Having a service dog sounds just wonderful. Heck just having a fuzzy companion of any sort is wonderful. If this is something you can pursue why not? I think the benefits to mental and physical health are immeasurable.

My husband just asked me today if I got bummed sitting in my La-z-boy, if I had too strong an association with it from my surgeries. I was pretty much living in it for a while. But I told him no, and the reason is because of my cat. She pretty much lived in it with me, all snuggled up by my side with her head under my chin. She certainly isn't trained but she gave so much love that she neutralized any pain association with my chair. To this day she can tell when I have more pain and is very attentive. I don't know what I'd do without her!

I have 3 cats. They sleep on my thighs and feet, which really helps my leg pain. You wouldn't think it would, but there's showing about the warmth and purring.