I was at Costco today with my husband and we saw someone with a service dog. This started a conversation between my husband and me about service dogs. He made some sort of joke about getting one, and I had a lightbulb moment. Having one would prevent me from ever having a situation like I did on Monday with that kid that was out of control stepping on me.

Of course, we also don't have the money to pay for a dog either. You could buy a car for that much money! I'm wondering if anyone else has a service dog and it has helped. I'm thinking that I could try a lot of different avenues. First, when I see my PM doctor next I could see if he would recommend one and maybe my insurance would pay for it. If not, I could start contacting local agencies like the Lions, Elks, etc and see if any of them wanted to jump on board to help. As a last ditch effort, I was thinking I could do the train your own dog thing. I found a local trainer who does group training sessions for dogs for $250 for a month, then will do a couple individual sessions for $300. Since I don't have a lot of experience with training dogs, that would help me get what I needed at a reasonable price.

Anywho, I was wondering if anyone has any advice. I realize this could turn into a long process and right now it's something I'm just tossing around and haven't really decided on. We've always wanted a dog anyway, and having one who could be my companion to help keep me safe and give me a helping paw with everyday tasks seems like a great idea if we do decide to go down that road.

umm a dog with a docked tail? I cant imagine having a dog around me.

Like you said,you want to feel and be protected,I heard before when I was working , that the process for getting one is like you are actually adopting a child,very difficult and long process ,I used to help patients either blind or with severe glaucoma ,they were verly see shadows In front of them,one day I politely asked why they need the dog,some of then where not completely blind and they told me because of the condition they had ,their dr and medical group contacted the agency where the dog got trained,well I live in California but I'm sure all states have services for people like us,with special needs,back then I did not ask where they get the dog because I never imagine I will or will know someone who need it,shame on me,I asked about everything but I did skip that question,I still frequent the area where I used to work,if I see some of the patients ,I will ask for sure,meanwhile I hope you get one sooner,blessings and good luck from Jesika

For every successful service dog there are many many more that don't quite reach the required standard. There may be retired service dogs as well? It is quite difficult to qualify for service dogs from what I am led to believe. You could also consider a rescue dog who in the right circumstances may become your true companion who you learn and grow with as you participate in training the dog to suit your needs?

I've heard great things about service dogs and it's something I have considered...but not sure what kind I would get. Even though I have balance issues...I think having a smaller service dog would actually be better for me. One that could retrieve things for me (because sometimes I just can't get things I need because I can't get up), alert people if I need help (I have run into situations where I was "trapped" on the floor for several hours because I couldn't get up and no one walked by), etc. I don't think I am at the point yet where I need a service dog...but as time goes on it may become a necessary step.

One thing though that helps me with the space issue is my walker. I need it for balance and it helps with the pain...but it also has the benefit that people tend to give me a bubble. Not always...there are always exceptions...but I could count the number of those exceptions for an entire year on one hand (and they all happened in Disney World or Disneyland...so not common day occurrences). I don't know why the walker makes such a bigger difference with the space issue than just a cane or crutches (I used both of those before)...but it does. Maybe because it's harder to ignore and not as easy to miss (though I don't think I understand how you can miss crutches).

Anyway...just wanted to share my thoughts on both...sorry for getting a little off topic. I think the service dog is a good idea...but it would also be a lot of work and it is costly. There might be other options that could serve the same purpose that would cost less (like the walker). I got my walker on amazon.com for about $100 and it's a good one (4 wheels, canvas bag under seat so it's easy to fold up, large 8 in wheels so it works well even on uneven or rough surfaces, pink, shorter height since I'm only 5ft tall, etc). But it depends on what your main needs would be for a service dog. If it's just the space thing for now and/or balance needs...then a walker might help with that...but if you need things retrieved for you, help opening doors, etc then a walker obviously cannot do those things (though it is handy to use the basket under the seat to keep things with me that I might need and to carry things).

I think I also saw a post on here about service dogs in the past...definitely do a search because I know people posted with their actual experiences and they were all pretty positive.

I don't know about service dogs, but it sounds like a great idea. I love dogs and have always had them. I had to put my little shiapoo to sleep yesterday because she had diabetes and was not responding well to all the shots of insulin that my husband had to give her. We tried, but it was too traumatizing on her. She was an old lady, but we loved her. She was my Great Aunt's dog and I promised to take care of her when she passed away last November. I did my best, but feel so gulity and sad. I can't stop crying. I loved that dog. I know this thread is about service dogs and am sorry I got sidetracked. This has been an awful week for me. I think you should look into the service dog idea. I know they train service dogs in Morristown NJ. They train alot of german sherpards and have been around for a long time. I can't remember the name of the company, but will look it up if you want me to. I don't know where you live, but you may want to give them or someone in your area a call about this great idea you had. Maybe they will start training more dogs to help people with rsd.