Hunter is a cat, and he is my doctor approved service animal. I believe any animal may become a service animal, as long as you have a special need and a doctor who understands that need and will write you a prescription for a service animal. He follows me everywhere, even when I take him camping. He sleeps with me, or under the bed. He always gives me a reason to get out of bed, such as to make sure he has food, water, or his all important kitty treats. He also gives me an uncountable amount of attention when I really need it.
I have 2 cats in the house and several outside. plus a dog, fish and snake. I think animals are wonderful and are great for us.
I have three cats who provide unconditional love. Pickles, the Siamese cross tuxedo cat is specially tuned into my well being. I call him my bodyguard because he follows me wherever I go in the house and outside in the yard. If I leave the yard he sits and meows loudly at me. He has the Siamese voice and the Siamese personality.
Our animal pets become part of our family. Now Pickles is trying everything he knows to distract me because he wants a cuddle!
Does anyone else have a different kind of service animal, and how do they help you?
Hi,
I think you are referring to a dog that can retrieve things for you or do other things. But I think I need a good distraction from my pain. I cannot be thinking of myself when I am focused on their little requests. My son pleaded with me to get a parakeet. I thought he would be lonely so I bought 2. It is interesting to observe them. They have many different types of chirps. I am learning what some mean because they also look in the direction where they expect something. I keep their treats and food in different locations They love to listen to parakeets on you tube and the male has a certain type of chirp when he wants to hear a video a second time.I can go and on. They also get me out of bed in the morning. They like to get out of their cage at 8:30 and sit on their perch. I can request more snoozing from my son but when all of them ask for breakfast I jump out of bed. I discovered that birds can snooze in late if you keep them up late. So they party with us on Friday night.
This is what I think I would do if Samantha were my dog. I really like the vest idea. It doesn’t have to say “Service Animal, do NOT touch me”. It could say something like “Please don’t touch me.” Or “Thank you, but please don’t touch me.” I’m not quite sure what color vest service animal wear, but I would choose a different color, one that will stand out, but coordinate with the colors on Samantha. For example, if she has blue eyes, get her a vest that is blue. I think plain vets can be bought at pet accessory stores, if you are the talented kind of person you could iron on letters, or applicate some letters with a sewing machine. If that isn’t possible, I would take it to a seamstress or a store that will put your saying on the vest. I can’t imagine it would cost more than a couple of dollars, but probably not more than $25. That is a pretty small price to pay to have your beloved animal be able to join you for walks in the park or public. It is good that you are aware of situations that make Samantha uncomfortable and don’t subject her to needless distress. If you are unable to find someone to apply your message on a dog vest let me know. I’m quite crafty, and pretty good at sewing and appliqués. I would be willing to do it for you for nothing. Despite our living on different continents. Please feel free to message me if you wish to. Therapy animals are quite valuable to people with illness. I fully believe any animal can be a therapy animal. It just needs to be smart and receptive to you and your needs. Have a wonderful week.
Sincerely, Carla Dohrer
Check out pronto.com or amazon.com. They are reasonable, I don’t know if they are accessible in Australia or not. Please let me know what you decide to do. I’m very interested.
I just looked at eBay.com. They have several vests to choose from along with easy to sew on patches or ID badges. Good luck.
Hunter is more of a distraction from my pain and depression. I have the doctors order so I don’t have to get rid of him. He is very important in he helps me destress and helps me relax. But he is as demanding as a lippy little three year old child which keeps me from spending my entire life in bed.
HI CARLA I DONT HAVE A DOCTOR APPROVED ANIMAL BUT I DO HAVE MY AUSTRALIAN SHEPARD HEIDI. I DONT KNOW WHAT ID DO WITHOUT HER.HOW DID YOU GET YOUR DOCTOR TO HAVE YOUR CAT AS A DOCTOR APPROVED SERVICE ANIMAL.CAN THE CAT GO WITH YOU EVERYWHERE YOU TRAVEL.CAN THE CAT GO TO THE GROCERY STORE RESTARUANTS DOCTIR OFFICES ETC.IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO FOUND OUT THE PROCESS. THANKS AND HAVE A GOOD DAY.
Explain to your doctor and/or psychiatrist what your animal does for you and how living without it would make your symptoms or diagnosis unbearable. That is what I did. Now I can live anywhere despite animal restrictions. My order says something like this. “Carla has a cat that help her live with her depression and anxiety disorders.”
Aww that is so cute. I never heard of that before!
Could it help you to live in a new home that wouldn't alllow pets then? There's a lot of landlords out there that have restrictions on pets and this would be a great way around them and look to their caring and sympathetic side.
Thanks for the insight!