I hope y'all don't mind, I posted this on the Pets forum and haven't got any response. I love everyone here and y'all always have such great advice that I wanted to post it here as well. Please tell me if I'm crossing any lines here with moving this post here.....

Thanks for putting up with me!




I'd like some opinions on getting a service dog

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I had what I like to refer to as an MS meltdown last year. Apparently up until June of last year I had been having mild symptoms which I just didn't pay any attention to. I used to be fairly active, walking/balance wasn't a problem, (I would walk for exercise, sometimes 2 miles or more a day)

Then it all hit me, and like so many others, my life changed. Thankfully I am still able to walk, but it isn't as easy as before. Whenever I leave the house I carry a cane and if a lot of walking or standing is involved I use a wheelchair. I do have some pain when walking but balance and stairs are a big issue.

I have checked several different places about service dogs. I guess what I'm looking for is others opinions on getting one at this stage of MS. I realize that the MS could possibly (hopefully) stay where it is now, but I also do understand that it may get worse. At my last neuro visit I showed increased loss of sensation, strength and reflex on my entire right side.

I used to never worry about going out anywhere alone, but now I very seldom go out alone. I'm so afraid of falling (which I've done several times, but dh was around to help me up) or walking like I'm drunk and walking into traffic or something like that or even dropping something and not being able to pick it up.

I think a service dog would not only give me the stability I need when walking, but the confidence to be able to go to the store, etc. by myself more often. I have always had animals around me, recently, 3 dogs, (they are with my mom now) so there wouldn't be a problem with getting used to having an animal around.

I'm sorry that this is such a long post and that it is probably confusing as to what I'm asking. Just please tell me if I'm crazy to even be thinking about a service dog now or if this is something that would be benificial to me now and in the future. I guess in some ways I feel I am not "sick enough" or deserving of a service dog.

Does any of this make sense? lol

I think that a service dog could be valuable. I have only heard great things about them. And, if you never really need the service dog to do any of the things that it is trained to do, you still have a great companion while going to the store and being around the house.

-Vic

Thanks Vic! I agree...I look at it as investment for the future, if (IF)my health gets worse then I'm prepared, if not then I've got a wonderful dog to keep me company!

But why is there still that little nagging feeling of "not being worthy" so to speak of getting a service dog?

I know what you mean about "not being worthy." But...I saw a program on TV recently that featured a little girl with autism (I think). She had a service dog just to give her courage and companionship.

I would think you are every bit as deserving as she is!!! Go for it!!!

And if you insist on feeling guilty after you receive your dog, maybe use your new/renewed abilities to help others for a time each week.

Good luck to you!!!

Thank you Twink!
Maybe I just needed to hear from friends that I was on the right path?

If I still had my dog TinyMonsters (he died in March of 2006, less than a month before my right hip went numb...) I'd probably be training him to be a service dog.

Of course, if he hadnt died 2yrs ago, he'd be dead by now. Large dogs like him dont usually live past 12. (Tiny was 9 when he died)

IF I ever have to get a service dog, I'll be getting another dog of the same breed as TinyMonsters was. He was a Bouvier des Flandres. Best dog I've ever had, and probably the best breed of dogs that I've ever seen. (I do have a fondness for Pugs too, but Pugs probably would not make a good service dog)

I'm actually interested in learning how to train a service dog. I obedience trained TinyMonsters...had the best time in the world training with him. It's fun to learn how to train and teach a dog...and it was really great having a civilized 100+ pound dog. (if he hadnt been trained, I'd have probably been killed for his kibble by moving too slowly)

The only drawback at having a service dog would be the fact that large dogs do not live much more than a decade.

Tiny did sort of serve as a service dog for me. I have some weird phobias, and Tiny kept me from freaking out during a few scary moments (now I just have to deal with them on my own)...plus, he made me feel better when I had to stay home alone. 100+ pound dog that was extremely protective of me...I wasnt all that worried about anyone breaking into my bedroom while I was sleeping. I had 100 pounds of teeth and scary furry-ness sleeping next to the window.

Erin,

Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry that you lost Tiny...I have such a soft spot for animals...it's heartbreaking when you lose one.

I don't have children so when I have a pet (of any kind) I seem to go into mommy mode lol I spoil it rotten and usually end up going overboard at PetSmart lol

I've had people tell me that a service dog is just that...to serve and that I shouldn't expect to have one for protection. I guess I can understand that but like you, it would be comforting just having one with me when I go out alone. We live in a nice area but you never know what might happen. I'll admit I get worried sometimes when I do go to the store or wherever by myself and I'm wobbling (sp?) with a cane.

I would love to talk with you some more about Tiny, learn more about that kind of breed and how you were able to obedience train him. If you'd like PM me or send an email, maybe we can talk some.

I'm off to dream land now...have a good night!

Hi I am new to this forum here but when I read this post I wanted to respond. Hope nobody minds! This is basically up my ally as it were! As I have taught my own service dogs for over 25 years.

Everybody has asked themselves the same questions "Am I sick or disabled enough to have a service animal"! "Am I worthy enough"!After asking this the next thing is what can a service dog / animal do for me? What are my needs? Or at least that is what one should ask themselves before just jumping right in.

You basically answered your own question in a way by stating why you need a service animal. (ie counter-balance so you do not fall or loose balance, alert and pick-up items that is hard for you to get, bracing if your in need of getting up in which a cane cannot move forward to pull you, etc.). Mobility Service Dog!

To answer this we have to go back to the question what is a service animal? What do they do for people with disabilities?
A Service animal is any animal that is individually trained to perform tasks to benefit an individual with a disability (the disabilities might not be visible). Their special training allows individuals with disabilities to be more independent. Types of service animals are but not limited to: Guides; Hearing; Mobility; Medical Alert/Respond; Psychiatric; Parkinson; etc.

Mobility Brace animals are taught to assist those with Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Congenital Abnormalities or any person with a balance problem. What can these dogs do for me? Whether be in a wheelchair, crutches, canes or walkers, the work of these dogs may include pulling, turning on and off lights, carrying objects, picking up dropped items after alerting to such (safety reasons), opening doors, and of course stabilizing a person as they rise from a seated position, or those whose balance is challenged in order to prevent a fall. Or assist in recovering from one.

So no you are not crazy to be thinking about having a service dog. Now is the right time to start thinking about whether or not one needs a service animal. What one's needs are in the now and what maybe in the future! As it takes time to train dogs to become service animals. (approx. 15 months - 2 years for various tasks).


I have actually taught my dogs to counter-balance me when I am out and about. They feel the change in my body language even before I do and will either pull to the left front or to the back if need be. This way I will not fall or loose my balance. Also for any uneven level of the ground which could make me loose my balance or trip my dog would auto counter-balance. When I get down on the ground to get something I have majour issues getting up a cane cannot do it but my service dog is there to brace me. Using their upper shoulders to brace myself so I could get up either from the floor or off the bed, chair or couch. Bracing in various ways for the situation. Without my service dog I wouldn't be able to get up and to have somebody do it with out being taught could hurt them as well as me not to mention be dependent on somebody else.

Hope this helps you in making your decision!

I'm so glad you've posted this thread...this is very interesting. You will need

to take time to have your dog trained (unless of course you buy one already

trained). It's probably a good idea to get a service dog now, since you are

somewhat mobile; it would give you time to get used to each other before

you need his services more, know what I mean??

I hope you seriously consider this; it sounds as if you're definitely in need

of one.

Good luck!!

Thank you all. I am going to start getting serious about getting one.

Today would have been a good day to have a service dog....I woke up feeling all yucky.