Service
Dogs and fainting
I
have posted a number of times about Dora, my amazing service dog. I have posted
several times about how Dora has helped me and how I got her. Today, I thought
I’d answer the two questions that top the list about Dora and service dogs for
fainting and other invisible disabilities.
Why
do you have a Service Dog?
Short
answer: “I have a fainting disorder.”
Dora’s
response to fainting:
I
look perfectly normal- in fact you wouldn’t know that anything at all was wrong
with me unless you saw me faint. Dora can tell when I am about to faint- she
either sits down in front of me if I am walking or blocks my path. If I am in
my house, she will get clingy or start acting up to get my attention. When I
fall in public, I usually have time to sit down before falling down. Once I am
down, she rolls me over so that I am face up, licks me, and stands guard until
I am ok. Many people still freak out about the fact that Dora is standing over
me until I explain that the dog is doing her job.
Over
the past four years, I have seen countless cardiologist and neurologist for the
fainting, tried tons of medications, done everything I could think of to little
or no avail. In fact, Dora has been the best treatment- she can warn me and exercise
has been known to help this condition- and dogs must be walked.
Where
did you get her?
A
few years ago, my father saw an article in the New York Times about a service
dog who was able to alert to a fainting disorder. Once I got the idea, I began
contacting organizations. Many places don’t train for fainting disorders-but I
found several that were willing to help. The only problem- the wait for a fully
trained service dog, even after acceptance into the program is usually between
18 months and 3 years. This is a long time. It feels even longer when you know
that a dog can help you with independence. The waiting is the hardest part. The
cost can be prohibitive as well. But it is worth it. I learned many things
about Service Dogs and programs while waiting. If you think a service dog can
help you- do your homework. Call the organizations, visit if you can. You can
train your own dog as well.
Dora
came from the Auburn University Vet School. I know I have posted several times
about how Dora picked me. I then had her trained by a professional trainer who
was willing to work with me. I couldn’t have gotten a better dog.
In
fact, she has given me a new lease on life. I am no longer afraid to walk down
the street alone. I’m not afraid of being kicked out of stores. I feel
confident enough to have taken on a freelance tutoring job.
In
short, that service dog you see might be for the blind, it might be a seizure,
diabetes or fainting alert dog. All I can say is that she is a great dog and we
are a pretty good team.
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