Cindy & Murphy; a working team - Cindy Teal and her assistance dog - includes related information on training center

Inside MS, Wntr, 1991 by Susan Price

Despite the benefits, owning an assistance dog is not for everyone. The flip side of the broader freedoms is the responsibility of caring for a pet. It's a job to walk and clean a dog. And there is the expense of feeding one.

"For some people, particularly those who use wheelchairs or live alone, taking care of a service dog can be a problem," says Pat Murphy, special projects manager, National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "Before investing in a dog, consider how you will care for one or if you can arrange for a family member or caregiver to help care for it. Also investigate cleaning services provided by most vets, often at reduced cost for assistance animals."

"A good rule of thumb," say Cindy, who estimates that the SEAD program has matched about 60 dogs with people with more advanced disabilities, "is if you can bathe yourself, you'll be able to clean and care for the dog."

Built in to training programs are techniques which make upkeep a bit easier. Murphy was taught to jump in the shower on command, then lie down to drip dry on a towel Cindy has tossed onto the floor. And the dogs are taught to eat, sleep, even empty their bladders only on command.

"Northstar's food can be in his dish all day, but he won't eat until I give him the go-ahead," agrees Mr. Blackwell.

Once you've decided to look into getting a dog, the extent of your disability may also be a factor in selecting a training program. "There are some 50 training centers across the country and the methods and costs vary considerably," says Cindy. "It is important to choose one suited to your particular disabilities, your support systems and your financial situation. Some programs will train a dog you already own if there seems to be potential as an assistance dog."

One popular program is Canine Companions for Independence, the non-profit organization from which Mr. Blackwell received his dog. Based in California, CCI has been training dogs for about 15 years. Once a client is accepted to the program, he or she must travel to a regional training center for a two-week intensive session. Students graduate after mastering the 89 commands the dog has been taught, passing a written test and navigating an excursion to a local shopping mall.

"It was tough at times, but never overwhelming," says Mr. Blackwell, who completed the program in 1988. "I was prepared to work hard. And I found the trainers very willing to adjust to my needs. If I got tired they allowed my son to assist me. I think success depends on your desire for a dog. You must want its love and attention and you must be willing to care for and treat it as well as you would a person."

Still, the "boot camp" model of training may be difficult for some people with MS. "Since so many people with MS experience fatigue, that type of training can be grueling," says Cindy. As a result, the SEAD program dispatches area trainers to clients' homes.

Costs vary, too. SEAD charges up to $2,000 for the dog and training, depending on the client's ability to pay. In contrast, CCI requires a $125 fee for application processing and supplies, but does not fund travel, lodging or other expenses incurred during the training.