I think it is wonderful that people plan on training their dog to help but what about getting a dog that is trained already to aid? Is that possible with this condition? Just a thought cause I can't imagine how much work it takes to train a dog to do like that. I love others animals but not for myself though sometimes the comfort sounds nice. They can be very expensive though and not to be a downer but something to think of. Also if you are not feeling well being able to take care of it. I know for many the love outweighs that. Lastly for me since my rsd is in my legs having a dog like I trained my moms to not jump on me is key. Hey maybe I could train. My moms dog jumps on everyone but not me. It is like he knows. He is 13 I think too so I just trained him 2.5 years ago with this. Anyhow sending thoughts.

Hi Pete, I'll ask my pet girlfriend about Huskies. She is a cat lover herself. But she will know about your dog I know when my daughter and son in law got their min pin, they bought her at a shop in the mall. They took her to Petsmart for the training program. She is a doll and very obedient. She's my grand doggie. smile My cat brings me so much comfort. She actually is on the internet. I'll check the website and give it to you PM. Take care, loretta

Yes, I think RSD would qualify for an assistance dog from the places that train them. I didn't look into getting one from a place like that, because I found that a person could train their own and it was legal, and I could do it, so why take one from someone who didn't know how, or was not able.

There are many places that train assistance dogs. Some the expenses are covered, the dog is donated to you... but I think you have to pay your way to the place where the dog is to pick it up and usually for a couple weeks of time and training with the place. Others, you have to pay for the dog.

The prison program I worked with didn't charge any extra for working with Josie than any other shelter dog. They would have kept her an extra month or two - or longer - and worked with her on anything specific if I wanted, for a "donation"... such as extra work on heeling, or retrieving. It is an option for anyone who thinks they would want a dog, but may not be up to dealing with a very young puppy, or all of the training.

I know it helped me out a lot to have the housebreaking 99% done and a very good foundation started on the basics of training.

I opted not to have them keep her for longer, as she was already so well behaved.

Being 5-1/2 months old, she was still in the very formative months, and bonded to us quickly. She was a rather sad pup though, having been through lots of turmoil in her short life. Now that she has been with us 3 months, she's starting to really come out of her shell, and settle in. The saddness is gone and a happy, joyful pup has emerged. I think the prisoner must have been very good with her, but perhaps he wasn't truly loving with his affection... knowing he would have to give her up any day... and so she never knew real love till she came to live with us.

I never expected this threat to go this long... So, now my thought is, let's not just talk about me, or should I say I'll try to finish that up....
I am Bi Regional. (Is that a word?) I grew up with a S. Husky, and raced her, she was beautiful, had some "red" in her, (Her eyes, and flanks were both red), SO MANY people wanted to breed her, when I was racing her, but too late, she was "fixed, or broken".... I don't know how to think about that?

(Grew up, or Older, on top of Mt Pocono. and my Husky had room to run. Lots! But, with RSD, I also like "temperate" climates now. Not so much into the four seasons. More of a Hotel 6er! Hah!

Oh say, 6-8 years went by, and my children acquired another, (both were females, "fixed"), and both were beautiful. Sadly, I don't know where the second one is. I'm "estranged" from her as well.

But, they're both "singers", with that Whoo Roo Roo Roooooo, kind of voice goin on.
I actually called my childrens dog "Rooo". (Sing to the Moon!)
(My kids named her "Jezebel", Now, there's a wonderful name to be calling out, when the darn dog runs away....)

But, I've been "lightly" searching to see if there's some sort of "miniature" or smaller kind of Siberian Husky. I know the Samoyed's are lovely, and I think there is some sort of miniature Husky, or Alaskan sled dog....?

Remember the band "Three Dog Night"? That "name" was based on how cold it got, in the north, and how many dogs you needed in the Igloo, to keep the family warm! Yea. A "Three Dog Night" was considered the coldest!
So, these are absolutely loving family animals!

Anyway, enough of me. That's just my preference, and I highly doubt that it'll ever happen for me again.
We'll see how life goes.

But, this thread has turned into something I didn't expect, and I want to cut it loose of myself now....

Because so many of you here seem to have so many great experiences, with pets of all kinds, and let's just go like that, ok?

Thanks to all who have replied, keep the thread going, and let's hear all your "Loved One Pet Stories"?? OK?

Love to Ya'll,
Pete
Asb

Daylilyfan that was a nice story. I think it is amazing and great you trained it. I was just wondering for people who could not. I did not know though that with an assistance dog fees can be paid. So would you be able to bring the dog to a store?
Aintsobad maybe a mix of the husky and a smaller dog. Why do you feel it won't happen? If it would bring you joy and comfort I think you should try to make it happen. It sounds like it would be an amazing thing.

I think it would be of help to any of us to try to get an assistance dog, if they can possibly do it.

I am sorry if you feel I took this thread over. It is something I have recently done a lot of research on, and thought I could help by sharing.

I will bow out now.

Daylilyfan you helped a lot so thank you. I was telling my mom about this too. I agree it could be a great source of comfort and hope

Whoa, No!
I was saying anyone took over! What's it matter anyway?

I'm in an apartment now, IF (big if) I get my home back, I'll surely get a doggy.
But, I've thought I took the thread up, I was so enjoying reading everyone else''s experience's!
Keep them going!

Woof!

pete

Could you have one in your apt? I think if it is an assistance dog they have no choice. It is your right but I could be wrong.

Hi Daniella,
I think I just have too much on my plate right now.
I'm not even driving.
Gotta get this divorce over and done with. Without giving my life away.
Thanks!

pete