feeling derailed about my Idea of an SD...HELP

[mccoll95]

so I talked to some SD programs about the reasons I would persue an SD . (deteriorating shoulders and need to transfer a little less due to bad skin integrity).

Every program I talked to said I was a great candidate. I've thought of how a dog could assist me, made my lists, done my research got on these boards and felt really good about it....until..

I'm on these other baords for a disability similar (but not exactly) like mine. Lots of full time wheelchair users. Anyway there is this particular nurse who flat out said she didnt' think a dog would help. she's the only one so far but she was so blatent about it. She's a nurse so I wondered if she was right, but i've been so sure for so long.

[Angie]

 

No one can make that decision except for you. You won't know until you give it a try for yourself. You may perfectly well go to team training and decide it is not for you. I've been in team training when that has happened and someone just decided it wasn't for them.

10 years from now you may decide it is no longer for you. I'm starting to fall out of favor with having working dogs after 15 years. Thats fine. Nothing wrong with it.

I say if you are interested in a dog and you qualify, you have nothing to lose by trying.

If I listened to random people I would not be driving a car, working or leaving my house.

[Kirsten]

Has this nurse actually treated you professionally?  If not, then her opinions of your abilities and needs are worth about as much as fake certification purchased over the internet.  I mean, if it's just some person on the internet, then you don't even know if she's really a nurse.  Or even a woman.

Stick with the experts you know.

[AshertoAsher]

deteriorating shoulders and need to transfer a little less due to bad skin integrity

ummm...this is the reason a lot of people in wheelchairs get a SD. In fact, I think that maintaining your physical integrity is THE reason people in wheelchairs get a SD (besides retrieving).

Honestly, only you and your treatment team know what's going on with you. This nurse online has never met you and never spoken to your doctors. Just ignore her and do what you and your doctor think is right for you.

Do you think that every person (or even every medical professional) is going to think that a dog is right for me? I can hike and jump and climb and swim (most of the time). I see (with correction) and hear perfectly. I don't have seizures, fainting spells, or moments of complete disorientation. What do I need a dog for?!

I'm getting a dog because: 1) my doctors have stated that I am indeed disabled after I carefully showed them the ADA and supplemental materials about the standard for disability under the ADA. 2) I carefully drew up a task list and went over it with each of my doctors. Each has stated that they think that the tasks my dog is going to perform will significantly increase my independence and functioning. 3) I personally know myself and my illness better than anyone else out there and I think that a dog will increase my independence and functioning.

Don't let one person who doesn't know what she's talking about rain on your parade. If you (and your medical professionals) think this is right for you, charge ahead.   

[Roxie]

How many people support you?

Do you want to use a SD? Think it will help?

Why are you worried about 1 person being unsupportive. Nurse - schmurse! How/why would she be able to evaluate your personal/medical need with any accuracy to be able to derail you?

Not a popularity contest! You need to do what you believe is in your best interest!

You are the expert in what you need for you!! Go for it with gusto!!!

[coombzy]

I agree with all posts here. She's one nurse (if she even is one). And I hate to even suggest this but she may be speaking without understanding the situation. It's shocking how many medical professionals I've spoken to who have never heard of a SD helping a person with mental disorders. All doctors. You'd think they'd make it their business to keep up to date with methods that help. I wouldn't necessarily count on a nurse to be up to date either or fully aware of how an SD can help you. From what you've explained it makes 100% sense to me. The benefits an SD could bring to your life are pretty significant. You need to avoid moving the shoulder too much, the dog can help alleviate what you need to do without costing you your independence. Seems pretty simple! Like others have said, don't read too much into one opinion that may not even be trustworthy. If you want to pursue it, do it! Did she even give a reason?

[mccoll95]

I knew if I just vented you guys I'd get back on track. Thank you.!!!
I' ve narrowed it down to 3 organizations I think/thought would be good for me.

I emailed them 3 specific questions

the first organization wrote  back but didn't even address a single question. Just asked for my address to send their info packet.

The second organization adressed all my questions, however they will not train their dogs to do a specific  task that I desperately need.

I'm still waiting on the third organization...(fingers crossed)

[Roxie]

95 - you are a true winner!   

[Angie]

  

Cool. Don't stop looking at even more programs until you are happy. You are doing great! Good luck with your 3rd choice! 

[coombzy]

The first MIGHT end up being okay, they may just be in overload and you'll be able to discern from the packet if they have any inclination to train for your specific needs. Good luck with the third!

[Magesteff]

Mccoll - The first SD organization I applied to didn't think I was "disabled" enough as I am not in a wheelchair full time etc. I am still pursuing a SD with other organizations.

No one has the right to decide what is an appropriate action for you except yourself. A nurse from another forum? She diesn't even know you or your situation in full.

Only you, your healthcare providers, and the organization that you are applying to can tell you if they feel a service dog will be able to help you, and if they can provide one for you. And even if one doctor or organization tells you no, if you feel an SD will help you, keep pursuing it with others. That is what I am doing.

[Lin]

Just a thought- if everything is right except for a specific task, can you find a private trainer to train that task? For example I am hoping to train my next SD for some psychaitric tasks. however I'm at a loss and don't know how to do them. The organization that assists me with training mobility tasks, does not handle any psychiatric tasks. But I found a trainer (she works for a training organization, and has OT her own SDs) who would be willing to train the tasks on a private basis.

[mccoll95]

Lin,
that's an amazing Idea and I'd use it if I could, however for this particular task the dog needs to be of a certain height/weight/build so the dog that gets matched to me would need to be that way in the first place. The rest of the tasks I need do not require the dog to have this pre-requisite

[Linda]

If you have a dog you feel you can train to do the job, then do it.  I would still be confined to my house without my SD.  Don't let anyone poo on your idea.
I would advise you to get to a training class though.  Don't try to train a SD without that support and socialization.
good luck.