Va Now Assists Vets Get A Service Dog.

[Barberian]

This may not be new, but it's the first I've heard of it. About half way down the page.

http://www.va.gov/health/ServiceandGuideDogs.asp

I have no idea how long the waiting list is, as the page is pretty empty of any helpful info.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Thanks for the link Barb, the Vet Center I go to has been waiting for almost two years to get a SD for the center.

The training and selection process for the recipients is rather lengthy, I understand that the animals are assigned a recipient prior to training and the training is geared to the recipients needs. In our case we were assigned two animals an unfortunately each animal did not pass the training. The VC then went to the back of the line to await for another SD to be trained. I also understand that depending on an individuals priority the SD will be trained for an for a Vet before a group or VC.

So we keep waiting and hoping.

Ba

 

[Barberian]

I'm training my own. She is almost 10 months old now. Boston terrier(mostly)/fox terrier mix.

The way I figured it, by the time I went through the vetting process, a dog was trained and available, my dog will have been fully trained for over a year and helping me the whole time.

I understand few people have the patience and/or option of training their own dog. California, where I live, is very friendly (at least on paper) to service dogs in training making the process easier.

I do wish I had professional help though. It is a lot of hard work, and I'm not making as much progress as if she were being trained by a professional. There are some benefits though of doing self training. One benefit is I'm learning patience and bonding with the dog more than if I just went somewhere and picked up a fully trained dog. One of the hardest things to remember is that she is still just a pup. I can't expect too much from her yet.

 

[Shaun Stocks]

i can go with that iv got a black Labrador called charlie , hes a beautiful dog he is 4 years old and never worn a lead . i dont leave the house without him . but iv put 2 much into him . if he doesn't get up and goes when i do i panic and wont leave the house . its stupid but he helps me when im in a dark place and helps when i freak out in public . hes my rock .


just had to say that . have a good one guys !

 

[JarHed]

Great post Bar

Yeah, dogs are great. Mine always seem to know when I'm out of sorts and stay close to me. They have a sense that most people just don't have.

 

[Sarg]

My Zig had no training what so ever. But has been my anchor for seventeen years. He knew what to do and when. My stress cup would be overflowing and I'd realize that Zig was there, next to me in my chair with his legs locked against the arm and pushing against my leg as hard as he could, trying to distract me from my dark mood.

And Dachshunds are kind of silly dogs anyway. They run around acting crazy and then stop and look to see if you're watching them. A dog and pony show without the pony. He has enriched my life many fold and I am so happy to have him.

Sarg