Vent/Plea for Suggestions -- Service Dog Needs Surgery

[Kyrabee]

I don’t know. I questioned her on that and she claims they live longer than some giant breeds? Right now the dog is 3 yo and is having lameness issues so it might be a real short career. They can’t figure out the problem. She currently is seeing a canine physiatrist vet. She does kind of need that size of dog for a balance/mobility dog as she is a larger person.

I know getting a dog from a service dog organization has a long wait. My friend has easily spent more than 15-25k on the two dogs. She did extensive SD training ($$$ with both dogs) and still does multiple classes every week to keep exposing her dog to other dogs and lots of different situations. The Leonberger is also a certified therapy dog. My friend used to ride but had to quit due to health issues and now trains her dogs nearly full time (she is retired).

As far as Rackonteur’s situation. I think the owner will have to crowdfund if they can’t afford the surgery (after they inform the breeder of the issue in case they would take it back). If it were me, I would be darn sure what the surgery entails and what the rehab process will be. Possibly a second opinion. However, we really don’t know enough about the dogs condition to know. A service dog that can’t walk is not a service dog.

[S1969]

@BowPonies

I’m well aware of the ADA as well as state laws (not all states grant public access rights to SDs in training). I agree that too many people take advantage of a lenient system by bringing ESAs or pets places.

My question was how someone proves that their dog really is a service dog? I know for work you would need a doctor’s note or some other ADA accommodation.

@BowPonies

Regardless, I don’t think it is fair to speculate whether this gentleman needs a service dog, how he is training the dog, or whether it’s worth “fixing”. This whole thread just feels incredibly nosy and judgmental.

Well, the problem is that the owner can’t afford to fix the dog. This is no different than people who can’t afford to treat a pet, except in theory there is a greater need for this person to actually treat the dog because they offer a service.

So yes I agree that crowd sourcing is really the only way here; no one else can really be expected to cover the expense of the dog other than possibly the breeder - if it was sold for that purpose. (Which I doubt, to be honest…even if that was the goal, it’s not likely that the breeder would guarantee against all possible issues that would prevent it’s use as a SD). If there is a genetic condition that has been guaranteed, it also doesn’t mean that the breeder will pay for it to be “fixed” - the guarantee might be another puppy in the future, or to take back the existing dog.

I do have an issue with the idea of a service dog without other support for the dog - this is a perfect example. But even basic things like taking the dog to the vet, or lifting it into a bathtub. Who does those things for this person? If they don’t have these supports in place, a service dog seems like it could become more of a liability than a help.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I would speak to the vet to see if the vet can at least work out a lower-cost payment plan for the surgery/treatment, given that the dog is being trained as a service dog (versus a pet). I’d also talk to the vet, describing the specific needs and stresses the dog is going to be under, and to get the vet’s honest recommendation if after rehab the dog will be up to the task.

Not to put more of a burden on vets than they already have.

If the vet’s prognosis isn’t good, then the gentleman should speak with the breeder and begin to arrange to find a “pet” home and look for a dog who is healthy enough to do the job he needs the dog to do.

[Bearx2]

Has your neighbor reached out to any service dog organizations? Even id they can’t help directly they may know of services in your area to help with this issue. I would also point out for me ,personally, I would be much more likely to donate funds to an individual working with a service dog organization then someone who is trying to do this on their own. Your neighbor might want to consider working with an organization if they are going to need help paying for it.

[Jenerationx]

@S1969

My question was how someone proves that their dog really is a service dog? I know for work you would need a doctor’s note or some other ADA accommodation.

There is no such thing as “proof.” There is no doctor’s note or anything required… it would be against the ADA to ask for a note for a service dog. There’s also no “certification” or “Identification” or “registration”… you can buy those things online, but they’re a scam to make money, there is nothing required other than the animal belonging to someone with a disability and being task trained to in some way help with that disability.

https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm