Animal Helpers

[AussieEasyBiker]

Hi All

Ive been looking into the world of animal helpers (dogs). Ive read that the MS society can get/train dogs for MS sufferers that can help with balance, odd jobs and a hell of a lot more, but not sure if they are over here yet or just in America (the MS dogs).

Was just wondering if anyone has any experience of such dogs for other disabilities as I am going to look into it further and possibly contact the MS Society to find out. It could be a valuable addition to help prevent broken bones and bruises from falls. Mum has already fractured/broken, back in 2 places, pelvic in 3 and a few other areas like wrist and arm and looked as if shed gone a few rounds with David Haye after hitting her face on a plant pot.(Osteoporosis doesnt help...excuse spelling).

On an ending note at least Ive rephrased the animal helpers as I used to call them disabled dogs (as I never knew what to call them) until my mate said, did they come with a blue badge!!

[mr turk]

hi aussie I have not herd of dogs for ms suffers I hope there is such a thing it would be great for tra she as ms and a dog would realy help her with all sorts of daily things ok take care

[Kev4]

Do you mean these?

http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/assistancedogs.

[AussieEasyBiker]

Many thanks Kev4 I will look into it even more

I have read briefly about dogs for MS sufferers. I believe it started in America and has been a success so more MS sufferers are using them. Unfortunately I think there are very few in the UK at present. They help them with standing and sitting and walking with a special brace fitted to them. They can also detect when the sufferer is getting tired (roughly an hour before the sufferer feels it themselves) and barks or nudges them to a chair to ensure they take a rest. Thus helping them throughout the day as they dont feel as tired and therefore help with the concentration etc for the motor skills.

Its amazing how intelligent mans best friend is when they can be fully trained

[NanaNana]

We used to have a 'Dog for the Disabled', who are trained specifically for the owner's wants and needs.
They train dogs for autistic children as well, at the same place in Banbury.
Never heard of dogs being trained for MS sufferers specifically, but I know Dogs ftD train their dogs to suit YOU. If you need one to pick up the washing, or post letters in a postbox, or drag the washing basket outside, or open doors, or put washing in/out of the machine, or give purses to shop assistants to pay for purchases, or to press buttons on the pedestrian crossing points, or to pick up stuff from the floor and deposit them somewhere ................. then Dog will train one to do that and pair you up together.
Worth actually phoning one of these organisations, ie Dogs for the Disabled, or Canine Partners and asking them.

www.dogsforthedisabled.org