Finding Chance part 1.

Finding the right dog is no small feet and took a lot of time. Once my roommates had agreed and given me the okay to look, I realized I had no idea what to look for. I started sporadically looking at any dog that seemed smart and caught my eye. I can't even count how many dogs I have looked through on pet-finder. Finally I came up with a list.

What does the dog have to do.

1. Stop me at all corners by sitting regardless of tugging till a command was given (My seizures cause me to wander)
   

   
   

2. A brace command. This would be where the dog braces himself to be leaned on and offer support. I can get disorientated and wobbly on my feet at times.
   

Why those commands? Simple, my seizures come on too fast and are gone too quickly to really make use of a dog telling me about them. It is more useful to use the animal to assist with the effects of the seizure.

I also had to take into account my lifestyle, household and any prejudices I may have had to other breeds. I had had a dog before that had given may have affected they way I looked at the new dog. Not really wanting to carry baggage into this meant labs were out. Darn.

So now I knew I would need a large breed dog, a sturdy dog, a smart human dependent breed, and able to get along with 6 cats and 9 ferrets. Seems like a lot and it was overwhelming as all get out. so...what next?

More later,
Chance & Sara