Is a Service Dog Right for Me?

 

Is a Service Dog Right for Me?

Having a canine companion can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. They provide unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship when we need it the most. But for those people with physical or mental disabilities, service dogs can be so much more than just a companion. What most don’t realize is they are a piece of medical equipment. If you're considering getting a service dog, you may have a lot of questions. How do I know if a service dog is right for me? What kind of disabilities qualify for having a service animal? What tasks can they do for me? How will I pay for it? Can I be “Normal” again? In this blog, we will answer these questions and more, so keep reading to find out if a service dog is the right choice for you.

What is a service dog?

A service dog is a specially trained canine that helps people living with disabilities to perform their daily activities and tasks. Tasks include getting dressed, opening doors, helping with anxiety, PTSD and even pulling a wheelchair. These dogs are trained to respond to specific commands, react to certain activities, and can carry out tasks when given the proper commands. They are trained to respond to your medical or mental health needs. 

Who qualifies for a service dog?

Service dogs are primarily for individuals living with physical and mental disabilities. You must obtain a letter from your medical or mental health provider. Disabilities can range from hearing or visual impairments, mobility restrictions, chronic illnesses, mental health and or PTSD gain so much from having them.

The benefits of having a service dog

There are countless mental, emotional, and physical benefits to having a service dog. For people with physical disabilities, service dogs can help with mobility and independence. For instance, they can assist with opening doors, pulling wheelchairs, and retrieving objects. For those living with anxiety, having a service dog can provide a calming presence and increase their self-confidence. Moreover, service dogs can be trained to perform a specific task such as emotional support and lift the mood of their owners during flashbacks or breakdowns. They can give them freedoms that most take for granted.

The responsibilities of owning a service dog

Service dogs require a significant amount of investment in terms of time, energy, and money. Before considering getting a service dog, it's crucial to ask yourself whether you have the time and financial means to take care of them. Service dogs should have a well-balanced diet, grooming routines, and medical needs. Additionally, they require ongoing training and are always "on the job," so to speak. You must have a stable living environment, and if you have other pets, they may need to get along with your service dog too.

The process of getting a service dog

The process of getting a service dog, including assessment, matching, and training, which can take up to two years. First, you will need to assess your specific needs and fill out an application with Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project. After that, you will need to provide the required supporting documentation and then training to learn how to take care of the service dog, train them and understand when they are alerting you or providing a task for you. Once you and your dog have completed all the necessary training, your dog will be able to provide specific tasks needed to help with your disability. They'll be able to help you perform daily tasks, assist in emergencies, and provide lifelong companionship.

Conclusion:

A service dog can be an invaluable asset to people living with disabilities, providing emotional, mental, and physical assistance, as well as improved overall wellbeing. However, it's important to recognize the commitment and work involved in owning a service dog. It is important if you live with others, they understand what is involved with you having a service dog. We hope this guide helped you with your decision and gave you a clear understanding of what to expect when getting a service dog. We have only touched on a few things, there is way too much to expect everything to be in a blog post.  Remember, if you decide to move forward with owning a service dog, it can turn out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.