I am newly diagnosed with early stage AD. I am interested in getting a service dog but have not yet found anyone in the US who trains dogs for those with Alzheimer's. (Israel has Alzheimer support dogs.) Does anyone have knowledge of service dogs being used in the US, particularly in New England? Donna
Hi, I am 47 and diagnosed 2 months ago. test confirm that i have had AD for at least 10 years, if not 15. I have a service dog that i am training to do things for me that i may forget. he can open doors, go up and down an elevator by himself, get people be name. it can be done, just takes work
Wendy
[quote]I am newly diagnosed with early stage AD. I am interested in getting a service dog but have not yet found anyone in the US who trains dogs for those with Alzheimer's. (Israel has Alzheimer support dogs.) Does anyone have knowledge of service dogs being used in the US, particularly in New England? Donna Posts: 3 | Registered: August 22, 2007
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Posts: 1 | Location?: Washington | Registered: October 14, 2007
Thanks for responding, Wendy. Is your dog a service dog that was trained for you? Or are you the one training a pet to do what is helpful for you? Where did you get your dog? What kind is it? Are you able to take it with you to public buildings? Donna
Hi Lisa, I haven't been very successful in finding anyone to train a service dog for me. I have decided to get a dog in March (after a 3 week vacation) and take it to obedience school. I'll train the dog to be a good companion and perhaps to learn some ways to be helpful. Having a dog will give me focus, structure, exercise, and companionship. I'm not sure what kind of dog I will get - perhaps a labradoodle, perhaps a rescue or shelter dog. It will be one that is not too large - my home and yard are small. Because I am very early in my diagnosis, I'm not sure what my specific needs will be that a dog can provide. What would you like to have a dog do for you? Donna in Maine
Donna in Maine, I am a new diagnosee with EOAD myself. I already have 2 rescued pets an 7 year old male Yorkie and an 8 year old male orange tabby. Like you I am limited in space and yard. I would choose a rescued dog if I could. Are you thinking of starting with a puppy? I'm not sure what to do!! Any advice would be appreciated!!
Wow, wouldn't that be terrific!!! An animal who could let us know when we've left something on the stove, put the milk in the trash can...and generally help keep us safe.
Keeping you in heart, mind and spirit
Posts: 29 | Location?: Earth | Registered: January 04, 2008
not sure this idea helps, but my daughter did 4H guide dogs program ..they have dogs for different reasons in the facilities. Most were Labradors, some Golden retrievers. Sometimes a good breeder of that type of dog mite have some referrals to give you. You mite be able to find a contact within the local 4H dept. I believe thats listed under the Dept of Agriculture for your county. They should be able to provide some sort of referral.
Posts: 375 | Location?: Oregon | Registered: November 05, 2007
Hi Donna in Maine. Have you found a guide dog yet? If not try Fidelco German Shephards in CT. or may want to contact New England German Shephard Rescue you may find a trainable dog.
Sound like someone has a great idea here. You may start by speaking with the local "service animal" people in your area. I kow for a fact that some seeing eye dogs are only used for a certain number of years, but still have all that training. They take some of those dogs and train them to smell chemical changes in type 1 diabetics and so they are still service dogs, only of a different nature. There is no reason they can not train it for another purpose and still give it a good pal like you. Check into it, I think you are onto a GOOD service.
Posts: 3 | Location?: Manteca CA. | Registered: February 13, 2008
