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Service Animals offer Help and FriendshipThis article is from the Pushin' On Newsletter, Vol 15[1], Winter, 1997.
Hank Holman has always been a dog lover. "My mom gave me a calendar from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) several years ago. I had my pet collie-shepherd and did not want another dog. Then my dog died and I was living alone. I have chronic pain in my shoulder and neck. It is extremely difficult at times to even reach out to open a door or to push my wheelchair. I decided to call CCI. They told me it could be a 2 to 5 year waiting period. I was lucky. After 18 months they called and invited me to come for a training session." There are a number of organizations that train service dogs or provide training for individuals to use their own dogs. You want to do your research to find the program that best suits your needs and provides the type of training you feel most comfortable with. [See list at end of article] Hank went through CCI's extensive application and matching process. "I completed a long application that included an autobiography, a medical report, a psychologist report, references from friends, and information about my activities. They even considered the tone of my voice. They believe proper matching affects the success you have with your service dog. I attended 3 weeks of training in California, having to pay only for my travel and lodging." "During the first 3 days of training, each student works with every dog. You then write down your preferences but the final decision is completely in the hands of the trainers." They chose Yash as the match for Hank partly because of his pulling ability. The main task that Yash does for Hank is pulling his chair. He also opens and closes doors, picks up items dropped, and helps in undressing by tugging off socks and jeans. The owner has the responsibility and the cost of caring for the service animal. Hank must brush Yash's coat and brush his teeth every day and clip his nails weekly. "This is an important part of developing the relationship and bond between the dog and the owner. The owner is like the lead dog in the pack who always sees to all the dogs' needs". Yash knows how to get up on a table, chair or bed to make it easy for Hank to groom him. Not only is Yash a help with physical activities, Hank says he has made a dramatic difference in his interaction with others. "This was an unexpected consequence. Because Yash draws people's attention, I have to be ready to answer questions. I often am explaining that he is working and what he does for me. If I am told that Yash is not allowed to enter a business, I must be diplomatic, assertive and pleasant. I remember that Yash is wearing the name of CCI and we are representing them. I canþt mope around. I want to be as pleasant as I can be. Yash keeps me going. There may be a day I don't feel like getting dressed and going out. But Yash needs to be taken care of. We depend on each other!" If you are considering getting a service dog, you should ask a number of questions.
George Boyle needs an "extra pair" of hands to help him with daily tasks. His spinal cord injury at the C-3 level leaves him with only the use of his head and neck. "I kept some information about the Helping Hands program that was given to me shortly after my injury. This program trains capuchin monkeys to assist individuals with daily activities. When moving home from the nursing home, I came across it and decided to contact them. Their application process included sending a video of my living quarters and how I function." After a month, Helping Hands contacted George to tell him he qualified. One of the trainers brought Gizmo to meet George and spent a week at his home. During this time Gizmo learned what tasks she would need to do for George. In turn he learned the care that he must provide for Gizmo. "My companion also received training in how to care for the monkey. I can't get down and play with Gizmo or groom her. My companion needs to do those chores." "Gizmo does a lot of small tasks so I don't have to ask someone else to do for me. She can put tapes in the VCR and the stereo and change them for me. Gizmo turns the lights on and off; picks up items I drop; opens the refrigerator and brings my food; and gets my water jug, removes the lid and puts the straw in place. She really enjoys "doing" things for me." Gizmo responds to both voice commands and a laser pointer. The Helping Hands program provides the monkey at no cost to the individual. The program is very selective in placing the monkeys. They usually select individuals who spend most of their time at home; do not have children; are at least 1 year post injury; can control a motorized chair; and want to love and care for the monkey. "Gizmo knows I am her protector. She comes to me if she feels threatened. We have a special bond." Service animals can perform tasks that an individual with SCI can no longer do for themselves. They are the extra hands, legs, and strength that provide more independence. But because they do require care and training, they are not for everyone. To obtain more information about service animals you can contact the following. Resources
PO Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 800-572-BARK email: info@caniniecompanions.org http://www.caninecompanions.org Delta Society -National Service Dog Center Helping Hands Independence Dogs, Inc NEADS PAWS with a Cause Support Dogs, Inc c 1997. Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama |