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Service Dogs For Fibro

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 7/16/2014 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
I recently learned some service dog organizations list fibro as one of the disabilities that qualifies you for one.
Has anyone tried it? I'm considering trying to get one, though I know they can be very expensive so it may just be a pipe dream lol. I'm not sure also if it'd be a big help or another burden as my sister has 3 dogs in this house that often get dumped on me. Though it'd be really nice to have someone to go to the store with me.
Posted 7/16/2014 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
I've never heard of using service dogs for those with fibro, but it sounds like a great idea!

If you do decide to get one, please let us know how it goes.
Posted 7/17/2014 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
Please repost if you find out more; it sounds so interesting.
Heart
Posted 7/17/2014 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds interesting....I wonder what they are trained to do exactly? It would be nice to have help picking things up of the floor.
Posted 7/17/2014 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't found out much so far, but there are two sizes. Some recommend a certain type of small breed which has a "warm water bottle" feel that has been shown to soothe sore hands/wrists when held. There are large breeds as well that can do things like open doors and get light switches.
Posted 7/17/2014 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Just keep in mind the upkeep of the service dog. I think it would be awesome. Wish I could train my dog to do stuff for me.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 7/17/2014 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have 2 standard poodles, so I belong to an online chat group, & a couple of them have trained their poodles to be certified as ( sorry brain fog) service dogs. They are extremely smart & easy to train, but they are expensive & they have grooming issues. Their digs can even pick up credit cards off the floor. One of them keep poking his owner in the chest & whining, & she was found to have had her cancer returned! What an amazing doq. cool
Posted 7/17/2014 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Have any of you read the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain? It is a wonderful story of a dog's place in the family…at one point the dog knows the human has an illness (brain cancer) but is unable to commicate his knowledge…it is really a good book.
HEART
Posted 7/18/2014 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
My husband and I are working on training our daughter's dog to become a certified service animal. (He is a shelter rescue. Part Lab/Dane and is 100 pounds now. He is only 16 months old, so he still has some attention issue we are dealing with.)

She has Ehler's Danlos and will need him for balance. We have taught him to pick things up and he can get a credit card off the carpet..........he kicks it off the tile onto the carpet and picks it up. Due to balance issues, she falls and he can't bear her weight yet, but he stands still for her to practice getting up. Recently he has brought groceries in from the car and our purses.


Four months after we got him, she fainted in my yard and we did not know they were here. When he got no response from us at the back door, he instinctively grabbed her waistband and started pulling her 25 feet to our front door.

Two local restaurants have allowed us to come in and practice. (until certified, they can refuse entrance) He goes to Mass with her and I take him to my crochet group for practice of having to be still to prepare for going to work with her next year.

We have a long way to go in training, but he has learned so much this past 7 months.
Posted 7/18/2014 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, Mrsppmrxky. That is awesome. Your dedication to helping your daughter lead a full and safe life is inspiring. What a great dog you have there…seems like all his instincts are right. Many blessings to you and your family.
HEART
Posted 7/18/2014 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you <3. We have been so worried about her health that we would do anything we can to help any of our kids to stay independent.
Posted 7/18/2014 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
I'm the spouse of a retired military member and I can tell you I see a bunch of the wounded warriors with service dogs. I've also spoke with several ladies in grocery stores that have service dogs. I'm considering getting one for myself too. This is what I can tell you that I've learned.

Yes, fibro is consider a disability and you can get a service dog for assistance. There is a difference between the services dogs depending what the person has. In some cases health insurance will cover the cost of the dog. I was told if you are in situations that can end in a life or death instance, insurance will cover the dog.

You know the types, the blind, deaf, diabetics, seizures disorders, etc. I've been told that one of my conditions Central Sleep Apea should be covered. If I fall asleep w/o my machine I'll die period. Apparently, I make a very distinctive noise (hubby calls it my death rattle) my dog can be trained to recognize the noise and awaken or get help. There are service dogs that are for therapy like PTSD, Anxiety, etc these dogs are normally not covered by insurance.

Since, talking to some of the guys at Bethesda, the dogs can bring them their medications, and if they don't take them, the dog will go get a bottle of water and bring it to them. If they still don't take their medications the dog will nudge them until they do. According to those I've talked with the dogs can pull a wheelchair (you'd need a big dog) help put the wash in and out. open the frig, dish washer etc.

The reasons above is a large part of why they are so expensive. I have found with the places contacted, I'll have fill out an application, and they will come and do an inspection of my home. I have to prove that we can afford to keep the dog healthy, happy, and safe at all times. You have to sign an agreement stating these facts.

I'm not sure what happens in the situation of folks who can't afford say Vet bills, and if the person isn't well enough to walk the dog and do not have a fenced in yard what happens. I know I'm hesitant to get a service dog a big reason, there is no way I can walk the dog everyday. I'm to sick and on chemo days the dog will be bringing me a bucket to puke in. So, I'm still researching into this, if I learn anything else I'll let you know.

If you have any questions or want information from me, you can post or contact me at my email in my profile. I hope this helps somewhat.

Hugs,
Barbara
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