Service dogs? | Arthritis Information

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Hello, I'm new here.  I am 23 years old and I have moderate RA.  I was diagnosed at 16 but I still managed to finish college and now I'm a high school art teacher.

My question is:  I am thinking of getting a service dog, probably a toy breed, to perform minor errands like picking things up off of the floor and bringing them to me.  Do any of you have a service dog?  If so, how is it working out, and what breed do you have?
Hi Amber....I don't have a dog like that, but what a good idea.  I didn't know small dogs were used that way, but I guess you could train them to do anything.  I just have a basset who's main goals in life are to eat cheese and get a belly rub.  Then their's the Golden Retriever.  He's mostly just so happy he can't contain it.  Neither one very useful as far as service, but in the buddy department I couldn't ask for more.

Sounds like you and I have a lot in common. I am 24 and also an art teacher. I teach k-8. I was diagnosed when I was about 11 years old.

(maybe we can swap RA AND art ideas

I hope you find answers to your questions on this board. Everyone is very helpful.

Thanks for the welcome! :)  My husband and I are thinking of adopting a pug.  The doctor told me that it might be helpful for my pain levels to have a companion dog and I had read somewhere that toy breeds can be trained as service animals so I figured, why not? 

I'd love to swap ideas-- 8th graders are like an alien species aren't they?

I have a poodle that I love...she is only about 4 pounds and she is very smart. I have never really been around a pug. They are cute though.

You are very right about the 8th graders. I can't figure it out. I think in my school they think the are the top dogs, because they are. But yeah weird age! I love mt 7th and 6th graders! and actually this group of 8th graders that  I have now are really good! Last trimester was nuts!

I have heard that poodles are smart but I've never had one.  Pugs are bright too and they have great little personalities.  I have always wanted one.

We had 4 of our 7th grade teachers quit last year specifically because of the class that are my 8th graders this year.  oh my gosh! Good for you for sticking it out with them! They can be tough, but I find if you try and find something in common with them, it makes it easier. I Swear i relate everything to football with this class!!
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