[Lexi232]

through about a year of searching, and going to every known company that i was passed on to... I have realized something...

I can't find one single one in the whole US that does autism service dogs for adults(and will provide it for the area i reside (those that do have adult autism service dogs, they are for other areas, and the person has to be a resident of that area for up to 3 years i think it said)... I know kids are in need of them too... but it gets really sad and depressing, when an adult could actually live independently and do the things that would be needed to be done, and they would be able to have a functional life... and the only known way that works is when a dog is around. Why are kids the only ones who can receive these dogs?

I cant just go out and get any random dog.. (believe me, i tried lol...) at that time, my landlord refused me access to my appartment as long as i had the puppy (who might i add, was doing quite well in the home training. He was going on public buses, and stores with me, and being well behaved, and un-distracted.
There was a massive list that the puppy helped me with.. I was even able to "stand up for yourself" (myself). and i went to the store and got what i needed... and got my meds.. and I was going outside a lot.. and i rode the buses.. and i was starting to speak with people.. usually about the dog.. but it was verbal speaking... things that i cant even do now. and i wasn't able to do before.. It's like looking through a glass window.. and seeing it all... then getting a small taste of what it's like to be able to do those things and not rely on others, and finding it difficult even when the others are there(i lack a caregiver now.. the "others" is referring to my caregiver before she got sick). ... and getting a taste of being what i want to be, and doing the things that i want to do.... and then being placed right back behind that glass window... now knowing what i'm missing it hurts a lot more than just wishing (hey that kinda rhymes... maybe i'll make some poem..

[kaliope]

gosh, it is a shame you can not get a service dog when it has been so helpful for you to have one. it sounds like a pet has done so much for you. It must be really challenging for you to live somewhere where services are so lacking. my t thinks it would be good for me to have a companion animal but I am not allowed pets in my apartment. im afraid if I pressed the ADA component on my landlady she would evict me. "its in the lease!" we are not even allowed to put objects in our windowsills, have Christmas trees or use candles. but I wouldn't mind having a cat. but it is not worth moving over.