How do we define a service dog?: Service Dogs for persons with Psychiatric Disabilities

» Bren57 - Service Dogs for persons with Psychiatric Disabilities

I am so happy and encouraged to have found this web site It is the first time I have seen a site about Service Dogs that recognizes the value of a Service Dog for persons with Mental Illness. I live in British Columbia,Canada. I would very much like to receive a Service Dog which is certified for Public Access. My illness involves Depression,Anxiety,Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia. Having a service dog is to me like having the unconditional love and support of a very special friend. It is very difficult to find the same kind of love from a "human" companion. I have researched Service Dogs in British Columbia. There is only one facility that I have found so far that trains Service Dogs for people with psychiatric disabilities. I also have Fibromyalgia so I can use some physical assistance also. Having Agoraphobia makes it impossible for me to be away from home for the week that they would require for me to train with the dog. I am willing to spend as long as it takes socializing the dog in my own community and would also attend local obedience training with my dog as required. I am prepared to pay an evaluator to travel here to certify the dog for public access when we are ready.
My short term goals are very much the same as items # 20-27 on the list in your material. My quality of life would greatly improve with a dearly loved and loving canine companion.
My long term goal is to be able to travel to Ontario to see my mother,sister,brother,nieces and nephews. I have been unable to travel for 5 years which is when this episode began.I am fortunate that my three adult children and three grandchildren live in the same area of B.C. as I do.
I do have a dog in mind-a beautiful German Shepherd\Rottweiler X who is 2-3 years old. She is currently living in a rescue shelter here,and from as much as I can tell is very smart, eager to learn and quick to respond to vocal commands.
Of course I would be more than happy to have a dog that was chosen by a training facility also.
If you can help me I would be grateful for any suggestions or contacts you could share.

I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.

Gail Ferraro
British Columbia
Canada

-- posted by Bren57