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I've had a superb one in the past, and am currently considering training my ESA as a Service Dog (but he has a lot of issues to work through). My first boy helped tremendously, making me walk when I would shut down, cuddling with me when I was sad or anxious, and interrupting repetitive behaviors. He definitely helped with social interactions too. i strongly advocate for Service Dogs, but do your research and learn about the laws before getting one!
<<--------- Here's The Doofinator!
Having a working service dog is great! Grimm is truly the love of my life!!
In my case, my working partner is mainly only for at home, and not for public access.
Being autistic means my general level of awareness is very significantly challenged. A SD with full public access is constantly exposed to risks such as the public, traffic, etc. I am not aware enough to protect a dog.
The Public: People will sneak-grab, snatch, pet, grope, whistle, clap, snap, toss food at, stare non-stop at, make kissy sounds at, meow at, etc a working dog, regardless of the snazzy sign on Grimm's SD cape reading "Service Dog-- Do Not Pet/Distract." Training level plummets as the dog is constantly rewarded (by strangers petting him or engaging with him with eye contact & voice) for responding to distraction. My German Shepherd has a rock-solid work ethic, but people really are challenging.
I am also anxious around people, and
any dog in public wearing a nifty uniform with a cool sign on it becomes a people magnet.
Executive functioning challenges make Grimm's care, and my own, very difficult. Feeding, grooming, nail clipping, training, all present significant challenges for me.
On the plus side, Grimm is my whole world. He is the only one I truly can connect with. Without him, I would not be here. He is my sunshine, my reason for living. Because of Grimm, I have family. I can love and be loved, safely. Grimm is my heart!
Grimm does seizure response/wandering (elopement) alerting. His task-training is solid. I am safer with him in my life. Even as an adult I wander and have some seizures.
The variable awareness of my autism means Grimm stays safer when we don't go out in public, though. Grimm provides needed support in my home and neighborhood. I am so lucky to have such a great working partner!
And now, a totally HONEST photo revealing Grimm's true character:
Does anybody here have a service dog? I'm thinking of getting one and would like to hear some experiences