Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have lost my assistance dog to stomach cancer, and am waiting for another one. My breeder is working on finding the right dog, another Belgian Tervuren. It's hard to wait!

Yesterday a friend from an assistance dog program brought a Golden Retriever over for me to meet. I worked with him a bit, and of course fell in love!

But I am going to keep trying to wait, hard as it is!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I'm so sorry to hear that, Kathy. I hope you find the right dog very soon.
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Mary Lou & Katie

>>I'm so sorry to hear that, Kathy. I hope you find the right dog very soon.
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>>Mary Lou & Katie
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>>>>>>>>>

Thanks. I have more confidence after the visit from the assistance dog trainer with the dog in training. I can go with a retriever if no Tervuren comes through. But I think it will. I can train my own dog, if the dog has the right temperament and the right start in life. I'm ready to start, as soon as that pretty nose, wooly face and gorgeous eyes show themselves!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I hope the right brown eyes and temperament show us for you soon.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

>>I hope the right brown eyes and temperament show us for you soon.
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>>Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

>>>>>>>>>>

It's hard to wait, that's for sure! But since I can train my own dog, I'm looking at a lot less of a wait than someone who needs a dog trained for them.

On the other hand, it's really best not to have many dogs--at first, just one!--to train an assistance dog. Having no dogs at all right now, first time in going on 30 years, is killing me!

But having just one dog will allow me to really focus the household and errands on training that dog. I won't have to worry about balancing attention and trips for more than one dog. It is easy to see how that will work better.

Also, I need the dog to feel free to retrieve dropped items for me, and having another dog hanging over things is not good for that.

I can have a second dog, but it will need to be a companion and not my assistant as long as the assistance dog is working. As that dog gets older and shows signs of needing to retire, it is very possible to teach a former companion dog to take over the job.

But I also need an age difference between the dogs for that kind of succession. If they're both near the same age, the second one will be ready to retire, too!

I'm looking forward to taking my dog more places. Behavior has to be great first--any proprietor has every right to kick out a dog that is causing any problem. And it's state by state whether a disabled person can take a dog in training to public places. In my state, I can. But only if the dog behaves VERY well!

I have to use a walker these days, but I can handle one with 4 wheels, yippee! That allows much more mobility than the type with flat surfaces instead of the two rear wheels. I had to start with that type, but I'm stronger now--see my muscles?! Well, just take my word for it!

This is a good time of year in my area for dog training. Now I need the dog!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

It's really nice to read you are getting stronger and are able to do the training yourself. I do really hope the right prospect comes along soon. I know you know the wait is worth it, but it's tough not to be impatient when you wantto get started working. Thankfully it tends to be a good time of year for finding pups as well as training. The right one will come along soon.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

The right one will come along soon.
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>>Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

>>>>>>>>

From your mouth to God's ear--express!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47