[Heatherr]

Does anyone here have any first hand experience with a service dog for helping with their symptoms? The tricky thing here is the 'healing' time. Seeing as I may be 'better' in 6 months, 2 months, 1 year, 10 years.... what investment (time wise) is worth it?

I was in a car accident in early Feb, and now have migraines, noise/light sensitivity, vestibular issues, etc etc. all the "normals". I am lucky in that I have an extensive background in dog training, and a recently acquired dog who could actually be cut out for service dog work.

I have a friend who has suffered for decades with similar symptoms - the real reason unknown. But around flourescent lights/some stores she gets the migraine/almost passout (and can pass out) feelings. Her dog alerts her BEFORE this happens and is trained by smell. He also helps with balance when needed. i've started teaching my dog the behavior for the alert - a double tap with his nose on my leg. To brace me when I need the blanace. To pick up items when bending over is too hard.

I'd love for him to tell me that I'm going to get a migraine in a store before its overwhelming me!

But - once he tells me, then what? I leave - but I still haven't picke dup my meds from the pharmacy. Or gotten my groceries. So its a little catch-22 I guess?

Thanks for your input!

[Mark in Idaho]

Sounds interesting. My dogs, beagles, especially my female, were very sensitive to my struggles. They knew when to no be pushy. They have been gone 5 years now.

If you can train your dog to understand you, he many be the only understanding living thing around you.

My daughter has trainer her red healer as a service dog. She is more of a highly skilled companion dog.