An 87 year old woman locally was diagnosed with dementia and depression. Her doctor prescribed as part of her treatment a pet. She and her husband purchased a cat (aren't they usually found on doorsteps?) They live in a no pets condo which by law must make exceptions for service animals. The condo's lawyers are disputing the "alleged disability" and that cat would ameliorate effects of the disability. The couple were ordered to get rid of the cat.
I guess they're sticking to the strict description of a "service animal", such as for the hearing or sight impaired. Sorry. But, I know that there are organizations that bring 'therapy' animals to nursing homes and hospitals and other facilities. I wonder one of those kinds of local agencies could be contacted ....... through the SPCA, an animal clinic, etc.?
My DIL did that with a dog and the apartment complex could not fight it. If they have a prescription from the doctor, they have to allow it. That is my understanding. Have her contact the disability organization.
Not to make any gest about the "prescribed medicine" comment, but I once purchased a pony after one of my more alarming accidents....he came with a reputation of being very willful and stubborn (he was just plain lazy). I thought he was just the prescription I needed after my physical therapy ended in order for me to continue strengthening my legs. Guess what I named him..........."My Remedy"! (and, it worked.)
Wow, that's just mean. Bluedaze we can start a petition! Jim's new nursing home has 3 cats on one floor, more on others and a 2 yr old golden retriever who roams all 4 floors! Pets are so valuable as therapy. Jim can't wait for me to bring Peanut Butter and Jelly to see him! We will join forces with you. Power in numbers. Let the association know that "THEY DON'T WANT US TO HAVE TO COME DOWN THERE!"
There was an earlier thread about this in which I commented about my allergies. I honestly don't know what I would do if i were in a facility and someone was suddenly allowed to have a cat. I guess I'd have to move out, which hardly seems fair.
I was talking about my feelings about the lack of physical affection from DH last week, and my psychologist suggested last week that I get a pet. I would love a kitten, but I can't have one. DH is opposed to getting a dog as long as we are able to do any traveling. Anyway, although I don't test allergic to them, I also have reactions to most dogs.
Keep reading my posts for today scatted throughout the threads and you'll see that I'm in a terrible mood!
Janet, my husband became allergic to cats in 1972, and hadn't been before that. He was tested at Walter Reed and found to be allergic to 90 things! He underwent all those shots for five years, and has been allergy free ever since, to our children's delight.
Since you would like a pet, could you ask your doctor about the possibility of giving you something that would stop your allergy? I'm sure that over the last 35 years that they have developed a quicker cure!
I've had allergy shots for other allergies, but I've been to several allergists who have refused to give shots for pets. They say it doesn't make sense to do that when you can easily avoid being near animals - unlike pollen or dust. The last allergist I saw told me not to come back until we got rid of our cat. Since one son was allergic to dust mites, which are made worse by having cats, we gave her away and haven't had another since. I even avoid visiting people who have cats for more than a short time, and I take lots of antihistamines before I go.
Would it really seem like a dog or can if it didn't have hair? I googled hypoallergenic cats and found something about siberian cats. I might check into them.
Most know about Labradoodles being bred for hypo allergenic reasons..I am allergic to dog dander also, and just endured with all of our previous dogs, but our sweet Bailee is a blessing..and...she doesn't make me sneeze, wheeze or be congested. ALso, they are often raised as therapy dogs. The breeder we bought her from donates one pup out of each large litter for that purpose. G even said recently that he thinks she knows something is wrong with him as she is so loving and caring with him.
kathie you have my most favorite dog in the whole world. What color is she and how big. They are smart like poodles with the wonderful disposition of a golden.
Since my husband was hospitalized on August 14th, my son and myself have taken both our dogs up to the hospital on a regular basis ….. you wouldn’t believe what delight they have brought not only my husband but all the patients – one lady, even though her speech is minimal at best, yelled *Noooooooo* when her husband turned her wheel chair to continue on their way down the hallway, after petting the dog, and then she reached out and grabbed the side rail of a bed that was sitting in the hallway – it was really funny – she just did not want to leave the dogs.
My son has a medium sizes apricot coloured Labradoodle named *Reilly* – 1.5 years old – about 30 pounds – a complete goof! He walks up to the folks in their chairs and lays his head on their lap – he’s had no special training at all – he just seems to know what he should do and they just love him and reach out and rub his head and muzzle. I have a 2.5 year old, 5# Yorkie and she loves to sit on their laps and lick their hands and then she gazes up at them and actually smiles at them – it’s just the funniest thing to watch.
A few years ago my Son had an old Beagle which was certified by the PALS organization to visit homes and hospitals. He used to take Max regularly for visits and it was very much appreciated by both staff and patients. Sadly Max died of old age a couple of years ago but now my Son will do the same with Reilly.
My Havanese has hair, not fur, and he is hypoallergenic. Another member of our group raises Havanese and can go into further details. Barbara Walters has a Havanese, Cha Cha, and tried to convince Obama to get one for his girls. Havanese are wonderful loving little dogs and are easily housebroken. (NancyB)
Bluedaze, Bailee is a medium Labradoodle like Bar-bra's son's. She is a chocolate, 1 3/4 years, about 39#. Not a Goldendoodle..different breed altogether, but they are wonderful pets also. She is extremely smart (also smart alec) and a dreadful thief when bored or ignored..surely knows how to get our attention. Adios to any clothing on the floor.
Jim's nursing home has many pets. Among them are fish, a 2 yr old Labordoodle name Zoe, who is an absolute delight and on his floor 2 cats. He is in his glory with them all. When asked by friends what kind of a treat he would like them to bring him, he said, Cat Treats! Scott, his favorite is found daily lounging on Jim's bed or curled up in his lap.