How did you know a service dog was right for you?
I’m already aware of the practical requirements: having defined, disability‑related tasks for the dog, medical documentation supporting the need, the financial commitment (both the initial ~$20k and ongoing care), the time for team training and annual recertifications, and working exclusively with an ADI‑accredited organization. Those pieces are all accounted for.
My question is more about the decision itself. How did you know that you wanted to get a service dog?
I’ve only ever had ~10lb small dogs. I’ve not had much experience around a “big” dog like a lab or retriever. My fear is that I wouldn’t connect emotionally with a big service dog in the same way I have with my little pet dogs in the past.
How was that process of meeting your SD and getting to bond as a team? Was it awkward? Was it natural? How did it compare to pets you had in the past? Have you developed a loving bond with your dog or does your relationship feel more like coworkers?
Thank you so much in advance for being willing to share your story. I really appreciate it!