I rescue Italian Greyhounds, and know of one who was a service dog and recognized seizures before they occurred. They are small dogs- between 8-15 lbs, normally, and are also fantastic cuddlers if you get one that has been well socialized.

The downside to iggies (Italian Greyhounds) is that they can run really fast, and until you are totally certain he won't run off, must be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard. The upside is that once they bond, they are yours forever, also, in iggies, the boys are usually more affectionate and easier to train. they don't shed at all, and they live for about 15 years.

If you are interested in learning about them, feel free to PM me, or go online to Italian Greyhound of America Rescue, which is all over the US. The dogs are fostered in homes and completely vetted before they are adopted out. They also do a really really good job of making sure the dog you get is a good fit for your family.

I think in a case like this, using a rescue organization of this kind could be great- the adoption fee is much less than you would pay a breeder. (IGCA I think is $250) and each of the dogs lives with someone who can learn their quirks BEFORE placing them. I frequently send folks to IGCA if I don't have the dog they need.

They say poodles are one of the smartest, easiest to train dogs, too, I really think it depends alot on the dog though!

Tink is a chihuahua, too. Very loyal, only barks when the doorbell rings or if someone is going between the house...She will cry, real tears if told that she was bad.
I also have health issues and she is glued to me on bad days...loves to cuddle, sleeps with me, on me...doesn't eat much. Sheds some. She is very good about staying out from under my feet. Extremely smart!
We just talk to her like she is one of the kids...and she does understand...also talks back.

I'd suggest contacting an agency that places service animals and see if you could talk to one of their counselors or whatever they are called and ask more of a professional what types of breeds may best meet your needs considering all the circumstances. This is what they do for a living and I'm sure a wealth of knowledge, information and suggestions. Another plus is that you won't feel like you're doing this all by yourself and can better determine the perfect dog for your particular circumstances, all things considered.

IMHO, pets are the best therapy. I for one would be lost without my little furry pal.

I knew I would get great advice here. Thank you

sent you a long email. I read Joyce's stories for the first time. It reminds me of how precious our lives are, and the fact that they can change in an instant. Not always through cruelty, but carelessness and thoughtlessness sometimes have the same catastrophic consequences.

Yes she is and it is very little barely enough to live on and that is with living at home. After Joyce's 2nd surgery her medical bills were over a million dollars she will be having her 4th surgery in 10 days and that is not the last. God only knows what the medical bills will be when all is said and done. Joyce had no insurance and there is no one to sue for her injuries. The guys who is in jail's family lived in public housing, don't think she would get any money from them do you? Even through medicare (or whatever it is) covers part of her medical it doesn't cover all of it. Do you have any clue as to how much bandages, tape, meds etc costs on a daily basis that has to be paid for out of pocket? Not only that medical surgeries are partly covered not cosmetic surgeries. So if Joyce wants to have her forehead look somewhat human and not have a 2 inch wide skin graft of hairless flesh that looks like a headband from ear to ear throught the center of her scalp those surgeries are not covered by anything that is why so many people have been doing fundraisers for her so one day she won't be totally disfigured.

If this sounds harsh it is not meant to be it is reality and I don't think anyone realized what OUR reality is.

If you are going to train the dog your self or have someone train him then I think the shelter is the way to go. They have all kinds of dogs at all stages of life, pure breds as well as mutts. Personaly I think mutts are the best, My little dog was a rescue dog. He is the best of several different breeds and smart as any dog I have ever known.

Hugs! I have a Little Sister on Disability, and I know its not alot of money to live on. She relies on the food pantry alot, or help from our family!
I hope you can find a dog....are they donated? I'm not sure how it works, but I agree, a pet will surely make her feel aot better! So sorry to hear of your DD's troubles....sure makes you count your Blessings when you hear of someone struggling!

Just a thought from my own past experiences and only meant to be a suggestion. Regarding the supplies that are not covered, does she have a visiting nurse or any other health professional that deals with her on a regular basis? It's a case of knowing who to ask type situation. They would be the ones to ask about other programs that are set up to help families in need when the expense is out of reach and/or not covered by any insurances.

No way of knowing without asking, unless you've already explored this before. We lived in NJ when my second was born with lots of health issues. After she came home we were saddled with the expense of caretaking supplies, special formula, etc. We qualified at the time for home visits, no insurance, only an American Express card to cover her needs. It was the nurse that said she saw something in her office about a program for cases like us, not enough income, costly supplies, her need for those supplies, all that kind of stuff. Within days she had supplied the needed paperwork, everything went thru and we got the help we needed. It was State funded, but one of those things that we would have NEVER known about if it wasn't for that nurse remembering the way she did.

I HOPE there is some kind of solution for you so that your attention can be on her and not worried about making ends meet when it comes to her care.