Dogs For Disabled

DOGS FOR THE DISABLED

By Allan Appel

The role of service dogs has become much more than as a guide for the visually impaired.

Some dogs are trained to assist those with hearing impairments, alerting them to door bells, telephones, baby cries and other signals.

Many people with disabilities other than vision or hearing are discovering the benefits of a balance or service dog.

Multiple Sclerosis, for example, typically can affect common every-day activities such as getting out of bed or using a chair. Fatigue is a common symptom of MS. These dogs can be trained to sense when a person is tired and gently nudge the handler to a chair or sofa.

Service dogs can perform other common tasks, including picking up dropped items, such as a pen or keys, or turning on or off lights in the house. They can be trained to push buttons in an elevator or guide someone from room to room.

The dogs can even be trained to discreetly hide under a table in a restaurant. And yes, these service dogs have every right to be anywhere a person can be.

Some of the more common breeds trained as balance dogs are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, but many other breeds have been found to be suitable.

A number of important factors need to be considered when deciding about a balance dog. Most important is determining the handler’s ability to care for the dog. And think seriously about whether the person’s level of disability warrants the use of such an animal at all.

A thorough health screening of the dog must also be done, as well as considering the dog’s temperament.

Balance dogs can be obtained from a number of sources, including dog breeders, breed clubs, or even referrals from local veterinarians.

The cost to obtain such a dog can vary dramatically as well, depending on the source. Contact a local chapter of an organization serving people with disabilities (e.g., MS Society, Easter Seals, etc.) for information about financial assistance that may be available.

Assistance dog organizations are incredible sources of information about every aspect of owning this kind of special animal. Check out the Web sites of The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (www.iaadp.org), Assistance Dogs International (www.assistancedogsinternational.com) and The Assistance Dog Trainers Network(www.thedogsite.org/new).

Allan Appel writes a biweekly column about disabilities. He can be reached c/o Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, 1939 S. Federal Highway, P.O. Box 9009, Stuart, FL 34994, or e-mail at aappel223@yahoo.com.