Hi Everyone,
I recognize many names from other forums, and am really happy to see how many of you are pet lovers.
: - )
For those of you who do not know me, I am called SingingWolf. I live on a farm with my family. After an accident about 6 years ago which injured my tailbone, left me with PTSD and then finding out I have Fibromyalgia, I am at a place in my life where I need to have more assistance so I'm able to go out in the world again.
I have a wonderful Australian Shepherd that I've been working with since he was about 6 weeks. He loves to run, and since I can't keep up with him, he chases my jeep or the hayride around the farm for his exercise. But mostly he loves being with me, and I love having him with me. He is so intelligent, and already meets half the criteria for being an Assistance Animal.
I would love to hear from others who either have trained their own or have experience living and working with an Assistance animal.
I have goggled (when did that become a verb?) the subject and am confused whether I need paperwork from some government agency to travel with him, especially on planes. Does anyone know?
Also am looking for suggestions on some good working gear for him. He will tolerate a leash (although he is insulted by having to wear one), not to mention fairy wings (which he thought were fun, and no I didn't put them on him), so I don't think he'll have any trouble getting used to a harness or a vest.
Just hoping that someone has some good advice, and practical experiences.
While Spirit (that's his name) is a great protector of kids, cats, old dogs, and chickens, and is very good at opening the gates to get out to chase off the coyotes or the bobcat seen recently here on the farm. He wants a real job, and mostly to be close to me. I find him to be a great help, and a comfort when I'm having a PTSD episode. I am not sure but he seems to know when I need to rest, and is really protective of me. He'll make me sit down if he thinks I need to rest, or I'm having balance problems. What a love. : - )
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Walk In Beauty~
SingingWolf
