Caregivers, Family & Friends for Periodic Paralysis | You're Not Alone EP 03

[@shawnsukraj9388]

You would be surprised the emotional support during an episode that an animal, service animal or not, can provide. I am the caregiver for my wife and I work a late shift from home, so in the evening our dogs are all she has until I can get to her from my office. Like clockwork they are always right there watching over her when I arrive, supporting her in one way or another. Wether it be simply watching over her or actually physically laying their heads on her as if to say, I am here. I don't know about training for specific needs, but I know that one's that aren't trained for it provide a ton of help, so one that is could only provide that much more. They know when it is happening.

[@periodicparalysisassociati7269]

There will soon be a video in this series about service dogs. Please tune in!

[@melissarichards4716]

Thanks for the info. Ive really considered getting a pet whether specifically trained or not exactly for this reason. When I have episodes, I'd almost want it more for my young girls who can get so worries for me. The idea of that extra emotional support is RLY nice. My big holdback has been that we live in an apartment and I couldnt care for a pet and my girls relyable up to this point. But they r older and it might be time to reopen the thought🤔

[@Kimmerz23]

I live alone with two cats. Obviously they can’t do anything to assist me, but even just knowing there are two other living beings nearby when I have an attack helps. They’ll come cuddle with me, bonk me, knead on me, etc. If you want a cat, you’d an adopt an adult cat and not have to worry about the kitten phase. If you know you want a lap cat, visit your local shelter, cat cafe, etc and sit down and see who gets in your lap.

[@melissarichards4716]

@@Kimmerz23 we wld love a cat. They match our homebody nature, but my daughter is VERY allergic to cats. In the future when shes older we will probably try the allergy shots for her. Ive been doing it for almost 2 years now and I think its helped a lot with my various allergys. It does run the risk of triggering an episode, especially when u first start treatments, but it reduces me triggers over all so the risk has thus far been worth it.

[@PeriodicParalysisAssociation]

Shawn, yes dogs are amazing on so many levels. Your wife is lucky to have such a dogs.

[@AnaCamilaJardim]

Thank you for all for sharing, and we are not definitely not alone - How can we have service dogs in Portugal?

[@PeriodicParalysisAssociation]

Ana, sorry we are not aware of service dog information outside of the United States. Try reaching out to the Portugal Assistance Dog Association (APCA). I hope they are able to help you.

[@AnaCamilaJardim]

@@PeriodicParalysisAssociation thank you

[@periodicparalysisassociati7269]

@@AnaCamilaJardim Please try contacting Assistance Dogs International for a list of training centers in Portugal

[@melissarichards4716]

I would love to know how your service dogs assist you. I have Normokpp and have considered applying for a service dog, but, I'm not sure what to expect for a service animal. At what point did you feel you would most benefit from having a service animal? Were they trained specifically for your needs?

[@periodicparalysisassociati7269]

I have had two service dogs, both from Canine Companions for Independence or www.cci.org These dogs are specially bred in CA for their working role and receive 2 years of training before being placed with a recipient free of charge. There are 7 training centers around the USA and you would apply to the center closest to you. The dogs are placed knowing 45 commands which you are trained to build on. These are not dogs trained to sniff an impending attack or to balance you. They complete tasks for you and are certainly the most devoted animal you could own. My dog picks things up for me , opens all kinds of doors, runs an elevator, turns lights on and off, brings food or water out of the refrigerator. brings medicines, alert barks , collects laundry and places it in washer and dryer and removes it, he could pull a manual wheelchair, and he has a command called cover to warm and quiet restless or paralyzed parts of your body. He is also my best friend and is absolutely devoted to me. We will soon have a video in this series about service dogs and I am always happy to talk to you personally about them. email me at [e-mail] and give me your phone number and we can talk!

[@melissarichards4716]

@@periodicparalysisassociati7269 thank you so much I will definetly be in contact!

[@tomangley4906]

@@periodicparalysisassociati7269 Wow, that's incredible.