United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Marlyn,

I have a jack russell terrier, she is 2 years old and is the dearest dog I have ever had and I have always had a dog in my life. They make great pets, but need lots of attention. They have only two cycles, on and off, with no middle ground.

But they have a great deal of affection and are wonderful with kids. If you want a quiet dog who will mind you and sit and look cute, don't get one of them. If you want a dog that is a great walking companion, who never tires and is always willing to play and cavort with the children, then this is the dog for your family!

Unlike Skip in the movie or Wishbone on the PBS show, Jack Russells cannot be let loose outside without a leash. They will dart after anything that moves -- squirrels, cars, other people, and could so easily get run over.

I consider Ginger to part of my daily PT (Pet Therapy) and walk her on her leash giving my bpi arm a good stretch several times a day.

Nancy Birk
UBPN President

I would like a mutt from the pound but we are having a hard time deciding and then we read about the

ANIMAL ASSISTANTS

Animals have played a significant role in the lives of people with disabilities. They provide services to people who are physically, emotionally, or developmentally disabled. Service dogs provide an extra pair of arms and legs. They have the ability to help individuals with disabilities perform multiple tasks and remove barriers. They are trained to do a variety of tasks their masters cannot manage themselves such as turning light switches on and off, opening and closing door, feeding and giving a drink, brushing hair, pulling wheelchairs, retrieving dropped or needed items, summoning help when needed, and wearing a backpack to keep items within reach of those with hand or arm limitations. Service animals can also provide companionship. Canine companions and capuchin monkeys have an important role as an icebreaker. For kids, canine companions can make social interactions with other kids easier.

Generally, you will need to fill out an application to begin the process that may be followed by an interview. The animals are provided without cost to recipients. On-site training is generally required before you receive a canine assistant.

Non-Profit Organizations

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities and to professional caregivers. If you are interested in getting a service dog or have questions, you can call toll-free.

http://www.rehabinfo.net/pm&r/resource% ... sisted.htm

Which got us to wondering if anyone had tried this?

Nancy,

You obviously know the reason they are called Jack Russel Terrorists!! I've never owned one, but I've several stables with Jack Russels. They definitely pack the highest energy-per-pound of any dog I've ever encountered.

Kate

oops... that should be "shared several stables"...

Kate

Hi again to the origional poster, I just wanted to say that I have met many of the animal assistants and even trained with them and they are just amazing animals. I live in Canada so I am sure the requirements for receiving an animal like this are differen't here but just wanted to say that you have a great idea there. Good luck and I hope that you do qualify for such a animal.

Lenni

Jenny,

we never heard of the Schipperkes either, until we found them...and fell in love with our Spokey Dog. My son named him. They are very loyal and very protective (but not to the point of being mean--just loud; a real ALERT dog. He lets you know if anyone comes near the door or if anything changes.

My daughter seems more fond of the cats (we have 3) and any other animal she can bring into the house. She loves the dog, too, but since the dog loves me best she wants to find one that loves her best...and we keep adding to our little zoo here!

Peggy

buy the kid a dog already!!

Peggy - your house sounds so much like mine!:) My Maltese dog is my pet, 12-1/2 yrs old, and is our ALERT dog - non-stop barking when she sees something, wants in or out - we call her the "vocal" one. I have Pancake on my lap right now (anorexic cat but very sweet). We have a ZOO too - kids in the neighborhood love to come and play with all of them. I am a softy so I have a hard time seeing signs about pets needing homes. I'm not sure how many more we can take in! LOL The kids shared their ice cream floats with the cats when my parents came to visit - one spoonful for you and one spoonfull for me and I think that my parents were alittle disgusted!! LOL And the dogs always get a popcycle when the kids get one - Rodeo loves the grape ones! LOL That is how much a part of the family these pets are to us. Our dog Rodeo barks only when she thinks you are being too rough - so if Chip play wrestles with the kids or the cats chase eachother - Rodeo puts a stop to it! LOL She likes things CALM! LOL The different personalities are so funny! (I like the name Smokey Dog)
Christy

I agree with Cindy about the black labs, and with tara about cats.....Always the Orange tabby male (neutered) cats we have had are BIG cuddlers, and love to be held and petted.

Hi Lenni,
We have found a place called Dream Workers, they are local (we live in Kennesaw, GA) and they told us that if we got a dog to bring the pet in and they would teach us how to train it as an animal assistant. So we went to three pounds today looking at different dogs, we took Aaron with us to see how he would respond. Of course every dog was different, many were wound up from being in the pound. Since Aaron is afraid of dogs anyway it was difficult to find one that he would not cry and scream (he's 2 1/2) when they brought it out. At the last pound we found a mix Dauchsand and Cocker Spainial they belived to be about 2 years old, he was solid black, smaller than a Cocker Spanial but much bigger than a Dauchsand. Aaron did not cry, he actually petted, it and said "Dog". So we thought we would come home and pray about it and decided tomorrow if that was the dog for us?? I am interested to learn more about the animal assistant program and how this will help Aaron with his BPI injury and other possible disabilities as well. Thanks for writing, I appreicate the input.
Kitty