I am paraplegic as far as feeling goes but since I had all of the rods put in my back, I can't bend my back from T4 down and going for another sugery. I dont doubt I can care for a dog, it is just that as far as my back goes, I can really benefit from a dog. I didnt consider it before I got the infection in my spinal column because I had function from T7 but now things are a lot more difficult as far as flexibility. I still have full function of my arms and hands though.
Stacy ----- Original Message ---- From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 9:43:55 AM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] getting a service dog. Dana I'm not saying that a person who can't take care of a dog's needs shouldn't get a dog. I know when I first got my dog I couldn't put on her vest, leash, feed/water her, or really walk her (my home is surrounded by grass and at the time all I had was a manual chair). But I've learned ways of doing things so that I can be autonomous with my pup. Taking care of the dog is part of the bonding process as well. Luke c-5/6 incomplete, 7 1/2 yrs post PS - In most cases, I don't think level of injury has anything to do with whether or not you should get a dog. If you are willing/able to put in the time and effort to learn how to take care of a dog without the help of others, then you would really benefit from its assistance. [I'm not saying there aren't special cases though.] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [email protected] Sent: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 4:37 am Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] getting a service dog. Hi Luke, you need to be a certain level, to get a service dog, so you could do his needs. If you don'tor can't will the dog not work for you? Dana Stacy I trained my own service, but I recommend getting one that is professionally trained at least for your first dog. Training a dog is not easy esspecially for a mid-high quad. You need to be able to care for all of the dogs needs (i.e. feed, walk, put on and take off harness and gear, and groom and bathe or take somewhere to get done). To me, if you can't be independent with the dog, then there's really no point in getting one. The only thing I get tired of doing sometimes is going to bed late and waking up early for walks. In Texas you can get a dog free of charge http://www.servicedogs.org/ Luke c-5/6 incomplete, 7 1/2 yrs post PS I'm living completely independent in the college dorms because of the help I get from my pup. -----Original Message----- From: Stacy Harim <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 3:23 am Subject: [QUAD-L] getting a service dog. How did you all get your dogs? I found one program but it takes 4 or 5 years and have to go stay in a hotel in Baltimor for a week for the training. That is not possible for me but could really use a dog. Stacy Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
