Hi everyone,
I’m a disabled veteran trying to figure out my options for getting a service dog. I have Vasovagal Syncope, and I typically experience about 3 to 4 episodes a month. When they happen, they can come on pretty suddenly and be hard to manage.
During an episode, I usually have to sit down or lay against whatever is nearby just to try to level myself out, and even then it does not always help. It can be pretty unpredictable and honestly a little scary when I am out in public.
I also struggle with sensitivity to bright or harsh lighting, which makes things like grocery shopping really difficult. On top of that, I deal with anxiety, which definitely makes everything harder and can sometimes make my symptoms worse.
I already have a dog, and I was wondering if it is possible to train my own dog to become a service dog for my condition, or if I would need to go through an organization. I have seen a lot of mixed information online, so I am not sure what is actually accurate.
If owner training is allowed, what kind of tasks would a service dog need to learn for something like syncope and anxiety? And how can I tell if my dog has the right temperament for this kind of work?
Also, are there any programs especially for veterans that help with training or costs?
Any advice or experiences would really mean a lot. Thank you.
Also, I wanted to add I did do a little research online, but I’m still confused so that’s why I’m asking here