[crazycatlady_83]

Does anyone in this group have a service dog? I've really been considering one the past week and have been doing research on the matter. I specifically want a service dog and NOT an emotional support animal because a service dog can go anywhere with you and are protected by the ADA guidelines. An ESA does not have that ability.

If you have a service dog, where did you go for a dog and training? I'm in California, but my husband said we will go wherever we have to so I can get one from a good place. I found one called Little Angels in San Diego where they train the dog from the time they are puppies, so you are guaranteed to have a dog that has passed all the training. Once you are approved, you go there for a 2 week training and then take the dog home once you have become certified. The biggest problem is the cost: $24,000 per dog. They are a nonprofit, so they run on donations. But how long it takes for you to get a dog depends on how quickly the funds are raised. If your application is approved, they will send you a fundraising packet. They do have donors, but their website basically says you can get your dog sooner if you donate some yourself. It can take 6-18 months if you donate, and up to 3 years if you don't.

If there is anyplace that you would recommend or advise I stay away from, that would be great. I have been getting progressively worse over the last couple years, especially this past two weeks. I literally had my 10 year old hiding in his closet and crying after I yelled and screamed at him for throwing his shorts playfully at me at bedtime. I was in his face and screaming at him. He's getting to the point where he doesn't want to be around me, and I'm afraid he's getting to where he doesn't love me anymore. This has been the hardest few weeks of my bipolar life. I just feel having a service dog would be so beneficial to me and my family.

[~Christina]

All service dogs are not trained the same, they are trained for specific things, Like some dogs do well with diabetic patients, epilepsy, seeing eye etc etc ... The program matches you to animal based on needs and requirements.

What are you looking for in a service animal? What benefit would a service animal provide you with?

Are you in Therapy to find ways of dealing with your emotions so you able to manage life easier?

[Victoria'smom]

Right now my dog is an ESA. She has all the things to be a service dog but she's not registered however legally she doesn't have to be. You could always pick up a pound puppy and train them to do tasks without that much cost. What tasks do you plan on training the dog for?

[crazycatlady_83]

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.

[~Christina]

I think you will probably have a hard time finding a dog trained in those " skills"

You mention having 2 dogs already and a cat(s)... but I am confused about this statement " Having another dog wouldn't work for us"

Most service dogs are a huge help to people with disabilities.. But everyone I know that has a service dog, That is there only dog. No matter how well trained a service dog is if they live a home with other dogs, they will want to play and enjoy the company of the other dogs so he/she wont always be able " to get between you and someone else" when you become angry.

Have you tried walking your current dogs and spending more time with them to build a good relationship with one or both ? Im sorry that your anger is scaring your child , of course that has to be a priority right now, no child should have to hide in a closet. I will say .. Any organization that trains and provide service animals will also interview you and will talk to your Pdoc because they need to know that the Dog will be cared for and safe.