Service dog ?

[honugirl]

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about getting a service dog after my next surgery. My next surgery will remove my adrenal glands which means I will make ZERO stress hormones. I will replace them, but if I were to get sick, I could go into crisis and be unable to summon help. I live alone. I will also need to carry replacement injectible medication with me for the rest of my life.

Would I be able to qualify for one just on the basis of having them there for emergency purposes and trained to phone 9-1-1 and open the front door?

If I go into crisis, it can mess with your mental faculties so I could become disoriented without realizing it or end up falling and not being able to get up again.

Is this enough or do they need to do more? It would really be more of a security measure for me. I'm sure in time, just like seizure dogs or diabetic dogs, the dog may pick up on the low hormones and potentially be able to alert to them. Which also could be a big help.

Thanks!

Oh, and I guess I should add that I would look to get a dog around a year old from a shelter and would look at doing the training myself.

 

[videogal1]

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about getting a service dog after my next surgery. My next surgery will remove my adrenal glands which means I will make ZERO stress hormones. I will replace them, but if I were to get sick, I could go into crisis and be unable to summon help. I live alone. I will also need to carry replacement injectible medication with me for the rest of my life.

Would I be able to qualify for one just on the basis of having them there for emergency purposes and trained to phone 9-1-1 and open the front door?

If I go into crisis, it can mess with your mental faculties so I could become disoriented without realizing it or end up falling and not being able to get up again.

Is this enough or do they need to do more? It would really be more of a security measure for me. I'm sure in time, just like seizure dogs or diabetic dogs, the dog may pick up on the low hormones and potentially be able to alert to them. Which also could be a big help.

Thanks!

Oh, and I guess I should add that I would look to get a dog around a year old from a shelter and would look at doing the training myself.

If you do a bit more research than your question reveals you have you'd see the problems in your goal. If it were, for instance, critical to have a service dog that alerts one to medical conditions that flare up occasionally, everyone would have one. The point of a service dog is not supposed to be turning the responsibility of managing your medical condition over to a dog.

 

[honugirl]

If you do a bit more research than your question reveals you have you'd see the problems in your goal. If it were, for instance, critical to have a service dog that alerts one to medical conditions that flare up occasionally, everyone would have one. The point of a service dog is not supposed to be turning the responsibility of managing your medical condition over to a dog.

OK, I see your point. I guess I don't see it much differently than a dog that alerts to seizures or a hypoglycemic event, but perhaps it is. This would not be the primary goal for the dog. If they learned to do it, great, if not, not the end of the world.

My main deal is I'd like to have the dog there as a fail safe because when a patient with no adrenals starts to go down hill, they can go down hill fast. How often will I have a problem? I don't know. Some people have great control and some don't. It's a lot like diabetics, some have great control, others don't. I just don't want to end up in a situation where I can't alert someone that I need help.

Some days I don't even know why I bother to ask about this kind of stuff. How would I expect anyone to know and understand my condition anyway? If I had autism or seizures or any one of a zillion other conditions, people would say it's a great idea. But since I don't, it obviously must be a stupid idea.

 

[bookwormde]

The roles of service dogs have been expanding over the last decade so it is always worth asking. I think the biggest issues would be if the training could be maintained for such an infrequent event and if at home where you might be at rest anyway if the SD could readily identify if you were having a medical problem when you were sleeping or at a place were you regularly slept, especially since it is especially difficult for a dog to “work” effectively and consistently when sleeping themselves.

It is always worth contacting some of the local SD agencies to see if they have any experience with anyone with similar needs as yours.

There are no “stupid ideas”, analyzing the practicality is how new ideas and procedures are developed.

bookwormde

 

[honugirl]

The roles of service dogs have been expanding over the last decade so it is always worth asking. I think the biggest issues would be if the training could be maintained for such an infrequent event and if at home where you might be at rest anyway if the SD could readily identify if you were having a medical problem when you were sleeping or at a place were you regularly slept, especially since it is especially difficult for a dog to “work” effectively and consistently when sleeping themselves.

It is always worth contacting some of the local SD agencies to see if they have any experience with anyone with similar needs as yours.

There are no “stupid ideas”, analyzing the practicality is how new ideas and procedures are developed.

bookwormde

Thanks! That gives me a little more hope. Contacting local SD agencies is a good idea. I'll look into them.

You bring up some points I hadn't thought of.

I want to get back to living a "normal" life, as "normal" as possible. I see myself hiking and biking and doing things like that where a dog who could alert to help if necessary would be a good thing.

I know that dogs can pick up on the hormonal changes in my body because before I was diagnosed, my oldest sheltie would pick up on the days when I had too much cortisol in my system. I believe he was actually smelling hormones from my tumor 'cause he was spot on in where he'd lick and wouldn't quit. He would run his nose into my forehead almost dead on to where the tumor was located. I know when I have too much cortisol, I emit an odor. I'm sure a dog could pick up on when I don't have enough.

Maybe I'm supposed to develop a new procedure, maybe that's why I'm living this nightmare... who knows!

 

[SueM in MN]

I want to get back to living a "normal" life, as "normal" as possible. I see myself hiking and biking and doing things like that where a dog who could alert to help if necessary would be a good thing.

I know that dogs can pick up on the hormonal changes in my body because before I was diagnosed, my oldest sheltie would pick up on the days when I had too much cortisol in my system. I believe he was actually smelling hormones from my tumor 'cause he was spot on in where he'd lick and wouldn't quit. He would run his nose into my forehead almost dead on to where the tumor was located. I know when I have too much cortisol, I emit an odor. I'm sure a dog could pick up on when I don't have enough.

I think it would be easier to see if you have any very early warning signs that you could then alert the dog to get help for you before you get to a point where you can't alert anyone yourself.
As was already pointed out, the problem with an infrequent event is the dog getting practice. Most people I know of who have seizure alert dogs have fairly frequent seizures, so the dog never gets out of practice. Without frequent 'safe' ways to practice, you might think the dog would react correctly in a crisis, but you would have no way of making sure. And, I would not want to have my life possibly dependent on a dog doing something that I'm not absolutely confident he would do.
You also have to be clear what exactly you need the dog to do and HOW the dog would do that in any situation. So, maybe write out some notes for yourself on what happens, what you need and then you can think of ways a dog might help with those things. But, without a clear plan, you won't be able to train the dog.
For seizure alert dogs, it's usually to give the person enough advance notice of a seizure so that they can get into a safe position before the seizure begins. That allows them to avoid injury. If you fall down during a crisis, you might need that sort of alerting, but if the dog's role is to alert emergency personnel for you, that is going to be too late. And, how would the dog do it. At home, you may be able to train the dog to press a single button to alert 911, but what would you do it you are out - the dog is not going to be able to get your cell phone out of your pocket to call 911 if you are out alone. Even if you are in a store, how would the dog alert someone - there are so many variables that it would be impossible to do.

I don't know how you would safely train a dog to a situation where the only way to train the dog to alert would be for you to be in a crisis. I know for some things (like training drug sniffing dogs or cadaver dogs), they do have chemical 'stand-ins' that can be used for training. There are also specific scents (like acetone) that people with diabetes give off when the blood sugar is high. That scent can be used for training purposes. You might want to check with your doctor to see if there is some scent that can be a 'stand-in' for any of the chemicals put out by your body. If you can find some very early warning sign the dog can alert you to before you get to a crisis state, then an alert would work because it would give you advance warning so that you can do something.

Also, even though you had good experience with your other dog, your new dog may not alert to your situation at all. Not all dogs have the capability to alert to everything.

 

[LauraVV]

Some days I don't even know why I bother to ask about this kind of stuff. How would I expect anyone to know and understand my condition anyway? If I had autism or seizures or any one of a zillion other conditions, people would say it's a great idea. But since I don't, it obviously must be a stupid idea.

Make a list of all the things you need help with. Then talk to a service dog agency and see what they can do.

I have dangerous allergies that could kill me if I don't have an Epi Pen. I don't have a service dog for this. Remember, a dog, even a smart one, has the IQ, at best, of about a five year old.

So...you need someone to call for emergencies. Do you have a personal alert system?

Make a list of tasks, for example:
Call for help.
Retrieve phone, meds, etc.
Medication reminder.
Balance
Assist you when you fall.

 

[honugirl]

Thanks for the replies Sue and Laura. They're much appreciated. I have some things to think about.

This is all new territory for me. I never expected to end up having to cope with something like this at my age. If I can make this work, it may help others with my condition live easier, maybe even more useful lives without the constant worry. When you don't make stress hormones, one wrong move or calculation in medication can send the body spiraling downward. I'm honestly pretty dang scared about having to deal with this for the rest of my life.

I think the best thing for me to do is take some info about my condition and head over to a service dog trainer and get some feedback.

Crazy as this is going to sound, I'd put my life in a dog's paws before I'd put it in the hands of about 99% of the doctors I've dealt with. When it's estimated that only 10-15 people out of every million will get my original syndrome and even less than that have the surgery I'm going to end up having, you become an anomaly to doctors. Most will rarely, if ever, see a patient like me unless they are at a major health care institution. There's a chance I can train a dog to figure out what to do to help me, I can't train a doctor...

 

[videogal1]

For someone disabled to the point of qualifying as disabled under ADA standards there is little chance of "getting back to normal". If that is your goal what will you do with an expensively trained service dog then if you realize it? Take charge of your own condition and figure out how to control it using the best information you can find. It is not the role of a service dog to do something you could do for yourself.

 

[honugirl]

For someone disabled to the point of qualifying as disabled under ADA standards there is little chance of "getting back to normal". If that is your goal what will you do with an expensively trained service dog then if you realize it? Take charge of your own condition and figure out how to control it using the best information you can find. It is not the role of a service dog to do something you could do for yourself.

Wow. When I originally posted this thread, I honestly didn't expect to feel so much hostility from people. I'm in shock. I know my life will never be "normal" again once I have this surgery. But I'd like it to be as close to "normal" as possible. I don't understand why wanting to get back to a "normal" life is so bad? Right now I have no life. I'd like to be able to enjoy some of the things I used to do.

I understand I have to take responsibility for my condition and I will to the best of my ability, but I never expected people to tell me that I shouldn't explore an option that could be a possible fail safe and backup that might help make my life better. If no one ever asks questions or tries something new, we would never get anywhere.

I see now that if you don't fit in a box, you aren't afforded the same courtesies as others. I'm sure no one would have told a diabetic who has frequent hypoglycemic episodes that "it is not the role of a service dog to do something they can do for themselves". Which in most cases, it is, they can check their blood sugar with a meter. I'm sure many can begin to sense when they're having an episode as well. But there are times that things get out of control and they need assistance. Obviously these dogs serve a purpose and help those that they are entrusted to.

I encourage people to think outside the box for a moment. I'm sure I could have explained myself better in the original post. I'm sorry I didn't. This is still confusing and new to me as well. It's not an easy condition.

I now understand why people have left this board. Come seeking hope and possibilities and end up feeling like I never should have said a word.

 

[honugirl]

Psyciatric SERVICE dog tasks

If I'm being judged so harshly and I have a life threatening condition, maybe we should tell those people that have a psychiatric service dog that they don't need them either. After all, there's anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication and PTSD behavior conditioning. There's also copious amounts of coping strategies that can be employed. They can obviously help themselves, they just need to learn more about their conditions, right? Realistically, I'm sure none of you would begrudge those people a service dog, I sure wouldn't.

I also don't see a problem with a dog for an autistic child that is taught to track them down when they run away, after all, there are tons of useful other strategies that can be employed here as well. Tether the child to the parent, strap them to a stroller or a wheelchair, never take them out of the house, etc... After all the parents should be able to find their lost child on their own? Right?

I think you get my drift. I think we can agree that there's a lot of medical conditions that service dogs are of great comfort and value to. Sometimes they really are the best option for giving someone the freedom that they are looking for.

I'm not looking to take away a dog from someone else, from an established trainer, if that's what people are worried about. That I might take a dog away from someone that people think truly needs it more than I do. My plan was to get a dog on my own and foot the bill for training it myself. And if the day came that I no longer needed a service dog anymore, than I guarantee you, that dog would live out it's life with me living life like a king or queen, with respect and gratitude for the days/weeks/months/years of service it gave to me.

 

[videogal1]

The law doesn't care about you, your feelings, or how you wish to run your life. It was mentioned earlier that you needed to do more research. This is part of it. Those of us who deal with service dogs on a regular basis are experienced in ways you cannot learn about except from someone in our shoes. Having to depend on a dog for basic living tasks is not always such a warm and fuzzy thing. If you get a service dog and, of course, take it with you EVERYWHERE and at all times, you will find out about dealing with business owners that do not want your presence in their establishment. Sometimes these encounters are hostile, unfriendly, and downright rude. If your "disability" is invisible, plan to get a LOT of unfriendly looks and probing questions about why you have a service dog. You don't have to answer them but the interruptions can be unsettling...more so than these posts, which you are probably reading in the safety and comfort of your own home. Try handling an unfriendly situation at WDW, where you would least expect it. It can ruin your day. Do you read the posts from people complaining about ECV encounters? People can be stupid and behave in ways that will make your teeth ache. You think the dry fact responses to your questions are hostile? Buck up and get tougher. Qualifying for a service dog is not an easy thing. The ADA standard states you must be SUBSTANTIALLY limited in one or more MAJOR life activities to qualify as disabled. People with psychiatric disorders so severe as to qualify would not probably be able to leave their house with or without a dog because of their debilitating mental state. Do your research and stop feeling so put upon. No one is picking on you.

 

[SueM in MN]

I now understand why people have left this board. Come seeking hope and possibilities and end up feeling like I never should have said a word.

Just some reminders for everyone:

For Readers/Posters asking questions:
The great majority of people on this board are trying to be helpful to others.
Some of them are a bit more blunt about it than others, but in most cases, they are trying to help. Their opinions are just that, their opinions.

For Responders/Posters answering questions:
Pleas keep in mind that many people are asking for help here. Many are sort "thinking out loud" to figure out if something will work/how something will work.
Some are not in the state of mind or acceptance of whatever they are dealing with to easily handle what you may consider the 'unvarnished truth'. Please think of how you would feel if you had written the question and gotten the response you are writing.

If anyone wants to read more 'musings' on the subject of posting, please look at the Open Letter From SueM on the disABILITIES Board.
It was written for another situation like this.

Now, please play nice, I don't like to hand out points for fighting.

 

[arminnie]

Psyciatric SERVICE dog tasks

My plan was to get a dog on my own and foot the bill for training it myself. And if the day came that I no longer needed a service dog anymore, than I guarantee you, that dog would live out it's life with me living life like a king or queen, with respect and gratitude for the days/weeks/months/years of service it gave to me.

I lived in the vicinity of a service dog training facility in Northern California. We almost always had someone with a dog in training at work.

Some questions to ponder would be "How would you pick a dog to train?" Most of the training groups have pretty rigorous screening before a dog goes into training. And then "how would you train it?" And then if the dog was unable to be trained "what would you do with the dog?" What if you had to attempt to train 2-3 dogs before finding the right one?

Not all dogs can be trained as service dogs. It is not uncommon for a dog to pass all of the screening, go to training, and yet still not make it as a service dog. It can be a very long process.

In the meantime I would suggest that you look into some type of medical alert identification in case you have a problem. Also the "fallen but I can't get up buttons" really do work.