"balance dogs" - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

newcastle2 · 08-28-2006, 05:01 AM

The other day I saw on TV a disabled young woman with impaired balance. She did not use aids for walking but she had a service/balance/walker dog. I've heard about service dogs for blind people, ppl who use wheelchairs, kids with autism,...etc. But I've never heard of a "balance/walker dog". Do you know of anybody who is able to walk but due to balance problems has a helper dog?

Thanks

Kat

Jo-Lynn · 08-28-2006, 05:14 AM

I have thought of getting one, especially to help me get up from falling. These are amazing animals!

Malwm01 · 08-28-2006, 10:06 AM

Okay, but what the heck does a "Balance Dog" do, Jo-Lynn? This is interesting to me...

eri02 · 08-28-2006, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malwm01

Okay, but what the heck does a "Balance Dog" do, Jo-Lynn? This is interesting to me...

really...i'd love to know.

Jo-Lynn · 08-28-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malwm01

Okay, but what the heck does a "Balance Dog" do, Jo-Lynn? This is interesting to me...

Well, I wouldnt call it a Balance Dog... I'd call it an assistive dog. For me, it would be like a live cane.... lol. I opted for a regular cane instead. Also, when I fall, they are trained to allow you to lean on them to assist you to a standing position. That would be most valuable t o me as I spend alot of time 'kissing dirt' lol.