Who, besides a blind individual, uses (or needs!) a service animal?
Having had service dogs, and breeding them for the "seeing eye dog" program, I liked this small portion of the segment. These dogs help the blind, disabled, and sick in so many ways.
I agree with you on how well rounded the service dogs can be. I saw the show on TV as well of how the service dog could detect their master was about to have a seizure and alerted them. I think this is truly amazing.
Deanette,
Sounds like you are describing an Emotional Support Animal rather than a service animal. Many people have difficulty discerning between the 2 and because the law hasn't caught-up to non-service animals as accommodations for persons with disabilities, we'll see more and more confusion.
Sarah Smoger
I have had more than one patient in a neuro-behavioral clinic who had service animals as primarily "companion" care. It's often difficult to reassure other staff, onlookers, and patients that this is appropriate despite some commonly held beliefs that "crazy people" don't need service animals. What I've often reminded people is that "crazy people" get sick,too. It's far too easy to assume things; perhaps that psychiatric patient also has siezures, orthopedic disability, or partial blindness as well. So perhaps this person has more going on that what we can percieve on the surface. Or maybe they just need an extra calming presence which that animal provides. Just a thought......
I know that there are people with mental illnesses who have benefited greatly from having a service dog. It has helped them get out of the house where previously they were, for all intents and purposes, housebound. Having the reassurance of a constant and non-judgemental companion is life-changing for individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and some personality disorders. The arrangement benefits the animals and the individuals in so many non-monetary ways. I'm all for the use of service animals if they are legitimately obtained.
JENNIFER,
There are so many types of animals that provide services to persons with disabilities, not just the "typical" service animal. Other animals are providing more "services" which are not something the animal is necessarily trained to do, but just their presence provide emotional or therapeutic support.
Sarah Smoger
I had a friend whose husband was losing his hearing and they had a service dog for him. It would alert him to the door or the phone when people came or called. Also the dog was a well rounded service dog because he could open doors and push buttons for elevators and street crossing signs it was truly a remarkable dog. We thought they were only to pet and love, but they can be so much more. I also saw a show on TV that featured a service dog to alert its master of an up coming seizure so that they could get out of a situation in time to have the seizure in private.
Mathew,
How interesting and what a great way to give back to the community. Service animals are filling so many different roles these days. I've had numerous seizure detection dogs as well as dogs who assist student veterans with PTSD by "clearing" a room (classroom), so that the student feels safe and comfortable while in class. Amazing.
Sarah Smoger
