SeniorSeeker
Active member
My doctor felt I would benefit by having a 'Hearing Service Dog', so I contacted 'Paws w/a Cause' and filled out their questionnaire. They responded telling me I didn't qualify simply because my last hearing check was less than a year ago. So I contacted my doctor and discussed the results and suggested we fill out paperwork for an ESA referred to an Emotional Service Animal. I suggested I look for an animal that meet the ideas and or requirements of a service dog. I began looking for Labrador Retrievers and eventually branched off to other breeds. It's amazing how many hundreds of animals are in Rescues across the State of Michigan but not one of them met the requirements. Either they had a mistrust or hatred toward other dogs or cats or even little children.
I shared all this and more with the director of the Kent County Animal Shelter. She set me up with ladies there to keep an eye out for me knowing what it takes to be a service dog. Well ... last Tuesday afternoon, I got a call from one of the ladies telling me they had a West Highland Terrier that would come available first then Wednesday morning. So I jumped on the city bus and headed over to the animal shelter. They placed me in a room with a dog they called Toby. Other than marking the room a few times during our interview, he appeared to have all the qualities needed to become what I wanted. They thought that being fixed would curb most of his desire to mark his territory. For the most part it did.
Friday night, after his surgery, they dropped him off to my apartment complex and gave me a brand new wire kennel too boot. Wow! It's been four days now but he's beginning to listen. For those of you who do not know, the terrier breeds have a mind of their own and make every effort to demonstrate that ability. But ...... I decided, from day one, I would be the pack leader and that's that. It's working. With a lot of patience and love, Sparky will do just fine. After he's trained, I'll return to my doctor and demonstrate his ability to follow directions and apply for a Service Dog application. Doc agrees and we're on our way. Sometimes what we find is furry and fun
I shared all this and more with the director of the Kent County Animal Shelter. She set me up with ladies there to keep an eye out for me knowing what it takes to be a service dog. Well ... last Tuesday afternoon, I got a call from one of the ladies telling me they had a West Highland Terrier that would come available first then Wednesday morning. So I jumped on the city bus and headed over to the animal shelter. They placed me in a room with a dog they called Toby. Other than marking the room a few times during our interview, he appeared to have all the qualities needed to become what I wanted. They thought that being fixed would curb most of his desire to mark his territory. For the most part it did.
Friday night, after his surgery, they dropped him off to my apartment complex and gave me a brand new wire kennel too boot. Wow! It's been four days now but he's beginning to listen. For those of you who do not know, the terrier breeds have a mind of their own and make every effort to demonstrate that ability. But ...... I decided, from day one, I would be the pack leader and that's that. It's working. With a lot of patience and love, Sparky will do just fine. After he's trained, I'll return to my doctor and demonstrate his ability to follow directions and apply for a Service Dog application. Doc agrees and we're on our way. Sometimes what we find is furry and fun
LOL! If nothing else, he will be your protector along with Jesus! Amen! 
Ma