Service Dogs for Sleep Apnea

You know John I didn't really mind that they had what they thought was a service dog for sleep apnea, what sent me through the roof was that they said it was effective for driving, that the dog was keeping them awake while driving. That to my mind was totally criminal behaviour.

JohnBFisher wrote:If you don't mind, I'll jump into this.

I don't mind at all. You have a very valid point!

When the 'therapy choice' compromises the safety of others--Indeed!
If one man's (or woman's) denial is an island--let them go for it;
but making public roads, parking lots and sidewalks deadly?
At least try not to be a sociopath; and post an itinerary--please!

WearyOne wrote:.
I've been here a long time and there are two things that have been solid as concrete for all that time: People who can't seem to disagree without being nasty and this place has some awesome people who can help you with almost anything related to CPAP.

There are some people on here who just can't seem to figure out how to disagree with someone, point them in the right direction, tell them their idea is dangerous, etc., without name-calling and being nasty, hostile, and belittling to the PERSON, rather than working the issue. It's been that way since I've been on here and I'm sure it will continue. Some of those people from "back then" are not on here now, some still are, and I see there are some newer ones taking it up. I've seen it mostly in OT threads, but it does pop up in other ones as well.

And then there's the best part...You get great advice, help, and support for whatever phase you're in and whatever your problems.

49er wrote: I wanted to clarify what I said previously. There are awesome people on this forum who I can't thank enough for their help. But at the same time, I am saddened by so many hostile responses in certain forums in which you would have thought that the OP committed murder. Even if someone has written what you think is the dumbest thing you have ever read in your life, is it really that much of an effort to make your point without excoriating the person?

49er

Beautifully stated, 49er & WearyOne.

That's really all I'm trying to say--some people need to think before they write. If you want to pummel someone, set up a profile at Huffington Post and have at it.

People here are trying to help one another. Every once in a while, someone's id gets out of control behind the keyboard and they needlessly eviscerate a poster. Believe me, I (and we all) can clearly see who does this across the threads and who doesn't. That's not the point.

It also happens all over the internet, hence my previous comment about giving a little thought to the successful integration of your "real world" and "virtual" identities.

It's supremely EASY to tear people apart. Not always so easy to restrain yourself and try to build them up. Your words do matter. Read through some of your own older posts and see if what you see in your own words is really a portrait you're proud of. Because, like it or not, it's the REAL picture you're presenting to this forum, not your avatar. /endSermon

I keep stating it, but some people seem to only see the criticism: this is a FANTASTIC forum, filled with great information and tons of people who love to share. I appreciate the help you've given us very much and I hope to be able to return just some small bit of the great information I've received.

I also have to say I'm REALLY impressed with all the people on the "I triple dog dare you" (viewtopic/t80379/I-triple-dog-dare-you.html) thread who've shared photos of their CPAP rigs in action. You guys are AWESOME!!! Thanks, Angela, for starting that incredible thread!

I have been hearing that dogs are getting certified as Sleep Apnea Service Dogs. I am not sure how that works and why they need it. Recently ran into a woman going on a cruise who needed to take her Sleep Apnea dog on the ship with her. After talking to the cruise line about this I was told that service dogs are allowed by law to be with the owner on the ships. However the woman must show all papers and training certifications pertaining to the dog in order to grant boarding. I really thought this woman was just wanting to take her dog with her on the cruise. I am still not convinced that the dog was really needed and I would not be surprised if she did a lot of "finageling" to get the needed papers. I did read later that she did indeed manage to get the certifications.
Laura

We do have a member here that has a sleep apnea service dog. From what I remember, the dog jumps on his chest when he sees him stop breathing while he is in his chair without his mask. While he is in bed, sleeping, he uses his ASV.

Of course, the dog does not help him drive. That is just ridiculous.

I know that a lot of people have either scorned the original post or offered alternate advice, however my lovely new wife had some how made a small dog lover of me and this sounds like a great excuse to get a pug to hang out with me all the time. If we can get this idea going I can see a very jealous and amused wife when I come home with a little puppy paid for by the insurance company that i can take every where due to it being a service animal!!! Someone once that "reasonable men adapt to the world around them and unreasonable men expect the world to adapt to them. Hence all progress is made by unreasonable men." Men here refers to mankind, before I ruffle any feathers. I say that we unreasonable people here have fun with this, who really wouldn't enjoy seeing their insurance premiums go to pets and pet supplies. Please no political flack I am not wanting to start a political debate, just having some fun.

Maybe you could train the dog to bite you if you take your mask off in the middle of the night or take a nap without it.

Or at least the doggie could whine and pester you until you do.
Who can say "no" to those soulful eyes?

chunkyfrog wrote:Or at least the doggie could whine and pester you until you do.
Who can say "no" to those soulful eyes?

I am training my dog to be a Mobility Assistance Service Dog. Amazingly, if I fall asleep on the sofa, he will wake me by kissing my face until I come around and go to bed. I'm not certain if he does not like it when I stop breathing, or he objects to my snoring. But even with that, he is NOT a service dog because he does that. That's just a benefit of a dog that cares. It's my responsibility to use my ASV therapy to keep myself healthy. He will be (after at least 320 hours of training) a service dog that can help me with my mobility issues. But you can't just decide that your pet should be a service dog. It takes a LOT of hard work.

Get a dog with small paws, so he can dial 9-1-1 correctly, or have bark dialing installed on your phone. Just don't let him chat with Lassie, while you are asleep. Jim

I remember a story on tv several years ago about a dog that was trained to knock the phone off the receiver and push the buttons (any of them) if the alarm for some medical equipment went off. The phone was setup to dial 911, and there was some kind of note associated with the phone number so that the 911 operator would see that there was a lady with a medical problem, and a dog trained to call and bark. And teh dog did bark, loudly and quietly, back and forth. The dog was going back and forth between the lady and the phone. The lady work up the next day in the hospital. No idea that her dog had actually done what he had been trained to do.

I really wish I could train my cats to get me up if I take my mask off. That would be useful.

Bump.

You have some registered members with thousands of posts who are quite "trollish".

So, a non-existent user complains that existing members are "trollish". A troll calling someone else a troll. Shocking! Shocking, I tell you!! ..

Oh man, I need to train my cats to help me drive! That's is the most rediculous thing I have heard of! A service dog for sleep apnea - come on...........