Assistance dogs

KateBrun

Hello. I was wondering if anyone here has an assistance dog or any advice for me anyway?!
My sister is a dog trainer and has suggested that I look into getting an assistance dog. She says it would be able to help me with picking things up (i have trouble bending and reaching for things) and getting me dressed (i don't need as much help with this but it's less painful if someone holds the sleeve of my jumper/jacket while i wriggle out of it!).It might also be helpful in getting me out of the house a bit more as I get pretty down being stuck indoors a lot.
I'm learning to drive so I'm hoping this would spur me forward to pass my test as I wouldn't be able to take the dog out without driving. I do however find it hard sometimes keeping up with practicing to drive and wanting to get up and out when I'm really sore and I wonder if having a dog will help me with that or am I fooling myself a little?!
I'd need to get out every day in the week with the dog (my boyfriend and sister have offered to walk the dog in the eve as they both have dogs to walk themselves).
I LOVE animals and think this sounds like it might be a great help but I also want to stay realistic!
What do you think?! Kate x

Wonkylegs

HI Kate,

I can't advise you about an assistance dog, as I haven't had any personal experience with them.

However, I am a dog owner, and one of the reasons I first got littlelegs was to get me out of the house. I was severely depressed, isolated, and also lacking in any motivation to exercise.

I won't say it's been easy - she was a rescue dog, and a troubled one at that. She was house-trained but that was it - behaviour outdoors was terrible and meeting other dogs was more trouble than anyone could have prepared me for! (an assistance dog is trained specifically though, so you'd not have that problem hopefully!!)

The benefits for me, and my hubby, have been immense. Yes it's a tie, a responsibility and sometimes downright frustrating, but the company, unconditional love and multiple rewards mean that I've never regretted getting her.

It does help to have a plan a and plan b for emergencies, which i see you are already thinking about. Perhaps getting in touch with one of the assistance dog organisations and chatting things through with them might be a good idea. They are the experts in what can and can't be achieved.

I wish you well and hope that you find the answers you are searching for.

WOnky xxx

But

hileena111

Hi
I'm sorry I cant actually help you but I wish you luck.
I know {or know of} a few people that have them but they are wheelchairbound. They need help getting wasing out of the machine, answering the telephone etc. I find bending very difficult but have to adapt to other ways of doing things.
Anyway good luck and I hope it works.....let us know how you get on
Love
Hileena

stickywicket

I had a friend with Muscular Dystrophy who was chasing up this idea when she died. She found the people very friendly and helpful but she'd been told it could be a long wait.

I agree with Hileena. My friend was confined to a wheelchair, even in the house, and the sort of tasks mentioned were as Hileena described.

However, you can ask for nothing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Go for it.

georgie66

i do have a dog he is our best friend and companion..mr G and me love him to bits..
i am not in a wheelchair but walk with crutches and mr G walkes with a stick..
our dog gets us out of the house and gives us lots of laughs..
we picked one that dosent shed his fur so ..very good for us..
go for it kate what have you got to lose.

KateBrun

Hi guys! Thanks for your replies! I've had a look at a site for assistance dog training and will send them an e-mail to try to get a little more information. It says on the website that rheumatoid arthritis is one of the conditions which people can apply for a dog with so fingers crossed. Anyhoo I think I'm going to try to knuckle down with my driving and find out some more info about it too. I'll let you know what happens! Thanks again, Kate xxx

catrocks1982

Hi Kate have no experience with assistance dogs, but i too have been thinking about getting a dog, i am used to big dogs how ever due to not having a great deal of energy, and always in pain i thought about a wee yorkie or something similar.

Would be a companion to get me out the house for a little while as im not out much. I live in a cottage next to a big farm and woodland so not far to go for walks

I think u should definately go for it, i personally with it being a wee terrier type am going to start from puppy to get the best which will keep me busier training wise

hope you get a wee dog

Catx

Annah

My mums has a guide dog (she's blind) and it's been an absolute godsend, not just for the obvious way that the dog stops her falling into potholes or walking into lamposts, but in giving her confidence and helping her get out there and meet people. Dogs are great ice-breakers.

As well as the practical things a dog might do for you, also consider that you might value an non-judgemental companion, who attracts people to you, making life a little less lonely.

There is only one thing: you can't be the sort of person who always has to be the centre of attention, because I can guarantee, the dog will be center stage when you're out. My mum doesn't mind this but some people hate it.

You'd also have to cope with strangers who think your dog is just a fluffy accessory and will distract it when you're out working it. This is possibly a greater issue for a guide dog, however, rather than an assistance dog. Although I did recently ask a guy if I could pet his assistance dog, which didn't appear to be working at the time, and he was really stroppy with me. But I suppose he got fed up of people wanting to stroke the dog all the time.

The other thing to be aware of is that an assistance dog is still a dog. That might be obvious, but people forget that they're not robots. You really do need to like dogs to have one. Also there is a long waiting list, but I wouldn't let that stop you.

All the best.

frogmorton

Hi Kate

What a fabulous idea

Sounds sooo worth looking into! please do let us know how you get on/what you find out

Love

Toni xxx

KateBrun

Hi guys! I'm loving these positive replies! Will definitely keep you up to date (although like Annah says I think it might be a long process!) I'm ringing a friend of my sisters tomo who has had an assistance dog for a few yrs so I can hear about her first hand experience. Will keep you all updated And good luck Cat with your new pup! Let me know how that goes too! Like you all say animals can make such a difference to how you feel and loving them back is a great natural anti-depressant! Kate xxx

catrocks1982

Yup definatley Kate keep me posted I hope you manage to get an assistance dog, and not have to much of a wait.

Fingers crossed i can get one there arent many in my area so may take a while, however im gawna be like this long term so may aswell get used to it lol :roll:

take care and hope to hear from you soon

Catx

catrocks1982

Hi just a wee quick updated i get my new puppy next friday sooo excited.

Just a wee small dog, im soo pleased as im hardly out the door this will help me go out and get fresh air and start to enjoy life again

Have you heard anything back about the assistance dog?

Hope you are keeping well.

Catxx

clanckyclara

Cat, What great news, so exciting.
I look after my daughter's dog for her. She's a large dog and still only 8 months and too big for me to walk etc. At one point my daughter made enquiries about having her trained by a charity as an assistant dog for me. That way we all benefit. They seemed interested but we haven't followed it up yet. I'll let you know if I find out anymore as you new little pup may be trained to pick up socks etc for you (lol).

For those who would like the companionship of a dog and cannot manage to walk it very far, there is an option to foster or adopt an 'oldie', which is what I had hoped to do before my daughter needed me to dogsit for her until she can find suitable accommodation.

They are dogs over 8 years old who have had to be given up by previous owners usually because they are going into care or have died. So sad but also perfect companion dogs for those of us with limited mobility.

julie47

Hi cat I have missed this thread some how and I have just been talking on chit chat about getting a dog, asking which dog?

I went to a dogs trust rescue centre but alas there wasn't one suitable for me at that time.

I am soooo very happy and excited for you that you are about to get a new addition to your family

Have fun with your new little dog

Love Juliepf x

catrocks1982

I know its great news im very pleased will help me focus a bit more as just now my heads all over the place with my pain etc.

i am getting a laso apso so small dog, never had such a small dog before as im used to having german shepherd but just would need to much walking etc and i am limited to the energy i can use just now.

Pick her up tomorrow and i cant wait to bring her home and bring her up well. will definately be teaching her to help her human mummy lol

Hope you get a dog soon julie im sure theres one right round the corner waiting on you xx

Catxx

KateBrun

Hi Cat Hope your dog's settling in well, what's he/she called? I looked at them on google and they're very cute (although so are german shepherd's!) Just wanted to fill people in that I've passed my theory test so just got to get the practical done now them I'm going to push ahead with the assistance dog stuff! Will keep you all informed! Kate xxx

catrocks1982

Puppy has been here for 2weeks now and is settled completely, what a little star is such a good wee girl. I have named her Belle, she definetley suits her name.

Im glad i got her as my bf is now out the picture, he just didnt get that i cant do as much as i would like to due to the medication, really wanted me running about after him, i am just not able to do it. Thought best action was to say goodbye, and i feel better for doing it as he was such a selfish and arrogant man.

Just me and my animals now an im happier this way, now i can concentrate on me! Its like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders :P

Excellent news on passing theory, practical is easy peasy just stay calm and relaxed, it will all fall into place if you do.

Catxxxx