dumb question

[willowwoman7]

This is probably a really dumb quesiton, but I'm going to ask anyway. Has anyone gotten or thought about getting a service dog? My balance is so bad and it's getting so hard to walk, I've been thinking about applying. Am I nuts to think about this?

[willowwoman7]

I have checked into it and they are being used by people with severe balance problems like mine. Problem is, it takes up to 2 years to get one! I think I am going to apply and see what happens.

[doublevision1]

Aw, Quix, she was PRECIOUS!   And apparently a bit of a ham?

[Quixotic1]

Teddy's pic (I miss her!)

http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/9240

[Quixotic1]

As a woman who lived with a Seeing Eye Dog (TM) for 15 years because my exH was totally blind, they are amazing animals!  Depending on your balance problems a larger dog with a shorter harness handle might give you enough balance.  Or you might do better in a power chair with a helper dog.

Ours was a chocolate lab who was so smart she learned to read lips for her 6 most common commands (I kid you not!) when she went deaf.  We didn't notice.  The Seeing Eye also teaches hand gestures, so she watched those when she was working.  Her name was Nadine.

And speaking of extraordinary animals.  I had a little overbred, microcephalic Burmese, that I lost a couple years ago.  She was totally demented, but very sweet.  Each night she had to tackle and kill the bathroom "Rug Monster."  She could only rest knowing she had yet, again, vanquished that poor, tattered, blue rug!  Anyway she didn't like sharing the litterbox, so she took matters into her own hands.  Even if she didn't have to go, if she thought someone was nearby, she would get up and "pose" waiting for someone to praise her!

I think it is a great idea for someone with a need that an animal could fulfill.

Quix

[doublevision1]

I think it is a great idea.  I'm not sure how often they are used for balance issues, have you looked into this at all?  If it would help, go for it!  They can be trained to do other things for you as well (incl. fetching stuff) that could spare you some energy.  

Since it looks like I'm the first to respond, I'll put in the first plug for a breed.  Standard poodles all the way!  Smart smart smart dogs, highly trainable; I know of one trained for a woman with MS; and LOVELY warm sweet personalities, very sociable, love to be busy and to please the head of the pack.  My preference is black but apricot and white are sweet too.

With a license you will be able to bring your buddy basically everywhere with you if you need to.

Let me know what you find out.  I would do this in a heartbeat if/when I need it.

db1