Comfort dogs

Today I saw signs on the back of a car with the first being 'service dog on board' and the second being something like 'in an emergency do not separate dog from handler.' I clearly understand the need for getting that information to emergency crews, but am surprised that I've never seen those signs before..

I believe there is limited public information on what a service dog is according to the ADA and what businesses etc. can ask about the service dog. According to the ADA "In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability."

The following is a very informative web site

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf

My 9 month old puppy as been away for about a month for training and I get to work with him today and hopefully re-bond as a working team. He is not a service dog, but I want him to be a therapy dog when old enough as well as easy for me to handle when we are out and about in public. I used to be able to do my own training but unfortunately I suffer from post mastectomy pain that limits my endurance and must admit my patience. I have seen videos of him working with his trainer and fingers crossed that I can step right in there. He will spend about another 10 days before he comes home with me. Of course I must continue with training sessions on my own as well as weekly group classes. He is truly my comfort dog and I miss his presence in my life. Now I am confident that if anything happens to me he will be a delightful, obedient, fun companion to my brother and his family. As we all know, s&*% happens, so I'm trying to be prepared while hoping for my own long life with him.

JunieB....I worked with trainer and my dog at their training center on Sunday and of course the trainer and my Punkin were great - I have a long way to go as I confused him with some random hand motions. My agility is limited so I do not walk fast and with as much forward intention as I used to. I'm sure I'll get there, but am amazed that the trainers don't pull their hair out watching all of us amateurs undo their hard won accomplishments. I have another 10 days before I pick him up and now I'm missing him more than ever. Do include a photo of Kirby when you are able and later can share our own training stories about our comfort dogs. Luckily they can't text or who knows what they might be telling their friends.

I have to say, "aaaaaw!!" Bailey's no bigger than his name

magic, yep, that's what they say. I know 2 people who have one. They are great. I love big dogs, but can't handle them anymore. To much excercise:). I need a Velcro dog now. My shitzu is 16, I had her and a Belgian sheepdog at the same time. My Belgian is gone, and my old girl is limping and blind in one eye, and the other eye is going:(. She is on meds for her joints. Not sure what we are going to do when she is completely blind. She flinches so much now, and we are always surprising her, not in a good way. Oh yeah,she's deaf too. I am nervous that she will be to frightened when she is completely blind:(

I've had a couple of blind dogs. They got around well. Don't rearrange your furniture and they are fine. They use their noses. And to get their attention let them smell your hand before touching. There is a blind dog at my park and he does well.

Drove to Phoenix where my dog is being trained, on the way had a tire that was loosing air - found out it had a nail in it on the outside wall of the tire so had to find a place to get a new tire. That is no easy task on a Sunday and I do not know the area well, but in the end it worked out. Though I was 1.5 hours late, I worked with my dog under the trainers tutelage for about 3 hours and now he is home sleeping on the floor next to me - or is that my dust mop?

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Yeah for you Magiclight. You got your baby back. My Kirby is at his trainer and will be for several more weeks.

Kb870, it has been a few days since you posted and I'm wondering how you are feeling on chemo?

my old gal and the new puppy :

Susan; So cute. How is you and your little Havanese doing in class? Looks like your Shitzu is looking over the youngster.

Susan, wow can I relate to the fact that puppies are a cure for insomnia. Luckily my puppy days are over as he is 10 months old now and more of a joy than a chore. The puppy work is definitely worth it.

yep...they don't have them jump till a year. Just get used to signals body positioning ( mine), and the tunnels. This is a pretty good place I think, we will see. One of my clients is a groomer and she is very knowledgeable and lets me know what is appropriate. It's great to know people got your back. Thanks spooks:

I know this is a cat, but dog lovers will laugh too.