THIS EVENT WAS AROUND MID APRIL OF THIS YEAR,
my apologies to all especially Patty for the late post:
I suffered a head injury in June 2008 after a horse accident. I was referred to the best neurologist in Denver.After all the testing and blood testing I was diagnosed with a closed head injury that resulted in complex temporal seizure disorder. After many months of suffering and trying to deal with medications and seizures I was out of hope. I tried prayer, diet, medication, etc. I realized I may be destined to live with these seizures.
Finally looking for another answer I called Colorado Service Dog’s. I had two dogs and told Sharon and Lija I would like to use one of them to become my seizure alert or response dog. They did not laugh when I told them my dogs were a Chihuahua and a Jack Russell Terrier.
They both came to interview the dogs and myself. After a very positive and encouraging interview with the dogs they suggested I work on the Chihuahua because she was calmer and more willing to please. Sharon told me she was not the ideal dog because of her size but she was willing to train according to her size...it was like “you do what you want, I will do my best to make it work”.
my apologies to all especially Patty for the late post:
I suffered a head injury in June 2008 after a horse accident. I was referred to the best neurologist in Denver.After all the testing and blood testing I was diagnosed with a closed head injury that resulted in complex temporal seizure disorder. After many months of suffering and trying to deal with medications and seizures I was out of hope. I tried prayer, diet, medication, etc. I realized I may be destined to live with these seizures.
Finally looking for another answer I called Colorado Service Dog’s. I had two dogs and told Sharon and Lija I would like to use one of them to become my seizure alert or response dog. They did not laugh when I told them my dogs were a Chihuahua and a Jack Russell Terrier.
They both came to interview the dogs and myself. After a very positive and encouraging interview with the dogs they suggested I work on the Chihuahua because she was calmer and more willing to please. Sharon told me she was not the ideal dog because of her size but she was willing to train according to her size...it was like “you do what you want, I will do my best to make it work”.
It just so happened I had a trip to San Francisco planned. Both Lija and Sharon assured me that because I was in training with Colorado Service Dogs and had a “working dog” vest I would be able to go any place that the public was allowed to go.
Stepping out in faith I took my Chihuahua with me.We had NO problem going anywhere. On the airlines they actually went out of their way to accommodate us, i.e. gave “Jackie” her own seat. We ate at the finest restaurants and shopped at upscale art galleries. Jackie was always welcomed with open arms because they saw that she was a “working” dog.
Stepping out in faith I took my Chihuahua with me.We had NO problem going anywhere. On the airlines they actually went out of their way to accommodate us, i.e. gave “Jackie” her own seat. We ate at the finest restaurants and shopped at upscale art galleries. Jackie was always welcomed with open arms because they saw that she was a “working” dog.
At the Palace Hotel in down town she not only was a welcomed guest; they brought a dog bed, a bowl for food and water, a bottle of water and a bag of dog kibble tied with a gold bowl to our room.
I am so thankful to Lija and Sharon for their open mind toward training my Chihuahua. She has not yet learned to respond to my seizures so we will try something else, a black lab that they have named Lily. I hope we have better luck, but in the meantime I have great memories of taking my favorite Chihuahua to San Francisco.
**UPDATE**
I have been fostering Lily the black lab now for a couple weeks, and we are working with her on encouraging her further on her current alert of pacing and a sense of confusion. She realizes something is happening but is not quit sure what it is she is to be doing. She is an amazing dog and between the training i have been giving her with the guided hand of Sharon we are excited about her alerting and her assistance for me.
**UPDATE**
I have been fostering Lily the black lab now for a couple weeks, and we are working with her on encouraging her further on her current alert of pacing and a sense of confusion. She realizes something is happening but is not quit sure what it is she is to be doing. She is an amazing dog and between the training i have been giving her with the guided hand of Sharon we are excited about her alerting and her assistance for me.
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