Service Dogs are not all fun (pics too)

[NicoleLJ]

I have heard so many times form people in the public and online comment on how lucky I am to be able to bring Sheena everywhere I go and how they wish they could bring their pet with them everywhere. Many people think it is all fun and easy to bring a Service Dog out into public. But they don't see the other side of things. They don't see the hard work it is to keep the gear clean and ready, to keep the dog completely spotless and so on even when you are not feeling good. Take today for example. We had to go and get our taxes done today so this morning I had to give Sheena a bath. Here is the problem. I have been really sick and weak for the past two weeks. So bathing a big White Shepherd, brushing her several times as she dries, clipping her claws and the fur on her pads, cleaning her teeth, ears and so forth was NOT an easy matter. Took me over 3 hours to get it all done just to be able to leave the house for a 30 minute appointment. By the time all was done and ready I was in so much pain and so exhausted I did not want to go anywhere. I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep.

I love Sheena and I see her as my lifeline to the world outside but having her is not all fun. I would never change the fact that I have her but if I could wake up one day and suddenly not have my disability and be able to leave her at home I would in a heart beat. I just wanted to be able to share with you all the other side of the coin and that when you see a service dog team it is not always as simple a matter as throwing a vest or harness on and walking out the door. Tons of work went into being able to leave the house. Sorry for the depressing post. I am just having a really bad day sick wise.

But on a brighter note doesn't Sheena look great after all that hard work?







Nicole

[borzoimom]

She is wonderful!! Woofderful.. lollllllllll..

[critter crazy]

Sheena is a gorgeous dog!! Even if she was covered i mud, she would be drop dead gorgeous! But you did a fantastic Job, even though you realy didnt want to! Job well done!!!

[Kfamr]

She is beautiful. But, try doing all of that grooming to 4 dogs every week.

[applesmom]

Great post Nichole! This is another side of the coin that too many people are not aware of and should be. Sheena looks great!

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks so much everyone.

critter crazy: trust me if you had seen Sheena covered in mud after a 2 hour frolick in a pond you might not think the same way. On that day she was still my wonderful girl but was completely gross. lol

Kfamr - NO THANK YOU. lol Doing all this grooming once a week(sometimes more if I am going to a grocery store or restraunt) on one dog is plenty for me. I am so glad we only do this to Luca once every 6 weeks or so.

applesmom - Thanks. That is why I wanted to post it. I didn't add the hard part of getting our toddler ready as well. Sometimes it is more work to get Sheena ready to go out then it is our toddler. lol
Nicole

[Taz_Zoee]

Wow! That is eye opening. I guess I never thought about all that.
Well, Sheena is a beautiful girl!
And I'm sorry you're not feeling well.

[BCollie_Kelly]

I must say, she does look rather marvalous!

[cassiesmom]

Great post Nichole! This is another side of the coin that too many people are not aware of and should be. Sheena looks great!

She looks terrific. I think she's beautiful, by the way. Sheena, do you feel like you received a full spa treatment?

Thank you, Nichole for another enlightening (sp?) and informative post! I hope you're having a better day today. Fingers and cat paws crossed for Nichole to feel better!

[lizbud]

Wow. She looks beautiful. If I had to groom my dogs before they went
out with me, they wouldn't get out much. I hope you're feeling better.

[sandragonfly]

all agreed with you, nicole. nicely and well input. I don't think I have your patience lol. we're lucky but at same time, dog can not be too.

not just to keep their cleanliness, their limitation of playing and attention too. this bothers me the most. my service dog IS A golden retriever and this breed is BORN to play. with him as a service dog now, he cannot be petted or can't play at more than half of time when he's at friend/people's house, other places, even beaches. part of training for well-behavior display. also, he can't really play ball or live with other dogs in the same house, distraction/confusion issues as I'm told I'm not allowed (best not) to have other dog. unless the second dog is a service dog too. because their lives and trainings between them are totally different. with service dog, has more restrictions than "family" dog. calm-ness & polite-ness are the most important part of being as a service dog.

so, feeling bad for him at most time aren't fun... and at extra times I try my best to take him over to beaches, parks over the weekends. and he can play with others without vest on - he knows it when his paws land on grass or in sands!

sheena is one goregous looking! can I pet her?