Does anyone else use a service dog?

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Does anyone else use a service dog to help them with there autism spectrum disorder?

Last spring things got so bad that I had great difficulty walking across campus, even down the street for that matter, alone. I have so much trouble talking to people or even knowing where to look when passing them on the street. (The eye contact thing) I've crashed and burned in school due to this problem before.

Finally last spring I thought that I would have to quit school again. Everyday was worse than the one before, but I finally did as my husband had been urging me to for a few years. I talked to my therapist and psychiatrist about using a Service Dog, and I asked them each to write me a letter of support for doing so. (A letter of support is not required, but is a great asset should you ever face an access challenge.) To use a service dog you must qualify as having a disability under the americans with disabilities act and your service dog must be professionally or privately to trained to do work or perform tasks that mitigate the effects of your disability.

My therapist and doc both gave me letters of support. In fact my doc was so excited that he leaped out of his chair, typed the letter and gave it to me right then and there! So since February, My dog Millie has been going everywhere with me as my Psychiatric Service Dog. She is a godsend. (I trained her myself.) At graduation ceremonies, when I finally get my undergrad degree, I think that I'll have Millie walk up with me to recieve it. Maybe I'll make her a little cap and gown, or is that just way too far over the top?

Anyway I thought that I would bring this experience up, because maybe it would be helpful to someone else?

I don't have a service dog. I think dogs are too high-maintenance. I mean, you have to feed them, walk them, etc., like, each and every day. Besides, I couldn't because I have a cat, who doesn't get along with dogs, but that's another story.

Mich

We have a number of cats. Simba and Millie are best friends, groom each other and the whole bit, but I would refer to the other cats as dog tolerant, though when it's cold in the winter they will share body heat with Millie, comfort first after all!

For me besides the rest one of the positive things about Millie is the required mainanance. I have bipolar 1 disorder and cycle quite frequently though this has improved some recently. Point is, just like the imperative to care for my children kept me moving while they were growing up, taking care of Millie has also become an imperative. No matter how I'm feeling she must be fed, watered, let outside. Most important she needs my love and attention. Of course we have a household of other animals, three other adult members, a son that frequently visits us with his girlfriend, and Multiple other friends and acquantances of Sam and Jonah( my other two sons). It can become overwhelmingly hectic and exhausting. Millie constantly shadows me, and all that I need do for an instantaneous mini break is to look over my shoulder or down at my feet and see her little face looking up at me.

Dogs are definitely not for everyone though, because as you pointed out, they are a huge responsibility and not everyone wants to take it on. I for one don't know what I'd do if there weren't others willing to clean the cat boxes, yuck! If I lived alone, I would probably not have a cat, though one of our five has thoroughly attached herself to me and now I can't imagine being without her.

Ramouth please check you PM's. Thanks!

I dont have one for an issue, but I raised one!! !

I've been thinking of getting one. I have a seizure disorder. (probably related to the Asperger's somehow) I guess seizure dogs need special training, and I don't have quite enough seizures (grand mals, that is) to train the dog. I do space out quite a bit, especially when it's windy.

I raised a service dog for the blind, her name is Lucille and she is a Golden Retriever. It was hard!! !!

That Cool About You Training Your Dog I Was Thinking About It

I think it's great to have a service dog / animal. Wish I could get one for my son. Laws are a bit different in Canada ... but it is something I will keep in mind.

I'm new here ... Grandma to an adorable 9.5 month old girl ... she has Autism on both sides of her family. I worry sometimes, for the difficulties my daughter and son-in-law face.

Getting an assessment for my self for Asperger's... youngest son has Aspies for sure.

Nice to meet you all.

I wish I had a service dog, but all I'm looking for is a dog that will make a good pet.

Welcome to WP!