There are many things that I have misunderstood or was naïve to when I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010. As you journey through life, your experiences shape your way of thinking. For example, I am a “look for the silver lining” kind of gal, so after my diagnosis I had to find something to look forward to as my disease progressed. I love animals… so I could be excited about getting a Parkinson’s service animal to help when times got difficult.
But what kind of animal would I enlist as my partner in crime for the fight against Parkinson’s disease. This kept me busy for years. I would dream about the future with my miniature pony or maybe a service guinea pig… wait, that doesn’t sound right. There had to be an easier way… then it came to me.
When my dog Crash came crashing into my life, I came up with this bright idea that I could train him to become my very own Parkinson’s service dog. Think how awesome it would be to take him with me everywhere… shopping, to the movies and even to work. It would be just like taking my best friend with me everywhere! So I was super-duper stoked when I befriended a wonderful woman and her service dog that generously agreed to teach Crash and I how to become a productive member of the service society. I mean really, how hard could it be? *Sheepish grin*
Just like I do with anything I set my mind to, I fully committed to the process. I started taking him with me to places that would challenge him… like Costco… now talk about being tossed into the pool without floaties. I even purchased a “service dog in training” vest. I absolutely had no doubt that I could mold my pooch into the ultimate superhero. But then it happened.
While out on a walk, Crash and I were attacked by 2 pit bulls. No amount of kicking or screaming could stop the assault that was playing out in front of me. I felt helpless, unable to protect something so important to me. After that, Crash was never the same. Because of his off the charts anxiety, he would bark at dogs and people aggressively. This fear made him afraid to even go outside… he still hides under the bed if there is a fly in the apartment. No joke.
After weeks of trauma training, Crash made huge leaps in his recovery, but now his behavior was unpredictable. I couldn’t trust that he wouldn’t leap at a dog that resembled, even in the slightest bit, the devil dogs that had damaged him so bad.
Nevertheless, I still felt strongly that there was a chance that we could still make it happen. I posted a picture on Instagram of Crash’s adorableness in his kick-ass training vest and little did I know I just opened Pandog-a’s box. Within hours, the backlash from the community that have support dogs began to flood my inbox.
This led me to do more research about the various categories of dogs, such as:
-Therapy dogs
-Emotional support dogs
-Service dogs
-Individuals who slap a vest on their dog thinking that it magically change their dog’s abilities… yes, I am calling myself out.
I am going to share my a-ha moments with a series of blog posts. In the following weeks, I will share with you the information that I gained by interviewing a trainer of service dogs, sharing my own research about the rights they have under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and my discussions with current Parkinson’s support dog owners. Be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss the upcoming series about Parkinson’s service dogs.
I was diagnosed with PD in 2016. I’m in the process of training my own dog to be my service dog (I’ve done it once before), but I now have a specific issue: I have severe arthritis in my hands.
It’s an issue because it’s necessary to carry water for my dog when we’re out and about, in waiting rooms, etc. I used to use a squeeze bottle with a bowl on top of it, but I can’t squeeze the bottle now.
Do you have any suggestions…
Bob, that’s tricky! I was thinking, I have arthritis too and when I can’t do something I try to find a modification. What about squeezing the bottle in between your legs. Don’t forget you can always ask for help. I know it sucks, but many strangers turn out to be kind people. Good luck! Let us know if you found a solution. Give your dog a good scratch for me!
I will be getting a standard poodle puppy in the next year. I’m hoping to train him to help me in the house by picking up items, helping me if I fall and other small jobs around the house. Can you guide me on how to train him?
Dawn,
How exciting that you’re adding a furry friend to your family! I would do an internet search for trainers in your area or maybe some of your local PD chapters have some information. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!
I also have early-onset Parkinson’s and I’ve been working with a trainer to get my standard poodle Koa ready to be my service dog when I need it. The trainer we work with specializes in helping people with disabilities train their own dogs, and so far he’s doing great! We’ll be taking the Canine Good Citizen’s Test next weekend… fingers and paws crossed! This is a test developed by the AKC which satisfies the rules you mentioned later in this series.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, and good luck to you and Crash!
Good luck to you and Koa!
i am very interested in learning more. I really would love a dog as I do not have a caregiver and do not want my daughter to bear the burden….
Wish you the very best girl I know you have been working hard with Crash for a long time Such sad news. Love your pup. Be safe and wish you luck. Need my help let me know. .
So sorry to here about you and poor Crashes experience. I hope he recovers and makes a great service dog for you. Looking forward to reading the updates.
Keep having fun!
He is doing much better! Thank you for asking.
Anxiously awaiting future blogs on your lrogresa
I have my Wheaten Terrier registered as as aTherapy Dog. I also have Parkinson’s !
How would I get Bosco, my dog ,
also Registered as a Service Dog!
I am thinking of going into a rental.
and I would like to know if they can refuse to rent to me, if Bosco just dhas
the certification of a Therapy Dog
& not a Service Dog as well?
Please advise! Thank you
Terri.
Depends on what state you live in. Where do you live? I will get into all this on my next blog.
I have checked on this in the past, and it literally takes years and thousands of $$ to make it happen. Would be a great idea, but I wonder how a person would take care of feeding, taking the dog out, and medical issues??
There are some programs that are solely off of donations. But I will have more information about this on my upcoming blogs.