Breeds and Training and other "Special" needs

It's not a new thing that I have heard or read about but it is something that I feel needs to be addressed here in this manner.

Some people will talk about certain breeds needing certain "things" and "training." Obviously certain breeds have their certain characteristics that set them apart from others-that's part of the reason they are breed. However, there really is no (I never say never-I learned that so that that one time can't come back to prove one wrong) reason that a certain breed needs to eat a certain brand of food or have certain vitamins etc added. ALL breeds whether purebreds, mixes, pets, or working dogs they all need training and socialization.

If you do get a dog (or other animal) especially from a breeder and they insist that you feed a certain brand of food or add a certain supplement think twice about them. It is one thing to recommend something, but to require it in order to give an animal home is something else. A dog may be a breed, but it comes down to an individual. One food that works for one dog in a litter may not work for another. Requiring a good quality food is one thing, a certain brand and type is another.

ADA Amendments Act and Service Dogs

While some of the changes to the ADA may be helpful for people with disabilities others, such as the change in the service animal law is more likely to do harm to those who need the protection than help. Unfortunately, the change was likely made in response to the growing misuse of service animals. It is easier to make a wide restriction than deal with the abusers.

There is something about the terminology of the amendment to the service "animal" clause. It states "common domestic" but excludes horses ("farm animals") as well as several other "domestic" animals later. Several of these listed animals are considered domestic. Also, what is "common?" Horses, pigs, goats etc are common.

IDA believes that this may be a poor response to the abuse of service animal abuse. Even dogs are not immune to the abuse. There are organizations that train service dogs and give them to individuals for the slightest reason and many would not qualify. Individuals also abuse this and train their own dogs. There should have been a better response that helped weed out and hold the abusers responsible.

Scooters, Walkers, PCA's and Service Dogs

As my life and condition progress and change so do my needs and the way I do things in every day life. Every ones' situation is different and one "size" does not fit all. I have always done as many things as independently as possible, albeit maybe in a modified way.

As things progressed it became apparent that my needs were changing. I guess I have always things differently and that is normal to me. I put things at certain levels or have things set up in ways that seem odd to others or even "harder" to them.

I have had balance issues for years now and jokingly say that I always walk like I am "drunk." About three years ago it became apparent to me that I should maybe look into the service dog option again (I had thought about it but entering college I didn't feel that I could provide the dedication needed to it and learn enough about it-although looking back a service dog would have been beneficial). Being the research type I started my learning process. Boy was I in for a surprise.

Not only were the laws conflicting, opinions, acceptance, understanding and knowledge was all over the board. Like I mentioned before I like to be independent as possible and having a service dog looked like it could meet my needs and keep me as independent as possible. My inability to look at one aspect of something (I found that this seems to annoy some people) lead me to a whole new "realm." Some people were very understanding and thought that it is wonderful what a service dog could do. Others I found thought that a "person" for several reasons would be better. Or even a walker or wheelchair, or all of the above. Let me tell you a little why from a disabled persons stand point about these things.

First of all if insurance does not pay for someone to assist it can be completely out of reach for a person with disabilities. Also, even if insurance does approve assistance it can often be limited. This also goes make to being dependent on other people, which disabled people are often criticized for (like a double edged sword or a catch 22). As for walkers, wheelchairs, scooters etc they can be of great help in cases, but not always allow the freedom and independence a dog can for some people. None of these listed items can get in and out of a vehicle on their own. Often times help from another individual is needed to do so whereas a dog is capable of getting in and out on their own accord. Obviously, there are lifts, but again this goes back to costs as well as practicality in each persons situation. Walkers and the like also do not go over curbs or up/down stairs on their own either. They do not pace themselves on hills while going down or provide some assistance while going uphill. They will not pick themselves up if they fall over. Dogs can multitask in many situations.

Does this mean a dog can do everything and is the only thing ever needed? No, but in some cases it may be the better/best solution. Usually, like in almost any situation it is a combination of things that are needed.