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@v1crew Hi, Craig. Colleen suggested I check out this conversation, so here I am, not with regard to transplant, but service dog. I've had a service dog for around 6 years. My first one, Barnabas, died suddenly, without warning, last February. He was a wonderful dog, loved by everyone. He was an Aussie/Border Collie mix, whom I rescued as a puppy. I still mourn his death. A few weeks later, I stopped by the local shelter, and a dog had just been brought in, a 2 year old McNabb. I connected with Sadie in the first 5 minutes.
Sadie is quiet and calm, and very smart. She already had some basic commands down, though I think her trainer wasn't consistent and used different commands than I do. I have a psychiatric service dog at the recommendation of my therapist, for major depressive disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorder and suicidal ideation. Barnabas was, and Sadie is handler trained, following online research.
ADA guidelines are online at their website. Among other things, certification isn't required at present, though, as you say, fake service animals could change that; trained dogs can be found - for a substantial price - and a person can find a trainer to train their dog; business owners do have the right to ask only 2 questions: "Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?" and "What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?" Often, the question I hear is "what kind of service dog do you have?" My reply is that she's a psychiatric service dog, and that's as far as it goes. I only say as much as I'm comfortable with. Almost without exception, curiosity is the reason for asking. I've only been asked by business owners a few times. Sadie is always with me. In restaurants, I request a booth, and I have a fleece lap blanket that I put down at the back of the booth for her to lie on. The blanket is always with me, as well, and is her stay space.
There are only two reasons for asking a handler to remove the dog: because it's out of control and the handler can't control it, or because the dog isn't housebroken.
The only public building that can choose not to permit access is a church. (The one I attend welcomes Sadie.)
Sorry for writing so much, but I like talking about my dog.
Airlines - some may ask for some paperwork to prove that you have a disability for which you have a service dog. Technically, they aren't supposed to ask for that, but it's a good idea to have it with you, just to avoid problems. The only time paperwork that is legally required is in court. I keep it in a file at home, and carry with me a printout of the ADA requirements.
Keeping people from petting Sadie is an ongoing problem, even though it says DO NOT PET on her vest. People will notice the Do not pet patch, say oops, and go on petting. Grrr. The rules I wish everyone knew are Do not touch, do not make eye contact, do not talk to her. Or anything else that moves her attention away from me to another person. I get tired of saying no.
I think my profile picture is Sadie. I recommend that anyone with a disability, for which a dog could perform a legally recognized task, at least consider the idea of a service dog.
Jim
Replies to "@v1crew Hi, Craig. Colleen suggested I check out this conversation, so here I am, not with..."
I know that my medical issues don't compare to what many others suffer from. I hope that you find some resolution soon, Craig.
I've had a hard time training heel. Sadie is a sniffer, and wants to follow every scent. She does fine in stores and other buildings, but I don't walk outside much because it makes my feet hurt too much. I started using a Halti harness yesterday, and she fought it at first, but she figured out pretty quickly that if she stays with me and doesn't pull or follow a scent, it's not that bad.
I'm a volunteer for Hospice, visiting patients in their homes or hospitals or care centers. Sadie understands that I invite patients to pet her, and I sometimes give a patient some dog treats to give her. That helps Sadie know it's ok to be petted by that person. She's learning that she has to ignore people, even if they're talking to her.
A lot of people think I'm training my dog for someone else. I think that maybe I'll print up a card to show people who want to pet or make over her, that says
I KNOW IT'S HARD, BUT
NO PETTING
NO EYE CONTACT
NO TALKING!
(Cesar, the dog whisperer)
I assume Saoirse is wearing her vest. Better just to have a service dog patch than nothing. I was surprised that the bus driver thought she didn't look like a service dog. Pretty amazing. I see all kinds of dogs, from mini poodle to German Shepherd.
I'm glad that she's already serving you. I know she'll make a difference in your life.
I would post some pics of Sadie and Barnabas if I could figure out how.
Jim
@jimhd, Thank you for sharing this information about service animals. I was not familiar with the ADA guidelines and requirements. I have always admired watching the dedication and focus that I see in a working service animal. And the unison, kind of a 'marriage of the minds', between handler and the dog is beautiful. I do know that I should not pet or interfere, but if appropriate I like to acknowledge the handler with a smile, nod, or a "beautiful dog" comment.
Wishing you a good day today and tomorrow and the next day, and on and on.
Rosemary
Rosemary, most of us like animals, and it's natural to want to interact with them. I'm no exception.
Many people understand the importance of not distracting a service dog, and I appreciate those people. When someone asks if they can pet, I usually thank them for asking. And I always like hearing compliments about Sadie.
With Barnabas, I had a policy that little kids could pet him. He always stood perfectly still, right next to me. But I decided not to do that anymore. (I'm amazed how many parents let their children walk up to a strange dog and start petting them.)
Visiting Hospice patients has been good training, getting used to wheelchairs and walkers. When I found her she was skittish and fearful, but after a year now, she'll put her head in laps and let a person with a walker touch her. I know that could be confusing, but I'm counting on her high intelligence to pick up the finer points.
My wife has a small rescue dog that was picked up on the streets of San Bernardino, California, and flown to Seattle by a rescue group. Our daughter lived there and saw him at an adoption fair, called us, and we drove up there and brought him home (for a price). Though he's not a service dog, sometimes he serves me well.
I hope you're doing well, Rosemary, and I pray for you, @v1crew, Craig, every night. I hope you're making progress toward your transplant.
Jim
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Hi Jim, I am with you on the no pet thing. People don't get it I am having a tough time already trying to train a llewellin setter into a service dog without extra distractions. I got her to be a medical alert dog for me as I have internal bleeding events and live alone. she is only 4 mo old but already knows I am ill.It is hard taking her to stores and such right now because of her curiosity but it will get better as she gets older. The bus divers gave me grief the other day said she looked like a bird dog not a service dog so I asked him what a service dog looks like..lol .When I ordered her vest I asked for in training patches but the sent me regular patches so I have to order more. Training patches would quell some questions. yes I am going to get another copy of my paperwork from one of my 20 or so Drs to keep with me. I have already printed a copy of the ADA regs. to show anyone if they ask. And I like talking about my dog as well:) Craig