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Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr Here is an article from a migraine sufferer whose Doberman detects her migraines:
In 1986 I purchased my first home for one reason only - to have a fenced yard so I could buy a Doberman. I moved into my house in April, and in July I brought my little puppy "Chelsea" home. It also happened to be the same year I suffered an injury that left me permanently disabled. Little did I know the impact "Chelsea" would have on my life. She was my best friend, and a few years down the road became my service dog.
But one other great thing came out of our relationship. I became a DRU volunteer. I first started by doing home checks and of course, "Chelsea" always came with me. People fell in love with her and she helped many Dobes get adopted.
"Chelsea" gave me a reason for living and became the center of my life. As I could not bend, she learned to pick up things even as small as a dime, and also to bring me my walker. She loved to go grocery shopping and would help pull the cart and get items off the shelves for me. In the house she got clothes out of bottom drawers, even helped carry laundry and learned to fold sheets. She also was able to predict my chronic migraines and alert me so I could take medication to lessen the attack. We visited many schools and groups, showing people what service dogs could do, and even helped some get dogs. She also changed the thoughts of many in regard to Dobermans, as everyone just gravitated toward her.
When "Chelsea" was five, I fostered my first Dobe for DRU - an abandoned and abused young dog. I named him Zephyr, because despite his abuse, to me he was A Gentle Breeze as is the definition of Zephyr in the dictionary. Well, we just couldn't let him go and I adopted Zephyr. He and "Chelsea" were the best of friends. When we would do home checks, I would bring both of them and Zephyr, having natural ears, made many who had put "cropped only" down on their applications, change their minds and adopt natural eared dobes. He also became both a therapy and service dog and would join us when we visited various places.
Little did I know that 18 months later "Chelsea" would be diagnosed with terminal liver disease. Without Zephyr I don't know if I could have handled it. He gave me strength and comfort.
Zephyr had learned everything "Chelsea" could do as a service dog just by watching her. He was amazing. He even could take the socks off my feet without touching my toes. During "Chelsea's" illness, Zephyr began to take over the house duties, giving "Chelsea" a rest. He could pick up anything, get the cordless phone, carry bundles, helped with the laundry - he was a godsend. I don't know what I would have done if he was not with us.
"Chelsea" survived 15 months after her diagnosis. She passed away in my arms on a rainy and windy Friday night, 4 months to the day after celebrating her 8th birthday, knowing it would be her last. Zephyr and I grieved together.
Zephyr continued to be my inside helper and demo dog, visiting many schools and community groups, as well as Children's Hospital. He came with me on our DRU home checks, often sitting in the laps of prospective adopters. He won many hearts and helped many Dobes get adopted.
Zephyr is almost 9 now and retired, but he still helps in the house, and he loves to show off at DRU's annual picnics. His favorite place is on the loveseat, and he loves to watch TV. Although I have a new service dog, he and Zephyr are the best of friends, and Zephyr likes his job of being the house protector when Keefe and I are out. Life would not be complete for Zephyr if he didn't get his apple everyday and have DRU's picnics to look forward to so he can show off to everyone just what a great service dog a Doberman can be.
Ann & Dobes |
But this lady had more issues going on than mirgraines... she could not bend ect... this dog did ALOT more than detect migraines, she got things off the shelf when shopping ect... Some migraines are terrible, with intense pain.... and I am not denying the fact that some anxieties are debilitating... and having a dog to detect them, comfort them ect is great- but service dogs are so much more than that... they help disabled people do normal everyday functions... answer the phone, pick up things, detect seizures, alert the owner to many things, open the fridge, be eyes for the blind and ears for the deaf.
I think the above story isn't just about a dog who could detect migraines, it is about a dog who helped a lady live life, and aided her in activities of daily living.
I don't know if you are finding story after story to change my mind, or if it is for general knowledge... but there is a HUGE difference in someone who NEEDS a service dog for daily function, and one who may be able to find some disability they have to get their dog licensed so they can take their dog with them into stores.
We all have some sort of disability if we look hard enough, but we all don't NEED a service dog- like I tell my kids there is a HUGE difference between a NEED and a WANT.
I have a handicap parking sticker, BUT there are days I don't NEED it, do I use it anyways? NO WAY, there is no way I am going to take a spot when I know there is someone else who will need it more than me that day. There are days I do need it, and I use it- (I mean really need it, not just because it is raining or I only have a couple things to get, or I am running late- there is a difference in this sort of need and a real need)
There are people who abuse every sort of system out there to help those in need, which unfortunatly takes away from those in real need... hopefully people here will consider twice before running to get their dog licensed as a service dog for a "disability" that chances are, 50-60 percent of people here have, just so they can "legally" bring their dog into stores.
I am not talking about disabilities that affect your daily life, to a point where you can not perform activities of daily living.
Thanks JackandJill, I didn't expect to read that... I appreciate the compliment.