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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/16/2006 5:10:14 AM | Wow, I've been reading about seizure dogs for several years but never met someone who has one. Thank you very much for posting about this!
I do have a question though...you said you're not sure what he's picking up on when you're getting ready to have a seizure, one thing I was reading was they get so in tune to you they react to the slightest change in your behavior. If that's what Fishbait is doing, I was wondering if he ever reacts to other changes in behavior.
This might be a dumb question but...does he ever mistake other behaviors for pre-seizure behaviors? They say when you're very attracted to someone it's chemically like being on drugs, we do act different and even smell different...does he know the difference?
Anyway I think you and Fishbait are lucky to have each other, and I agree with everyone else on here...if he's worth dating, he won't have a problem with your dog. | |
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vhdc
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Joined: 7/18/2006
Msg: 28 | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/16/2006 7:35:48 AM | good question, kdain....i often wonder just how fishbait picks up on pre-siezure behavior..i have cluster siezures, and i usually start out with petit mals....i have never just went into a grand mal alone...at least not that i can recall.
my siezures occur in tha right side of my brain and sometimes my left side will go numb at first, it also affects my memory....things i would normally know how to do such as turning on a water spigot or telling time...i forget for a few days....if i have a bad spell of siezures, i forget ppl or appointments .....it can be very frustrating at times, let me tell you.... i just pretend i am having blonde days ....i dunno, but maybe fishbait picks up on tha petit mals and just responds in what he intends to be a caring supportive way.....catahoula leopard dogs are now being used in rescue work alot, they were once tha choice stock dog for rounding up stray cattle because they work well on their own and they seldom bite the animals they are herding...there is a catahoula leopard dog website that you can look up in a search engine that tells more about this breed of dog....they are the only species of dog that is native to north america and they are only one generation removed from wolves which i am told accounts for thier strong sense of family unity and high intelligence...i am forturnate to have fishbait, thats fer shur! | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/16/2006 8:39:11 AM | Your seizure alert dog picks up on smell. You have a massive buildup of neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus and forebrain. The hypothalamus is directly exposed to blood flow. When the buildup causes a certain level to be attained, adrenaline is also released and he apparently smells the change in your unique scent.
You still produce those same signals that you once recognized as precursor sensations to your seizures, but you no longer register their presence. Metallic phantogeusia is a hallucinated taste of metal; its been reported to precede an aura or seizure in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/16/2006 9:44:37 AM | ladydi8, how fortunate that your beloved pet was able to take on the new responsibility of being your service dog!
The previous poster mentioned a detailed medical explanation for how your dog is able to sense your seizures. Most likely that is entirely accurate.
I can also say that some beloved pets seem to have a very good sensitivity to the emotional and physical states of their owners.
I had a wonderful collie-mutt for 17 years. He always seemed to sense when I was depressed or sad. He'd come up and look at me, get my attention, etc.
I think many people are more aware of various types of "disabilities," and how people learn to cope with them. It appears in recent years that more agencies are aware of various Service Animals, and have actively taken steps to support their use.
I think people have come to have a greater respect for others with disabilities and how well they've learned to cope.
I have a good friend who is blind. He has totally shattered my concept of "Disabilities or Handicaps."
This man rarely uses his cane. He has no guide dog. We once worked together, and I drove him to work.
Much of the time, he held my arm while we walked. Quite often, at night, he'd walk independantly.. He could follow my voice, and walk just fine.
My friend is a computer wiz, and helps other blind folks learn to use computers. He washes dishes, cleans house, and even goes bowling with his church group.
I'm sure you'll do just fine... any good friends will appreciate your dog, and you. | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/16/2006 9:58:51 AM | Enssure that whomever you date likes dogs.... I know here in Toronto, they say that walking yuor dog is one of the best ways to meet new people.
Take it and use it as an advantage... There alot of dog lovers out there. | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 9:52:45 AM | wow, sombient...i am impressed, girlfriend....i have been told that my siezures originate in my temporal lobe...and i always wondered why i dont get tha funky metal taste in my mouth or my other "signals" anymore....so, actually i still get them, i just dont recognize them, right?...understanding this makes me appreciate fishbait even more as i have also been told that because my epilepsy came back on me in my 40's it will just continue to get worse.....having fishbait will really enable me to live a more normal life.
....and hey, yesterday i attended a pof party in darby with fishbait ....and you guys n gals are sooo right...havin a dog is a real ice breaker.....even if i do hold back, fishbait draws ppl to me and i seem ta meet folk alot easier....smiles | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 1:43:44 PM | | If I were going to be your date and you showed up with a service dog I'd be so happy I would squeel. I LOVE dogs and besides that doggy will be taking the pressure off someone else to be totally responsible for you. I think I would rather the dog tell me that its going to happen (you having a seizure) and then we will prepare a plan so that you'll be ok and I'll be ok if you have one..in a matter of words...My best friend and her son both are epileptic and live loving normal lives until the seizure happens. They don't have a dog but if you showed up with one, I would be happy you are taking such responsibility for your health and safety. Bravo for you...and bravo to the guy that understands how wonderful it will be having that doggy come between the two of you when he goes to give you a kiss!!! (just kidding!!!) I also think it shows you're 'responsible' if you have a dog, and that you're pretty clever too in order to have yourself a dog that can mean so much to your life now,.,I am also a member of the Canadian KennelClub and understand how brilliant a service dog is. Happy Holidays!!! | |
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daisie
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Joined: 9/22/2004
Msg: 36 | |
| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 2:07:50 PM | I love doggies!! Taking a dog on a date would be cool with me, no problem at all. In fact I'm thinking about becoming a service dog-puppy foster parent.
However, I would want to know why the service dog was needed, and that could possibly be an issue in a relationship. It depends on all the details.
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 2:08:00 PM |  lady...trust you to make me spew...now theres eggnog all ovah my keyboard... i am gonna start practicing fuk 'em in my best scooby doo voice...
an thank you maria, its funny fishbait only responds to my siezures so far....but then again, my daughter or son havent had any around him yet......i wonder how he would react to someone else's seizure, especially another family member.......... | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 2:09:32 PM | | Hi LadyDi, I used to date a wonderful woman who had a service dog too and he was never a problem,you have nothing to worry about. If a guy has a problem with this, let him go because there are better men waiting to meet you. I truly wish you the best. | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 2:27:43 PM | | LadyDi, I don't think dating with a service dog would be much different than you being a parent with a child. People must understand that this Service Dog will be with you 24/7 and will go everywhere with you. I would just be clear and upfront with people. Let them know the dog is not a hinderance, but a help at independence. | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 2:30:33 PM | haha, eggnogg is easy...i've a full service bar in the crevices of my keyboard misses...!...(lord only knows what it could offer for munchies?!)...;)
but yeah, prolly a good idea that your date know why fishbait is along for the ride...might end up gettin your doggy some special treats too...:) | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 5:25:03 PM | ok folks i think i am beginning to get tha picture...attendin a pof christmas party with him helped me see just what an advantage fishbait is gonna give me out here in tha datin scene as long as fellers know why hes there an dont have allergy issues then he shouldnt be a problem..cool, i can dig that and as fer guys that wont go for my havin a service dog...they wont be a problem anyway, will they? ...........thanks everybody fer tha input and tha encouragement...i appreciate you all... | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 7:50:04 PM | Our dog fishbait became certified and you know what, If I like my dates dog more than him, guess who will be coming home with me. hahaha!!! woof woof, you got it...lol Ain't it great to be a dog.  | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/17/2006 11:06:45 PM | | oh smitten, yer such a nut! i can see it now...a date droppin me off an askin fishbait ta come fer coffee.... now i know i will have ta sparkle ta outshine my dawg ...love you darlin an its good to see you again | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/18/2006 9:55:54 AM | fishbait has the ability to stay with her owner when he senses a seizure. I don't know if he barks, pulls for Di to sit down and will wait for the seizure to be finished?
I know a couple of people who have seizure dogs and one is lab and the other is German sherpherd cross. The dogs are calm, easy going, and love their owners unconditionally. Animal assistant I've heard can be a Parrot who will call out "seizure" and I know someone else that has a spider monkey. Each of these animals keep their companion calm throughout the day, but the trust they build will help the seizures to become less over time.
Our fishbait, has the amazing ability to be di companion, and inside his calm personality would reach further than anyone would expect. I think our fishbait will be kewl with anyone Di meets, but I bet he can sense when the date doesn't have good intentions. Hey Di, can I book this Wednesday, and fishbait and I can meet men, then again, I might have too much fun with our dog.... | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/18/2006 10:04:04 AM |
see just what an advantage fishbait is gonna give me out here in tha datin scene
*squint*
Am I the only one to see the irony in the dogs name, 'Fish-bait'??
Here Fishie, Fishie!! 
*laughing* | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/18/2006 6:14:55 PM | haha ....hmmm....now i see a way to make this doggie earn his keep...i will simply rent him out for tha afternoon... omg...now i am sounding like a doggie pimp...hahha... and its all yer fault smitten...
sombient...i hadnt realized that about his name...ha...fishin is my fave hobby...i used to only post pics of me kissing fish i had caught on here...bass and catfish mostly, but there was one 20 pound softshell turtle too...kudos to you fer catchin tha humor side to it... | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/26/2006 2:56:02 AM | ok folks...i got a coupla weeks of this service dog stuff under my belt...one thing i am noticing is that ppl, even tha nicest guys with tha best of intentions....often try to talk me into leaving fishbait behind..or out in tha car ....my response is nope....aint gonna happen...so i have been told that i need to trust in ppl, not my dog.....that if anything were to happen, they would be there for me.....but still i put my stubborn foot down and demand on my dog being with me...i even gave up christmas with my family because fishbait was not welcome....although my sisters shitzu that occasionally piddles on her floor was there...
sooo, tell me what you think, friends, am i being too unyielding here, not willing to compromise, too protective of tha bond between me and bait, that may save my life one day, or is it just plain pig headedness on my part, demanding things my way or no way? | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/26/2006 9:47:16 AM | I was going to joke and ask the nicest of all people to stay in their car, while you & fishbait enjoy the movie. Popcorn anyone. 
O/T I would trust our fishbait, since he can sense your seizures and will stay with you anywhere, due to your bond. Your dog is not just a pet, its a certified animal to be at your side. If you where blind with a seeing eye dog, is that acceptable to say, leave him at home? I would politely decline any offer if people don't want your dog around, and you could explain the importance, but why waste your time with others who don't get it.
My trust would be with my dog, if this is going to prevent me from having a seizure and make me feel comfortable. I know in time your trust with people will be there, but they don't have seizures and I would do what works for me and fishbait. | |
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| how would a service dog affect a new relationship?
Posted: 12/27/2006 8:33:07 PM | | thank you smitten... you know i put alot of faith in yer words of wisdom....and i like tha idea of leavin tha nicest of ppl in tha car ...me and fishbait rode tha bus to walmart yesterday and even on his first bus ride, he was very well behaved....i had him sitting in tha floor at my feet and i was really shocked when some young men walked by and kicked at him...so i simply put him in tha seat next to me....had i been blind i wouldnt have seen this behavior...as my well behaved dog remained silent thru this treatment. | |
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