Gemma, balance dog in training
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Meet Gemma, our balance dog in training!
Sarah has an aggressive form of Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder that can drastically reduce the function of one's balance system. For a while now, Sarah's doctor has been recommending some kind of balance aid. On bad days, it’s difficult if not impossible for Sarah to move independently. On good days, Sarah still tend to veer from side to side when walking. Because Sarah's difficulties involve both balance and straight-line walking, canes and walking sticks probably wouldn’t help. We have opted to find a dog who we could train to assist Sarah with balance and mobility.
We have consulted with a private trainer who helps people with disabilities train their own service dogs. A working labrador retriever is the best breed for Sarah's needs. We found Gemma quite unexpectedly. She’s a two-year-old purebred chocolate Labrador. Though female, she is very strong and our veterinarian says that she has the right bone structure for balance work with someone Sarah's height. She belonged to a military family that was being stationed in another country, and they couldn’t take her along. She has never done service work, but after playing with her for a few minutes Sarah knew that she was the right dog for us.
We're raising money to help us with Gemma's training costs. Most service dogs undergo a rigorous 2-year training program to qualify them for public access, but the ADA gives people with disabilities the right to train their own service dogs. Gemma has already been so helpful to Sarah around the house. She has allowed Sarah to use her as a balance aid when getting up from the floor, bed, and couch at home. Sarah was careful at first to ensure the pressure on Gemma's shoulders was safe, but she seems to be a natural at squaring her feet up in the correct position. She has also walked alongside Sarah throughout the apartment when Sarah has been unsteady. We want to enroll Gemma in training programs so she can complete the Canine Good Citizen program and work with a private trainer for service training.
Sarah has an aggressive form of Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder that can drastically reduce the function of one's balance system. For a while now, Sarah's doctor has been recommending some kind of balance aid. On bad days, it’s difficult if not impossible for Sarah to move independently. On good days, Sarah still tend to veer from side to side when walking. Because Sarah's difficulties involve both balance and straight-line walking, canes and walking sticks probably wouldn’t help. We have opted to find a dog who we could train to assist Sarah with balance and mobility.
We have consulted with a private trainer who helps people with disabilities train their own service dogs. A working labrador retriever is the best breed for Sarah's needs. We found Gemma quite unexpectedly. She’s a two-year-old purebred chocolate Labrador. Though female, she is very strong and our veterinarian says that she has the right bone structure for balance work with someone Sarah's height. She belonged to a military family that was being stationed in another country, and they couldn’t take her along. She has never done service work, but after playing with her for a few minutes Sarah knew that she was the right dog for us.
We're raising money to help us with Gemma's training costs. Most service dogs undergo a rigorous 2-year training program to qualify them for public access, but the ADA gives people with disabilities the right to train their own service dogs. Gemma has already been so helpful to Sarah around the house. She has allowed Sarah to use her as a balance aid when getting up from the floor, bed, and couch at home. Sarah was careful at first to ensure the pressure on Gemma's shoulders was safe, but she seems to be a natural at squaring her feet up in the correct position. She has also walked alongside Sarah throughout the apartment when Sarah has been unsteady. We want to enroll Gemma in training programs so she can complete the Canine Good Citizen program and work with a private trainer for service training.
Organizer
Lindsey Nelson
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC
