Assistance dog

Ragesht
Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
Hello people, I am investigating the trials and tribulations of squiring an assistance dog to make my life bit easier to live, following a divorce, I am a wheelchair bound MS patient, any suggestions welcome.

Comments

  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    edited October 2020
    Hi @Ragesht

    This Assistance Dogs UK website has details about the charities who train and match assistance dogs.   If you click on the different icons on the webpage the relevant contact information should pop up!  Unfortunately, other members have mentioned that there are long waiting lists  :(  You can read about this on the "Could an assistance dog help you?" thread.

    I think it's a great idea though so don't be disheartened.  Please keep us updated with how you get on.

  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    Thank you Cher
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    No problem and I'm sorry to hear about your divorce.  Are you managing okay?
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    Yes thanks, I am a big boy now!! Lol
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
     :D You can do it but remember we are here if ever you fancy a natter or need help! 
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    Thank you
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @Ragesht, I think assistance dogs can be great! Is there particular things you would want it to help you with? This can help narrow down the organisations to research. :) 
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    Hi Chloe, thanks for the question, I am a wheelchair bound person and my right hand cannot grip a pen, hence unable to write, one of the first things that comes to mind is security, next is picking things up and companionship.
    and I suppose those are the main ones at present.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi there 

    I understand you are looking into an assistance dog but please bear in mind your ability to care for the dog too 

    I am wheelchair bound too and would like a dog but cant work out how I could take it out clean up after flirting take to vets and stuff 

    But I am sure you would get advice around this 
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    hi Jane, thanks for message, yes, your question is a thoughtful one, and I agree, I might struggle with that chore and I suppose I should be positive but realistically speaking, I am not going to get better!! So perhaps I need to go back to the drawing back.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Just read my post back predictive text should have said clean up after toilet not flirting 

    Have you thought about a cat I know they wont assist but can be good company and can also fend more for themselves 
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    yes thanks.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    Hi @Ragesht, you might find Canine Partners a good place to start. They are able to train assistance dogs to do most of the things that you have described. :)
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    Thank you Chloe.
  • Chloe_Alumni
    Chloe_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 10,506 Championing
    No problem @Ragesht! If you choose to apply then please let us know how you get on. :)

    I'm sure there will be other members who will find the info helpful.
  • Ragesht
    Ragesht Online Community Member Posts: 44 Connected
    for sure Chloe, I would also put myself forward as the person to help you achieve your canine partner.