Getting A Service Dog.

[blackemerald1]

Well good news. I have received a letter telling me that I am still on the list, that I am still approved, that maybe my dog is currently in training and maybe it might graduate and receive it's reg. and also the people who will be helping and supervising me for the first few months (training me with the dog) have given the green light and are ready to rock.n.roll.

And then I received a visit, unannounced - par for the course - from my supervisor. I've met her before and she's ok. She told me she's going to see why I have to wait so long again.

So.. I've got all excited again! Trying to contain it and moderate my mood a little better this time.. lol..

 

[lostforgottensoul]

That's awesome news @blackemerald1! Wish programs in the US would investigate why you have to wait so long. The programs I called are, well, ignorant. But, whatever. We have the ability to owner train here so that's an awesome priveldge!

 

[blackemerald1]

Thanks everyone... now come's another long, long wait... sigh...

I won't update this thread again until something very real happens... like a letter telling me something is definitely going to happen and a date it will happen on. I will see if I can control myself for that event. :)

 

[blackemerald1]

I rang the dog training centre to find out how things are progressing. I've been waiting patiently and quietly. My children urged me to call because they think I should make sure they know I am still here.

I was told they are assessing a dog for suitability for me atm. Then it will return to training. At least another 6 - 8 months of training, then pass the examinations and then maybe I will be notified.

But they informed me I have progressed 'on the list'. But they cannot tell me if 'my' dog will progress or how it is progressing bc they don't want to get recipients hopes up.

I'm sort of sad that it's still so far away and then definitely still a maybe. But I'm glad I am still being considered.

My children are really upset that I have to wait the best part of a year again. They are so loyal. Again they've suggested tossing this all in and just getting an 'ordinary' dog and training it myself. But I cannot train it to accomodate my disability - that's not possible. Idk... I tried to explain it to them but I just dug myself into a bigger hole.

It occurred to me that this might be all bs and I'm years away if ever. Is this just paranoia setting in?

It's been a really long process - passing two years now.

I get newsletters with photos etc., about the placement of other recipients and their dogs. I should be full of joy with seeing that but instead feel shrouded in depression. It's all so isolating.

 

[Sideways]

The waiting must truly suck.

Definitely take up your kids advice and keep calling every month or so. A lot of people drop out of these programs during the wait time, and it helps the organisation to prioritise you if they know you’re not one of those people. It’s not about complaining or anything, just touching base to let them know “I’m still really hanging out for this...”.

Hope that it isn’t the full 12 months they estimated in December.

If they have a doggo currently in training for you, do you know when you get to start being part of the training process?

 

[blackemerald1]

If, and it's a big if... they find the right dog for me - it will be 6 - 8 months till they try and get him registered...then they will call me - if he's successful.

So.. thanks @Sideways - I'd forgotten that ppl do drop off lists. I suppose in my little world that would be the very last thing I would do and I'd not considered that possibility with other ppl. I guess life goes on even if it's not for me right now.

So.. the lady said, 'six to eight months till we can call you if the dog we are looking at passes'. I guess that means that if he fails, again... I go back to almost twelve months of waiting again. I don't know... that's a scary prospect indeed.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

It's been a really long process - passing two years now

If they are training a dog from the start for you, it can take that long. Not sure how they run their program tho. I'd think the dogs should have basics and those commands that would be used for everyone and then hold off on the disability specific ones and bring someone in from the waitlist so you are only waiting with a dog in mind for the disabled specific tasks and commands but dogs progress differently. So, that's probably why they can't pin down a timeframe. One dog will progress faster where another slower. Just how dog training is. The wait must be horrible though!

I agree with @Sideways, no harm in calling them to let you know you are still there waiting and to ask when do you get to be part of the training. I'd also ask how long do they spend with the handlers and dogs together. Just something I'd ask.

The waiting has got to be rough though. :hug:

 

[blackemerald1]

So.. whilst in the depths of despair about things I cannot change a message comes up on my phone.

My dog is two months away from graduating :) Yay!

But, oh there is always a but....I'm again warned.... I mustn't get too excited because he may not graduate etc.

So.. I've been secretly thinking about this possibly wonderful event that may happen at the end of August and doing a lot of hoping... Can you all send a positive thought to this mysterious bundle of legs and hair that I'm pinning so much on?

 

[barefoot]

I’ve only just seen this thread and had a read through. Gosh, what a lot of waiting!

Keeping everything crossed for you that this wonder pup comes through for you @blackemerald1 ?

 

[lostforgottensoul]

But, oh there is always a but....I'm again warned.... I mustn't get too excited because he may not graduate etc

Service dogs can always wash out. Even after graduation. But, fingers and paws crossed!

 

[Freida]

Happy thoughts headed pups way for him to be successful!!

 

[bellbird]

Sending many many positive thoughts for doggo from across the Ditch.
:hug: :hug: :hug: