After Vision Loss: Should You Get a Service Dog? 5 Questions You Must First Answer

Have you seen TV shows about service dogs and wondered if you should consider getting one? Here are 5 questions you should first answer before making that decision.

1. Do you need help with mobility?
If it is difficult for you to see steps, curbs, obstacles on sidewalks and in stores, and, overall, moving safely and confidently as a result of vision loss, then a service dog can help.

2. Are you in good health?
Service dogs go through a lot of training before they are assigned to a person. To ensure that the dog remains in good health and in good working condition, it is important that the person work the dog regularly. This requires daily walks to keep the dog alert and in good physical condition.

3. Do you have the time to be trained to use a service dog?
Most schools that train a person to use a service dog require the person to attend training for four consecutive weeks. During this time, the person lives on the school's campus in a dormitory. I personally found this experience to be extremely pleasant. It will mean, however, that you will be away from your family during that time. Most, and possibly all, schools, though, will welcome your family to visit you when you are not in training.

4. Will you be able to keep your dog clean?
It is important for your service dog to have good hygiene. He or she will be going with you into all public places. For this reason, it is important that your dog be kept clean and well-groomed.

5. Can you afford to care for your dog?
It will be your responsibility to purchase food and medications for your dog and to pay for any visits to the vet that are not covered by the school which trained your dog. Some schools may offer to pay for the monthly heartworm medication along with flea and tick prevention treatment. A school may even offer to help cover some or all of a bill for certain visits to the vet.

If your answer is yes to all of the above questions, then I highly recommend that you begin researching the various schools where you may just find your very best and most loyal friend.

Get your free report, "21 Ways My Service Dog Helps Me", when you subscribe to the Prove Them Wrong Ezine: Tips & Tools for Succeeding with a Disability. Visit...
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After Vision Loss: 5 Important Ways a Service Dog Can Assist

I have posted a new article at AmazingVideoMagnifiers.com.

If you or someone you know is considering getting a service dog, but you're just not sure how a service dog can assist, then you will want to read this article.

I lost my sight at age eight, but it was 35 years later before I applied to receive a service dog. Had I known just how much a service dog would assist me, I never would have waited so long.

During the four weeks of training, I quickly realized that there were many ways my new Golden Retriever companion was going to assist me, ways in which I had never even considered.

As I take the harness handle in my hand, feel the gentle tug as he begins to move, I know my life is in good paws.

Read the full article at...
http://www.AmazingVideoMagnifiers.com/article10.htm

Artificial Retina Research Continues

Researchers' vision: restoring sight through artificial retinas

December 30th, 2008 By Robert S. Boyd in Technology / Engineering

Scientists are testing artificial retinas that they hope can restore partial sight to people who've lost their vision to the most
common causes of blindness.

Read story at
http://www.physorg.com/news149841853.html

I always find it exciting to hear about advances in technology.

It may be years before the retina chip implant is available for the general public. Until then, we do have the technology of the video magnifier which can help us right now.

The Telesensory Genie Pro is a popular unit which can be used with your computer's monitor or even with your television.

Run over here and read about its many exciting features.
http://www.AmazingVideoMagnifiers.com/geniePro.html