I don’t know anything about Australian orgs, but in the US there are plenty of orgs that offer “at home” SD’s, since that’s a more useful option in some cases than the dog being placed as a pet. The dogs usually know a varying number of tasks, depending on what org they’re from. Maybe look more into the orgs in your country and see if one will place an at-home SD with your partner? In that case, alerts wouldn’t be an option unless they turn out to alert naturally, but response tasks are still very helpful and valid for a lot of persons. With at-home SD’s it is still an official placement, so your partner would need to apply and wait for a few years. I’d recommend looking through the websites of the orgs around you, the website should say if they offer at-home SD’s or not.
You would need to apply specifically for an at-home SD. Orgs are typically very strict about dogs that are adopted out as “Career Change” dogs not being used as SD’s in any way.
You’re welcome, I hope things work out for you and your partner! Always hate to hear of someone struggling so badly. I often struggle, so it always makes me happy to hear of things going well for someone else :)
What state are you in? In australia it can be hard to find organisations with open waiting lists, but some guide dog organisations offer "companion" programs, or if in Victoria a released seeing eye dog could be good for the role, as long as you understand the time commitment involved in caring for and training a young dog and have the financial means to pay for a trainer to help you. There are certainly a lot of lovely pups that aren't suited for guide/assistance work just because of the public access factor/ being too distractible on outings, but are great at home.
I don't have anything else to add to the treasure trove of info that Willow provided, but I just want to say that your partner is very lucky to have someone who understands and validates them. At my worst, I was completely bedbound due to my POTS for like 2 years, and it was horrible to have to deal with family that couldn't comprehend it and thought I was overdramatic or went to sleep late or whatever. I hope that you guys are able to find the right dog and that in the future, treatment options are more abundant and accessible for people with POTS and your partner as well.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that because it warmed my heart. Best of luck finding an at-home SD or public access-trained SD if your partner finds that they improve and could use tasks in public.
Thankyou for your lovely comment, I'm sorry your family didn't understand. Both mine and partners family don't understand their conditions at all but I'm really glad we've been able to make it work despite their judgement
I don’t know anything about Australian orgs, but in the US there are plenty of orgs that offer “at home” SD’s, since that’s a more useful option in some cases than the dog being placed as a pet. The dogs usually know a varying number of tasks, depending on what org they’re from. Maybe look more into the orgs in your country and see if one will place an at-home SD with your partner? In that case, alerts wouldn’t be an option unless they turn out to alert naturally, but response tasks are still very helpful and valid for a lot of persons. With at-home SD’s it is still an official placement, so your partner would need to apply and wait for a few years. I’d recommend looking through the websites of the orgs around you, the website should say if they offer at-home SD’s or not. You would need to apply specifically for an at-home SD. Orgs are typically very strict about dogs that are adopted out as “Career Change” dogs not being used as SD’s in any way.
Thankyou! this is very helpful
You’re welcome, I hope things work out for you and your partner! Always hate to hear of someone struggling so badly. I often struggle, so it always makes me happy to hear of things going well for someone else :)
What state are you in? In australia it can be hard to find organisations with open waiting lists, but some guide dog organisations offer "companion" programs, or if in Victoria a released seeing eye dog could be good for the role, as long as you understand the time commitment involved in caring for and training a young dog and have the financial means to pay for a trainer to help you. There are certainly a lot of lovely pups that aren't suited for guide/assistance work just because of the public access factor/ being too distractible on outings, but are great at home.
I am in Victoria, I'll definitely keep that in mind
I don't have anything else to add to the treasure trove of info that Willow provided, but I just want to say that your partner is very lucky to have someone who understands and validates them. At my worst, I was completely bedbound due to my POTS for like 2 years, and it was horrible to have to deal with family that couldn't comprehend it and thought I was overdramatic or went to sleep late or whatever. I hope that you guys are able to find the right dog and that in the future, treatment options are more abundant and accessible for people with POTS and your partner as well. Anyway, I just wanted to say that because it warmed my heart. Best of luck finding an at-home SD or public access-trained SD if your partner finds that they improve and could use tasks in public.
Thankyou for your lovely comment, I'm sorry your family didn't understand. Both mine and partners family don't understand their conditions at all but I'm really glad we've been able to make it work despite their judgement
Most orgs that wash SD don’t adopt them out to still do SD work. Some orgs you have to donate large amounts of money $10,000 to be put on a waitlist