Have you ever considered getting or do you have a service, working, therapy, or emotional support animal to help with your medical condition?
Share a picture of your furry-loved companion (does not have to be for your medical condition)! We'd love to see them!
If you have a service, working, therapy, or emotional support animal, what was your experience getting him/her?
Ask a question(s) to our members if you are thinking about exploring getting one.
Be sure to also check out Tatiana Corbitt's most recent article, U.S. Service Dog Law Basics - https://socialhealthnetwork.com/living/service-dog-law-basics
I've had Gabe, my seizure response dog, for four years and he has absolutely essential in my journey. He has been with me every step of the way. One time he saw I was about to have a seizure and he pinned me against a wall and slid me to the floor. He spent a month with me at Mayo Clinic and has been my constant service dog whether it is going shopping, to the hospital or just being by my side. One time he saw me having a seizure and barked to get my wife's attention. Truly remarkable. We've just started volunteering at a local hospital to go and encourage and support the patients and health care providers. The downside is that he's a service dog and not my pet. There is a difference and you have to continually make sure to know the difference. I've heard of multiple people ruining their service dog's training by not keeping that distinction.
Service dogs should not be allowed on couches, chair, and beds. They have to know when they have their vest or collar on that they are working which is why sometimes I don't let people pet him if I'm having issues a particular day. Lastly, I have to remember that while he's my companion, helper, and friend he is still a dog. If I blurr those lines I usually have a problem that I have created. Also please remember that according to ADA your dog only has to perform one particular task that is directly connected to your disability. This is what defines a service dog. I always carry a letter from my neurologist stating my disability and how I need a service dog. The best is really just something I use to communicate to him and the outside world that he's my superhero.
hello. That would be hard to keep the barriers up. It makes perfect sense, having those restrictions though. He must be on alert for you 24/7. I have read up on service dogs and their limitations, however, it wasn’t as descriptive as yours. That must be why they start the puppies when they are off their mom?
I know that the people who have service dogs are eternally grateful that they are able to live a less handicapped life.
Thank you Gabe!
Thank you for sharing dannoyes.
~Janet
Havannah and Teddy gained 2 brothers a few months back. Havvanna enjoys wrestling with the boys. Teddy, not so much. She bullies them and they are starting to tease her. A chew toy will do it!
They have tripled in size. As they pounce on me to wake me in the morning I can’t help laughing and laughing. With some coughs thrown in. I’m so grateful that we got them. I wondered if it would be too hard, but we see our 3 Shih Tzu’s in them. That is such a peaceful and joyous blessing.
If anyone wonders if it’s wrong to get another dog, or cat, I say no. Shop around. You will know if it’s right. Hold them, walk them, snuggle them. Go back and see if this seems like a right fit for you and this potential pup. 🐶 Know what you are wanting in a pet. Do you have allergies to certain types? Large, small, non-shedding (some still shed a bit)? Did you have a good encounter with the potential pet? Big, small? Child friendly? Are you wanting a service dog, an emotional support dog? Or a pet? Please be so careful, there are spammers out there. Be so careful.
Did you know that even puppies can pick you too. I had my heart set on 1 or 2 black puppies. I felt nothing for either of them. The lady took them and handed me one, then the other. They snuggled right in. I wanted both. She knew finances were tight and gave me a wonderful deal.
, you're most welcome! Have a wonderful weekend! - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
I’m not considering a service animal for me personally because of my uncontrolled asthma. I have allowed my daughter to have a cat to combat depression. I have allowed my other daughter to have a dog to have experience with responsibility before she reached the age of eighteen. I have dealt with another daughter sneaking turtles, cats and dogs in our home and different times. I have given my son a dog as a birthday present years ago. I have nothing against animals just normal rules where we reside the landlords don’t allow pets.
you sound like the best kind of mom giving and letting your kids have all kinds of critters.
Apartments are difficult to have pets, that makes sense because of noises and potential damages.
Asthma can put a damper on so many other things. Thankfully my pulmonologist adjusts my meds as needed. I developed both asthma and COPD as an adult. Mine are all as non-shedding as they can be. Hair is kept short, baths are frequent according to needs. Light or unscented.
I hope that you are getting along okay.
~ Janet Plank
My cat is not a registered service animal (I don't know how to do that without getting scammed) but she intuits when I am having a serious flare or getting seizure-y and climbs up me and weighs me down to make me lay on the floor until she deems it ok for me to get up. She's my little nurse.
Thanks! That helps! , I'm glad it was helpful! You're most welcome! - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
