young woman with MS in wheelchair -- what breed of dog would be good companion?

[k&s]

Someone I know of has an 18 year old daughter with MS. SHe is in a wheelchair and is apparently very depressed. They are thinking it would be good if she had a dog to look after and to lift her spirits.

What breed of dog would be recommended. I think they are interested in a smallish dog.

Also, if they are interested in looking into a rescue organization to help match her with a dog, can you recommend one in Northern New Jersey (USA). I think they are in northeastern NJ.

Thank you for any suggestions.

[Ev]

k&s, I'm in a wheelchair as you might know from some of my post. Growing up we lived in an apartment so all I could have were small dogs(poodles) which I love. If she loves to hold animals and love them I would go with poodles. They are very loving, the ones I've had have been strong willed. They love to be the center of attention. When we moved to the country, Mandy loved to be on the riding mower with mom. She loved being the queen. The only problem she might have is poodles are a very vocal breed, which I don't mind. They adjust to other animals. We had Mandy (Poodle), Moriah (Dobie), Rottie (Big Leah) and 2 cats Jessi and Billy. Mandy at 8LBS. was the Boss! She died at 14yrs. old in 1995. I miss her terribly.

Madonna

[MARYDVM]

I was just about to suggest a toy poodle as well. I have never owned one, and I never will, but for the ultimate "people dog" they are hard to beat. Also, usually very long lived, and if gotten from a reliable breeder or rescue, not prone to temperament problems like some of the other toy breeds.

[livertw]

How about a little mutt. They are usually healthy, affectionate and live a long time. Cockapoos are good little dogs too. A dog will really help her morale. Doggie kisses always make people smile. :p

[thoradopter]

How final is their thinking of wanting a 'smallish dog'? If that's , but flexible, I would suggest they consider a female lab. There is an organization they might want to talk with, at least for information about breeds for people in wheelchairs. It's called "Canines for life" and the web site is K94life. I believe they usually have a 1 year time between requesting a dog and placing one, so that's probably too long if she's depressed now. But I'm sure they could give some guidance about suitable breeds. The do use mainly labs, but also get some of their dogs from shelters, and also believe they are in the New Jersey or greater Philadelphia area. Good luck and please keep us posted. Linda

[Ev]

Thor, great idea! especially if this young lady needs help with doing tasks. Labs are great service dogs from what hear. If she just needs company right now maybe the poodle will be good for now. MS patients usually will need help doing tasks at some time, due to the progression of the desease. This family would be wise to inquire about getting a service dog for her. And hopefully this young lady will be able to wait for a year for this pup. Poodles and Labs. can live fine together. She may enjoy having a big dog and a lap dog, I did. Thats why I have cats, my lap dogs.

Madonna

[Jamie & Odin]

I have to throw in my favorite toy breed, the maltese. If looking for company and not service, also a small dog, I would recommend this breed. I have one maltese (pebbles) and he is fantastic. They are very cuddly, smart and thrive on the company of people. They are considered an "old breed" and virtually all genetic defects have been bred out over the years. They are long-lived, and have not been the victims of popularity that many other small breeds have. They also seem to be a "one person" dog, rather than a family centered dog, maybe good for one individual in the family looking for her "own" dog. The down sides are they are vocal, they need monthly, professional grooming, as they do not shed, and due to their size, they cannot "hold-it" as long as larger dogs and a bit more effort is usually necessary in house training. Those things aside, a great breed of little dog!

[Judi W]

I always advise caution when other people decide someone should have a dog. It might or might not be that she would want to have a pet. Even with that, perhaps she would prefer a cat or a bird to teach to talk, or.......

Also, in making the choice of a dog, you need to determine whether the person is interested in simply owning and enjoying one or the raising and training part. Big, big difference.

[ulidog]

I would throw in that there is so much individual preference involved in breed choice. I, personally, don't care for a lot of popular breeds (labs and goldens, unlike the rest of the world!) due to particular behaviors, etc.

I would suggest that rather than trying to figure out what breed is a 'good one' for her that you or the parents instead talk about the idea of getting a dog with the her, and then, go to the SPCA a few times and visit with the dogs. See which ones she relates to, what traits she likes and dislikes - and bring the parents too as they may ultimately get to care for the dog.

Additionally, if there are any dog shows around, especially those that have groups of breeds, they can be great as you get a very clear sense of each breed and its traits.

(obviously, do what you want, those are just my suggestions...)