Wondering if anyone here has a service dog? What their dog does for them? What breed is their dog?
Has it been very helpful to them?

Here is a thread that might be helpful.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread185288.html

Since that thread, I have noticed a lot of Facebook "Groups" that have started up about having, training and being partnered with Service Dogs. Most are good resources for connecting with other service dog users and learning about what is involved.

There are a couple other threads about service dogs here on the RSD forum that you can search for... and if you go to the Pets Forum here on NeuroTalk, there is a sub-forum in it for Service Animals.

Hope that helps.

My hands have become much worse since the post I linked to above, and it has become much harder for me to type, so I seldom post to the forums now. I used to be able to type long posts or private messages to answer questions but right now that is very hard. But the links in the post and the Facebook groups are very helpful. Some of the people in the FB groups have RSD, and can speak to what the dogs do to help them.

Daylilyfan

Hello,

I have a service dog. His name is Jaxson, he is a Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever mix. The most important thing he does for me is walking/sitting/standing to the side and slightly in front of my right leg which is where the CRPS II is most sensitive to even the slightest touch/breeze. He has been trained to stay in that position to protect me from tactile stimulation among other things. He also provides a great distraction from pain because when he is with me it makes me happy, I can look at him and feel comforted in spite of the pain. I would highly recommend this breed for a service dog!

I hope you are able to find one that meets your needs,
Tessa

Hi Everyone. Thank you for all the info on service dogs. I never knew they provided service dogs for people with rsd. That is really nice to know. I am disabled and have a placard but never thought of a service dog to help me. That's a great idea. Thanks to everyone here for letting us know about this option. I love dogs and have one that is a rescue dog. She is good therapy for me especially for my depression, but she is not a service dog. I've been wanting another dog and could use a service dog to help me walk and protect my rsd sites from people who seem to always run into me or step on my feet in the stores. Oh boy does that hurt! My rsd started in my hand but spread to my limbs and stomach. The only problem I'd have was holding the leash. I can't with my right hand where I initially got rsd, so I'd have to use my left hand which is also affected with rsd now, but not as bad as my right hand. I could make it work though. I have to look into that. Thanks again Tessa, Daylily and Supergirl for the great idea. I hope you are all doing okay and have a pain free as possible night tonight.

Yes, I have a service dog for CRPS. My dog provides me with mobility assistance (balance, counterbalance, brace), blocking and protecting my "right side", deep pressure therapy for the tremors, circling to protect me, wheelchair ambulation, medication and item retrieval, (I want to train "find help", along with guiding to exits, and carrying bagged items). I feel like there's more, but I'm forgetting. I'm very knowledgeable about SD'S and was just referred to this forum, and I'd love to help someone out who is looking :-)

I had been considering getting a service dog for my middle son, who was born without legs and gets around in a scooter or wheelchair, but I had never heard of a service dog being able to help with RSD. I'm a real dog lover (we've always had dogs) and I'm so happy to hear that service dogs can be so helpful for people with RSD! Any help with this awful disease is great! Thank you all for sharing this info, and gentle hugs and prayers for good days

Welcome Rsdwarrior610.