[whyme1997]

I was denied a service dog (from canine campanions) because I can't hook it up to my wheelchair by myself. I'm a quadriplegic C 4/5 and have no use of my arms. I live by myself but have aid service 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours at night and they agreed to help me take care of the dog. I would love a dog. Any suggestions? Thanks, Gail

[edlee]

Why does it have to be a service dog? Couldn't it just be a pet? There are thousands of older dogs in shelters all over the country, that would trade love and devotion for a good home and a kind word.

They may not be pure breds,,, but then,, neither are we.

Just a thought.
ed

[twisted_ophelia]

edlee, on Sep 8 2009, 07:19 PM, said:

Why does it have to be a service dog? Couldn't it just be a pet? There are thousands of older dogs in shelters all over the country, that would trade love and devotion for a good home and a kind word.

They may not be pure breds,,, but then,, neither are we.

Just a thought.
ed

Agreed. If you are looking for a dog to be a companion, the dog doesn't need to be a service dog. Just go adopt a needy dog at a shelter, there are many many many animals out there who need loving homes.

[azx43]

How about adopting a needy shelter dog and then training him to be a service dog? That'sw what I did, ancd I'd recommend that route to anyone.

Moqui Macs is a Border Collie mix, and he's a working and certified service dog. He goes to work and everywhere I do, and every day he proves that mixed breeds can do the job as well as or BETTER than many purebreds. We used the Top Dog program in Tuscon, AZ, for his training, and also obedience classes at the local Petsmart. The are many many organizations out there that can help you train your dog. Personally, what I like aBout Top Dog is that it is conceptualized and written by and for people with disabilities, so they speak to YOU- it's YOU that own and train the dog, not someone else training a dog for you. Picking things up, helping you dress, whatever you need a dog to do, they can help you teach your dog to do it. They also can help you and the dog to work around any adaptive equipment that you might have, and teach you about the responsibilities of owning a service dog, not just your right to do so.The result is an extremely strong partnership between you and your dog, and he's custom-trained to work with your needs, not someone else's.

[kiwiquad]

Hi Whyme..just a thought, could the service dog be taught to attach him/herself to your chair? Perhaps a fesible argument to put forward to canine campanions.
Good luck.

[bbqsteve]

My service dog Buddy was adopted by us a 7 months and trained by me to be a very good service dog, goes where I do and helps me a lot. I have new conditions now with my new injury and look fwd. to training him some new chores. I used online dog training groups to teach me how to teach him. Can't remember the sites but it was clicker training and was able to get pros to teach me step by step to get complicated results. Buddy takes out trash, brings shoes, other clothing, picks up stuff off floor. Cleans up clutter in room. Many helpful behaviors as well as in tune with my pain. He brings me drinks and I have him get up into an easy position to put on his harness after he brings it to me. It takes a lot of work but pays off big and gets your mind off other problems. Take care.

[whyme1997]

I wouldn't mind going to the pound for a dog. However the apartments I live in makes you pay a $300.security deposit for a pet. (unless it's a registered service dog then it's free) I don't have that kind of money up front. Thanks, Gail