Does anyone have a service dog? And if so how do you like it and such? My mom really wants to get me one. She is a nurse and often has to travel and I have no one to help me for several days a week. I have been having a bunch more bad days then good days lately. I can hardly get out of bed some days and I have to depend on my wheel chair just to get around my tiny apartment. Also I have noticed my hips to hurt so bad that I cant even bend over to grab things I either have to sit in a chair or get completely on the ground to grab the item. She also wants to get one because of my seizures. I have the complex partial seizures so I have no clue when I do and don't have them. The only time I do know about them is if I am pouring something and the next thing its all over the ground or a friend comments "hello are you there". I am on seizure meds. but I am not sure if they are really under control as I still have the auras. Things such as smelling burnt toast, burning rubber or just weird odd smells that no one else can smell. I had a car accident almost 2 yrs ago now, and looking back I feel like I had one then as I cant remember anything before being hit all I remember is finding my self on the side of the road after being t-boned by another car.
Why don't you have an occupational therapy consult They can do wonders with teaching you strategies and also have a multitude of devices for helping with things like reaching If you qualify for medical assistance there is also a program called Personal Care which can send you out an aid for a couple of hours every day.
I have a Boston Terrier, and she's the best dog! She's more of a comfort dog, and she's very intuned to me. When I come home from work, she's with me constantly, and when I need to rest and nap, and she's right there with me. Just to have a companion when you are alone, someone to talk to is such a big boost. I think your mom has a wonderful idea...
I am dog sitting two terriers and now an adorable puppy pug. Some are part time some full time. This is my work it’s not work they make me laugh and give unconditional love. Some days we all rest a lot lol… My life would be quit empty without them. I say go for it!!!
I'm so sorry to hear about your circumstances.
I don't have a service dog perse, but my little 11 year old Yorkie mix, is my comfort, and she thinks she's helping me.
About 2 years ago, she witnessed me having a very convulsing seizure, as my husband ran to get my medicine, she came and sat next to me. Then afterwards she climbed up on me, as if to hold me down. She then stayed by my side almost always. Every night since then if she senses me not being well, she comes and sits on top of me. My seizures are under control right now, thank God. But, even if I'm not sleeping well, or any other Lupus related 'thing' she sleeps on top of me. She is my blessing.
Like Poobie said, talk to somebody. You will get the help you need. God sends us what is required.
Good Luck to you.
Yes, a service dog that is trained in recognizing seizures would be perfect for you. The love and companionship would be so worth it for you too! I think this is a wonderful idea. I have 2 small mixed breed dogs and they help me so much when I am having a flare, they are always by my side. They are great for our mental health too...someone else to think about.
Can your mother get you one of those grabber tools so you could pick things up more easily? A dog could be trained to do that too. Good luck and let us know!
I also do not have a service dog, but I have two great Danes and an Italian Mastiff that are my lifeline when no one is home. Though my wife does not work, she does visit her grand parents and parents quite often during the day and it not always home. On days that she is not home and I am having a bad day my dogs become my helpers. I don't know if they can tell I am having a bad day or I just seem off to them, but as soon as I try to get up, one is on each side of me, holding me up and helping me keep my balance on days that it hurts so bad to walk and I am afraid I may not make it from the living room or bedroom to the bathroom and back. I know not every one is a "dog" person, but big or small I have found that dogs a great comfort in times of need.
I have a friend with lupus who has a service dog. She's in a wheelchair too. They are inseparable, and he does alert her to when something is coming up like a seizure or passing out, etc. If you'd like to email her accept my friend request, and send me a private message to remind me that you want her address. I'm sure she'd be glad to tell you about her dog.
Sheila
You can get dogs who can help alert you before you actually seizure. If it is true seizure....people and animals send out electrical feeling right before hand so we sense it. I cannot say how many times my dogs with seizures woke me up previously and it works both ways.
You should contact license therapy dogs such as dogs for deaf, blind or canine companions and ask them what group specifically trains to help with seizures. The main reason is it takes years of training plus too many people are throwing a jacket on their dogs claiming their are therapy dogs and many commercial retailers are complaining to right people since these dogs are not even house trained or have bitten people in their place of business...even worse things.
So legit places are asking people to get legit dogs or ask people to please go through proper channels or else the laws are going to be tighten up and it will only hurt those with legit dogs and other animals.
As to dropping things..i go a long handled picker upper thing....but as to helping with burning toast...yes i taught my canine dog to be aware of those smells and go get their owner. I worked with that dog for 2 years! Than it spent another 6 months with it's handler...person it went to so they could make sure they were good pair. A lot goes into it ...such as personalities. speed of person's walk etc...so you are excellent fit.
I also agree about personal care person can help you greatly as well. My mom had one for a month after major surgery and i learned a lot as well!! Too bad we could not just take these classes like some places off for their customers, like Kaiser.
Good luck...you can start with your local health dept if you are not sure where to start plus your health insurance company. Oh and of course SSI can help you as well.
Are you familiar with the organization, Helping Hands: Monkey helpers for the disabled? They are a wonderful organization out of Boston. They train monkeys to be companion service animals . It is the most wonderful group of people. The work they do is extremely fascinating. I have been involved with them for about 12 years or so. I didn’t t have a monkey as a service animal. We were a foster family. I had a foster monkey for 8 years. The are cute, helpful, funny, and such great companions for those who would need a service animal. Check them out on the web.
Thank you all so much for all the wonderful information on them! We are still seriously looking into it and will be interesting what we find out about them!!!
I'm looking forward to the day when you post a picture of your new dog : )