Post by davincidanes on May 11, 2015 19:24:58 GMT -8
Hello everyone. I JUST joined this group, and of course, I was immediately drawn to the thread about service dogs. It is late and I will post a short introduction tomorrow, but I wanted to share my Service Dog in Training... Maestro. ~Linda
Hello everyone. I JUST joined this group, and of course, I was immediately drawn to the thread about service dogs. It is late and I will post a short introduction tomorrow, but I wanted to share my Service Dog in Training... Maestro. ~Linda
Welcome and looking forward to hearing your story!!!! Maestro (great name) is just stunning. Harlequin GDs hold a special place in my heart, as I did some wheeled mushing with one named Hamlet as a young girl--thrilling rides on unused railroad tracks!!! I'm guessing that Maestro will help with mobility from the harness he is wearing. That is one of Jamin's main tasks, and he is a natural wonder at it.
Post by davincidanes on May 12, 2015 6:54:22 GMT -8
Thank you all so much for the kind welcome! My story is a bit complicated, but I'm sure many of you have complicated stories as well. My "hobby" for many years has been showing AKC Great Danes, and I have bred a litter every 4-5 years when I want a new show dog for myself. Maestro is my third generation, and was meant to be my third generation of AKC Champions. All of my dogs have music themed names. His registered name is DaVinci-Twin Bay Pianos In Heaven. That in honor of my son, who was a musician and classical pianist who passed away in 2012 at the age of 28. I hope to be able to continue his show career, but that has been put on hold for now because of my health, and he is being re-directed into Service Dog Training. Yes, he will help with balance and mobility, and well as carrying my "purse", etc, in his backpack. Again, thank you all so much! I'm so glad that I found this forum.
It had been a year since I lost Domino. I really miss him badly. I didn't know how much it still hurt until I saw this thread. The only good Springers I can find in rescue I haven't been able to get. The foster families don't think someone in a wheelchair can exercise a Springer properly even though I have raised a couple. I guess I am determined to be alone for the rest of my life.
It had been a year since I lost Domino. I really miss him badly. I didn't know how much it still hurt until I saw this thread. The only good Springers I can find in rescue I haven't been able to get. The foster families don't think someone in a wheelchair can exercise a Springer properly even though I have raised a couple. I guess I am determined to be alone for the rest of my life.
That's terrible truwrecks and most probably discriminating. I have a springer who is a little barmy, my niece walks her and i take her to the field to play ball.
Post by davincidanes on May 13, 2015 10:53:03 GMT -8
Truwrecks, i am so, so sorry to hear that. Please don't give up. It may be difficult to get a Springer thru Rescue because they are a high energy dog. It's not right, but I do see their point. (don't shoot me) There are many other dog breeds that may suit your lifestyle. May, I ask a question? And please don't answer if you don't want to. Are you a veteran or past member of a public service agency? The reason I ask is that I have a friend who raises and trains service dogs for people who meet that criteria for people all over the country. She is in Michigan and has placed them as far away as Montana, and I will hook you up with the contact info if you like. Also, danes make WONDERFUL companions, have huge loving & devoted hearts, are low energy, and don't eat nearly as much as you think they would, and require very little grooming. I encourage you to check with your local Great Dane Rescue as an option, not as a service dog... just a loving companion. Just a couple of thoughts for you. I am so very, very sorry for your loss of Domino. I recently lost my 10 year old girl, and I know how horrible it feels. Hugs, linda
Springers can be very lively but I personally think that each person should be assessed on their own merit. The Springer rescue should not exclude anyone on the basis of them being a wheelchair user.
truwrecks is free to go and find his own springer as is his right and im sure he would base his decision on his experience of the breed that he already has. It would be unfortunate that the Springer rescue would refuse a potentially excellent owner because as we know, many are owners are not so.
Just saw the post. I have had a service dog from the Guide Dogs of Canada for 5 years. He is amazing. He is a yellow lab named Draco. He picks stuff up for me, barks for help, helps me when I fall over, and more! He comes everywhere with me. Couldn't imagine myself without him.