he was a service dog in traing, but this NY county won't acknowledge that. Any advise? I need him because I will not hear alarms or anything when I am sedated in the evening. Once he is taller, he can turn on the light switch for me. He already brings me items (water bottle, keys, flashlight, etc.)

I am so glad you guys exist. Just hope I can figure out all this THread/chat business! So please bare with me.