Help deciding how to go about getting a mobility service dog
EDIT: I understand that using a mobility dog for constant leaning on is not ethical!!! I have been told specifically by my doctor that using a mobility dog that is at least 30% of my body weight if not more to occasionally balance out on is a credited practice. I was told this by a professional so please understand that is why I believed it was okay. I would never lean on a dog 24/7 as I know that is not right and would cause damage. I will talk to a vet about if it’s truly ethical or not for OCCASIONAL balance. I plan on using a walker as well as having a service dog for retrieval. If it is absolutely out of the picture then I will just use them for retrieval of items and closing and opening doors, getting medicine, and ect
To start out with, in the last 5 years I have had 2 medical conditions that have recently made it impossible for me to work on my feet or even walk up and down my house without the risk of falling (fibromyalgia and a unknown degenerative disease in my legs). I recently just had to quit my job, in search for a remote job but it’s highly difficult.
Here’s where I need help. I’ve applied to a couple of non profits that give service dogs for people who need them and don’t have the financial support to buy one, but that can sometimes take years even if I get accepted. So now im wondering if o should buy a puppy (yes I’m aware the breed needs to be at least 30% of my body weight and something with a high success rate) and do private lessons, but I recently found out that costs a great deal of money that I don’t have. Or if I should train the dog myself with a book I found that gives step to step training on how to train a mobility service dog. But once again, that will take a lot of physical effort that I don’t know I have to give.
Edit 2: yes I have the ability to take care of a dog. I already currently have one (he’s to small for the tasks I need) and he has a doggy door that’s always open to go outside whenever he wants, and I play with him daily by throwing him toys and he runs back with them. He’s always fed, and always happy
Is there any advice I can get? I feel so stressed out because I simply cannot find the best route or even an option that works for me
Ps, I need a dog that can pick up things for me off the floor, help stable me while I walk, and get items for me such as medicine or clothes.
Please help!!