Have you ever thought about getting a service dog to assist you in becoming more independent? Tiffiny Carlson with Spinalcord.com shares some tasks that a service dog may be able to do to help with independent living, especially as a quadriplegic.
“Having a service animal can make the difference between needing a caregiver 24/7 and being able to be alone a little bit each day.”
Answering The Door
A service dog could be trained in assisting you in opening doors. This task could be accomplished by tying a rope to the doorknob and the dog tugging or pulling it open. “When the pizza guy comes, there’s nothing more awkward than telling him to “just open the door.” With a service dog, you no longer have to. Instead, you can have a rope on the door handle that your service dog can pull (with their mouth) to open the door whenever you need,” says Tiffiny.
Call 911
Tiffiny states, “It’s never fun to think about, but if there’s a serious emergency such as falling out of your wheelchair, becoming unconscious, falling out of your bed, etc, you can train your service dog to dial 911.” There are two ways a service dog can perform this task. You can use a landline with a big exposed big button pad where it is rigged if “9” is pressed over and over. The dog would be trained to continuously hit the button. An iPad can be used in a similar fashion. Be sure to keep the iPad/landline where the dog can reach it.
Assist In Position Changes
Some service dogs (mainly larger breeds) can even assist a person in changing positions while in bed or help you sit up if you fall or slump over in your wheelchair. “A task best reserved for larger dogs, a service dog can help with much-needed position changes in bed, or they can even help you sit up if you fall/slump over in your wheelchair (they will need something to tug on, such as your shirt). A service dog can even help you turn in bed by pressing their body up against you and using the right commands,” says Tiffiny. This task may be dangerous. It is not recommended for high-level quads.
Carry Grocery/Shopping Bags
Tiffiny advises that a service dog can take away some of the stress of shopping for a person with limited arm function because a dog can be trained to carry bags for you. “Not only can a service dog take things off the shelf and put them on your lap, they can carry your bags either by mouth or by having the cashier put them on your dog’s service animal vest,” she says. However, carrying bags is not a task for your dog to do long distance. Be sure the bag they are carrying is lightweight.
Hit An Elevator Button
Tiffiny states hitting an elevator button while out and about is one of the most annoying things for a person with limited hand function. A service dog can be taught this task. “If the elevator floor is slippery, make sure to steady them (either with an arm or your wheelchair), and then say the command. They will jump up on their hind legs and press the elevator buttons with their paws until (hopefully) the right button is pressed.”
Moving Paralyzed Limbs
Tiffiny says there are times when your arm or leg could fall off your foot plate or armrest. A service dog task could be to gently help guide your limb in the right place. “This is where your amazing service dog can come in to save the day and with a gentle mouth, they can literally grab your ankle or wrist and put it back where it needs to, on your foot plate or armrest,” says Tiffiny.
How cool is it that man’s best friend can not only serve as a companion but assist with gaining independence?
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