Assistance and Comfort for those with Chronic Illness
For those who are mostly homebound, and often bedbound, it can be a tremendous benefit to get a Service Dog; that is, if you like dogs to begin with. There are a couple of ways to go on this. One is to get a dog specifically trained to perform tasks that are difficult for you to do on your own. They can be trained to do amazing things! For example, if you have pain upon bending down they can be trained to pick up items on the floor. Items you need can be arranged such that a trained dog can retrieve them for you (i.e.,leaving water bottles out where she can pick one up instead of leaving it in the fridge). You get the idea. There are also dogs trained for a specific issue. For example; here is a link that is specifically for balance for those with MS.
About Balance Dogs for MS patients
This is a very specific topic, but one critical for MS Patients.
If you suffer from Fibromyalgia, or a milder form of any illness where you are able to do most tasks of daily living, you may still want to have a dog for comfort and companionship. These dogs need to be trained well by their owners on basic obedience (if you don’t think you know enough to do this, go to Petsmart, or somewhere for obedience training). In addition, they can be trained to do some tasks for you. The difference is they aren’t certified as Service Dogs unless the dog is trained by someone licensed to do this. But a Companion Dog, or Companion Service Dog (terms usually interchangeable), needs to be trained by the owner. Having a dog certified as a Companion Dog you , enables you to take it with you anywhere - either for companionship or to ease anxiety. If this sounds like a good fit –and you want a dog, getting a Companion [Service] Dog might be the way to go. This is what I have done. It enabled me to take two 20 lb dogs on a 2 and a half hour flight, without kennels! These are considered "snub-nosed" dogs. These are breeds that cannot ride in the cargo hold due to potential for breathing problems. It was pretty funny - I had two tranquilized dogs,limp dogs, with me on a relatively long flight. They put me in the very front with no one in front of me.
I have two Lhasa Apsos; Tobe is 10 and Bo is 3 years old. I would not necessarily recommend getting a high maintenance dog like this (long hair, high maintenance grooming). You have to consider the breed's maintenance requirements in all areas, not just grooming. I'm willing to pay for grooming, with a trade off; my boys are lap dogs, and very high on the cuddle factor. ;) The good news is Lhasas are considered "hypo-allergenic": some difference, or lack of, typical dander. Plus, Lhasa Apsos don't shed. In addition, they have few, if any, hereditary health problems. As Tobe started to get older I knew I wanted a mature trained dog with me already when he goes. This gives you an idea of what factors need to be weighed and it's a very personal choice since we all have different needs. It is very unusual to have two Companion Dogs. Personally, I have found it to be a wonderful experience. They are so funny together (laughter eases pain), and each is good for the other, which is nice to watch. They have such a close relationship (they're both boys -no one thought it would work!), and I don’t feel guilty if I haven’t played with them every day . They play with each other. Then there is the obvious benefit: dogs love you unconditionally. Mine lick my face when I cry. And whether Im gone 10 minutes or 5 hours, the welcome home response is the same!
I personally do not recommend adopting a dog. If it is a puppy (under 14 weeks) and a full-bred, or two-mixed bred dog, like a Schnauzer-doodle, you are probably not gambling. Just research both breeds for health and maintenance issues. The reason is you will have no way of knowing what kind of health, allergy, etc., problems you are getting into. I felt that grooming would be cheaper in the long run than large vet bills. So far, I have been correct. But breed choice, adoption or not, these are individual decisions. For a Service Dog, the breed is chosen, and is usually either a Golden Retriever or a German Shephard.
Another category of service animal is the Psychiatric Service Dog category. Don’t led the label bother you; this is for people who have severe depression, bipolar disorder, etc., who may , or may not, concomitantly have a chronic physical illness. I haven't met that many people in "our" situation that dont suffer from some level of depression on occasion.
For Psychiatric Companion Dogs - Here is a good place to start:
Psychiatric Service Dogs
Training for Service/Companion Dogs
Service and Companion Dogs - Resource Site
Great source for basic information; it is strictly a "link site".
Canine Companions for Independence
The Law – ADA and DOJ – and Certification for Companion Service Dogs
This is a site where you can not only learn about Service Dogs, but you may also get your self-trained Companion Dog certified here. I found this to be a great source of "back-up"; when renting an apartment, dealing with housing, or riding a bus. If you are questioned or doubted, you can just pull out the part of the ADA that shows your rights, or the Fair Housing Act through DOJ. The latter is quite explicit about our rights to have service dogs.
For those of you who are ill but not on disability you would need a physician to make a remark in the letter you obtain. Don't be afraid to make a list of things that you find you need in your letters for certication. They are usually relieved when you've already written the letter for them!
I hope this is useful information. I didn't know for years into being on disability that I could have my "guys" certified without going through formal training.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to use the comment feature of this blog.
Have a great day!
Kathie Turner
Your Health Coach
