I'm looking for a service dog that can nudge me or grab my hand, something to get my attention and distract me when I start to have a change in my mood. My mania is anger, so I would like the dog to be able to sense when my mood goes toward anger and diffuse it by distracting me. Also, they can be trained to create distance between you and someone else if they sense you are getting anxious. I also want a dog that will help remind me to get exercise every day by walking or running around the block.

I know that an ESA does not have the ability to go everywhere a service dog can go. Restaurants or places that serve food, or any place for that matter, have the right to ask you and your dog to leave. Service dogs are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act so they can go anywhere and legally no one can kick you out. I had thought about my Yorkie as an ESA, but then I looked into it and found the difference.

I thought about adopting from a shelter or from a friend who is looking for a home for a dog she was fostering. But the problem is that if they don't pass the training, they can't become a service dog. I would love to say that I would just make that dog a family pet, but I already have 2 dogs and cats in a small house, so another wouldn't work for us. If I go through a program, there is the option to get one of their puppies that is known to be able to pass the training. One program trains the dogs beforehand, then you go for a 2 week training with the dog.