Dog for Dad.
by
Tami Dean
+13
Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows how to go about getting a service Dog for my Dad? He is 89 and wants to remain in his home. He had a stroke in June of 2016, thank God he was not left paralyzed!! He is doing great now, but wants a companion, a buddy. I would like to have a balancing Dog. Sometimes, not too often he falls and would like help up. I think the balancing Dog would be a Godsend for him. I've emailed a few establishments, to no avail. Dad is a former paratrooper, Army) and a Korean war veteran.:-):-) please help me to help Dad?! I will give my word right now that I will keep, the Dog if anything were to happen. He always talks about Dugan, the German shepherd that he used to have as a young man and he would like to have another German shepard. Thank you so very much. Have a SAFE & happy 4th of July!!:-):-):-)
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http://4pawsforability.org/paws-for-veterans/
Oh wow! Yes your dad most certainly needs a dog. Thank your dad for his service to our country. Now, where do you live so I know where to start Googling? Contact every veterans organization in the area. I would also contact charitable groups like The Elks and The Moose. The local chapters are big on Veterans affairs and they could lend a hand in the search too. Any civic organization in your area, contact them, repeatedly, until you get to talk to someone. I would also contact any animal shelters as they could offer suggestions too. Leave no stone unturned, and be thorough. I would even thumb through the local phone book.
My son has a part German Shepherd that is a rescue. Despite months of running loose when a pup(he was ~6 months old when he adopted him) he is like an untrained service dog. He seems to know when someone is ill or in pain and won't leave your side. He walks next to you up and down stairs, etc. He sticks to you like glue and will take your weight even on the stairs if the hand rail isn't enough. Just see if you can find a Shepard that comes to him easily and it will probably be one of the best companions he will ever have. You would be surprised how many dogs will help without training. Also you may want to convince him to get one of those services that that he can press the button if he needs help even if he is out and about as there are situations that a dog will not be able to help him call for help. He has already had one stroke, god forbid,what if he has another, the dog won't be able to call for help. Good luck in your search. I know you will be able to find him a companion to keep him company and help him.
Is it possible to have your father live with you instead. I'm sure you will never regret it.
at that age I don't think your father would be able to take proper care of a dog. Maybe you should look at other possibilities.
Try your local Lions Club
I am a volunteer for the Guide Dog foundation for the Blind/America's Vet Dogs. Your dad may qualify for one of the dogs in the vet program but he would have to go to Smithtown, Long Island, NY for a few weeks to learn how to work with the dog. The dogs are free to those who qualify. You can apply at www.guidedog.org.
Tami
I don't know if you would consider a 4 year old labrador, or not. But I have a friend who recently lost her husband, who was also a veteran. He had a dog named Buddy who was very attached to his master. During his last days, he and the dog were inseparable. Since he has passed away, the wife would like to find a good home for the dog. The animal is an excellent watch dog, loves being around people and children - even other dogs. One of his not so good characteristics is that he does not like to be left alone - especially inside a house. He is accustomed to living indoors, but has no problem being tied up and staying outside when you have to leave him. The wife would only let the dog go, if she knew someone would love him and take good care of him. She lives near Escanaba, MI which is some 1700 miles from you. If interested, I could put you in contact with her. The dog would make a great companion for your dad. Although Buddy has never been formerly trained, he enjoys being around men.