Bubbatd

[altos1]

Hey, Bubbatd can I ask how you located your therapy dog?

Lainie

 

[milos_mommy]

I don't think Ollie does therapy, but she found him on petfinder

 

[smkie]

BUbba was her therapy dog. SHe trained him as i trained Vic. ARe you looking to do therapy or or you wishing to locate a therapy organization?

 

[altos1]

Actually a friend is looking for a therapy dog. We just do not know where to look.. Lainie

 

[bubbatd]

Yes I got each of my 4 TDI s . Your friend will have to contact the organization . What is the disability ??

 

[DogstarAcademy]

Yes I got each of my 4 TDI s . Your friend will have to contact the organization . What is the disability ??

Um, a therapy dog does not have anything to do with disability unless you mean that you wish to visit a specific type of organization (nursing home, hospital, kids, OT/rehab).

Altos, is your friend looking for a service dog or a therapy dog?

 

[altos1]

Mary has M. S and is heading for her wheel chair in a week. we need to find her a service dog to assist her. the ms has done her in but good

 

[smkie]

A service dog is different from a therapy dog. A therapy dog goes in and visits to increase interest, to distract from illness, and an create a sense of calm.. They do not do a service dog's specialty in training.

 

[DogstarAcademy]

ALtos: What state are you in? Most programs are geographical?

I'd recommend going through a program, frankly- while owner training is possible (in the US, owner trained dogs do NOT have public access rights in Canada), it's probably not the best option.

Canine Companions for Independence is probably the largest program in the US, and that's where I'd start. There's a pretty complete list of programs at http://deltasociety.org/ServiceTrainersTrainers.htm (keep in mind, there's some scammers on the list) and you can also check out ServiceDogCentral.org - the forums there are full of knowlegable people.

 

[bubbatd]

Poor gal ..... hope that she finds one soon !!

 

[lizzybeth727]

I'd also suggest looking at http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/, it has a list or organizations as well as a lot of helpful information about assistance dogs. If I knew where you are from I could give more suggestions as well.

One thing you will need to know, is that getting a service dog will be a long and difficult process, it's certainly not something that will happen overnight. No matter what organization your friend gets the dog from, she will have to apply for the dog and probably interview with the trainers, then wait 1-2 years for them to find and train a dog specifically for her, then spend another couple of months training the dog at home before it will be a polished service dog. Of course for most people it's worth the effort and time, but for some it is not.

 

[altos1]

Thank you for the info I will direct it to Mary's family.. She is located in Flint Michigan..

As to me I will be saying good-bye for a few months.. My mom has been diagnosed with cancer and it is my responsibility to care for her..

Thank you all for being so kind and loving.. God be with you all! Lainie