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Originally Posted by My guy Charles  I found a woman on line that will start training and evaluating Charlie for $5500 - I am afraid to trust someone I just found on the Internet....?? Not only is it expensive I would have to leave Charlie with her for and unknown amount of time..... That worries me more that the expense! Plus- I was shocked to find that anyone can order service dog badges, vests, etc.... With nothing but a credit card. There really doesn't seem to be any qualifications....
Medically I have no doubt I could qualify for a service dog - I'm just not sure if Charlie can actually provide the 'service' - I'm a huge rule follower and don't want to take advantage of Charlie qualifying due to my issues but in reality he is just my companion.... I'm thinking maybe I should wait for my next episode and see if Charlie notices...? I read several stories on line about people having dogs that just noticed and warned them before a seizure or dizzy spell hit without any training.....? Maybe I just need to be patient and wait to see how Charlie responds on his own? I just hate living in fear of when the next vertigo episode will hit - it's really affecting my life and I'm afraid to be alone, to go anywhere. I have zero warning. It is very frightening. I'm 51 and just didn't expect to be so concerned about my health this early :-( |
I would want to talk to the trainer one on one in person but it is not unusual for the dog to have to stay with the trainer when training to be a service dog. The only thing that is necessary per the ADA is that your dog do a service that helps you. The dog doesn't have to wear a vest or badge or anything but it is recommended.