Wellness

[Westie Mom]

Does anyone who has MS have a service dog?

[Pooky1]

i have ms and i do have a dog but shes just a pet not a service dog. do you want to get a service dog?

[Cakers3]

@Westie Mom   Hi Westie Mom.  I don't know if you are looking for yourself or a loved one and it doesn't matter; you don't have to say.

Service dogs for people with MS are often referred to as balance dogs.

They will assist a  person getting out of bed or a chair by supporting with their bodies until the person is stable on his/her feet.  They also train to "nudge" the person when extreme fatigue is setting in as a reminder to go rest.

They will retrieve shoes, pick up fallen object (within reason) and perform other tasks as other service dogs for people with other types of medical conditions.

One thing to remember is that the dog has needs; food, water, grooming, vet visits, and toileting issues. 

The best dogs referred are larger such as retrievers and labs since they are best for supporting a  human. 

I would check with the MS Society for more info; they have recommended sites, too.

All the best to you.

[Westie Mom]

Hi, Cakers-thanks for responding. I was asking for myself.  I was diagnosed with

MS about a year and a half ago. I will hit 60 this year. The optic nerve in my right eye has atrophied  and I can no longer drive. (apparently it's common  wth MS) I also have no depth perception. My balance is non-existant and I fall frequently. I rarely leave the house.  Someone told me they have service dogs for people who have MS-I was totally unaware of that so I started researching it. It would be greart to know that I could go out with the dog able to keep me on my feet.  But I really would like to talk with someone who has had first hand experience with a dog. I will keep looking! Thanks again!
Pat

[Cakers3]

@Westie Mom  You are welcome.   MS has struck twice in my family so I understand what you are going through.  I do hope you find somebody with the experience;  try some of the chat boards on reputable MS sites.  If you search MS service dogs chat you will find them. 

Sending you warm light and {{{hugs}}}.

[feline groovy]

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@Cakers3 wrote:

@Westie Mom   Hi Westie Mom.  I don't know if you are looking for yourself or a loved one and it doesn't matter; you don't have to say.

Service dogs for people with MS are often referred to as balance dogs.

They will assist a  person getting out of bed or a chair by supporting with their bodies until the person is stable on his/her feet.  They also train to "nudge" the person when extreme fatigue is setting in as a reminder to go rest.

They will retrieve shoes, pick up fallen object (within reason) and perform other tasks as other service dogs for people with other types of medical conditions.

One thing to remember is that the dog has needs; food, water, grooming, vet visits, and toileting issues. 

The best dogs referred are larger such as retrievers and labs since they are best for supporting a  human. 

I would check with the MS Society for more info; they have recommended sites, too.

All the best to you.

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@Westie Mom:

Great Danes also; they were one of the first for balance, plus they're naturally- easygoing like retrievers.

Check out https://www.servicedogproject.org/ and elsewhere.