The NORTHWEST AIDE DOG FOUNDATION is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of aide dog awareness. We work with radio, television, and the print media to educate the public about aide dogs (guide, hearing, seizure alert or assistance, and service) thus encouraging recognition and acceptance of these animals. We publish educational brochures and newsletters, and provide seminars throughout the Pacific NW. Much of our work is done in schools so that students (business owners and community leaders of tomorrow) have the opportunity to learn about aide dogs, have their questions answered, even meet an aide dog up close and personal!

The NORTHWEST AIDE DOG FOUNDATION receives many calls from people with disabilities wanting to know how they can obtain an aide dog. While the NWADF does not train dogs, we are in touch with many organizations across the nation which do, and we can provide our callers with the information which they need to access these organizations. In many instances there are waiting lists for these animals. More and more people with disabilities are choosing to actively participate in the training of their own dog. This is done by working with trainers who are willing to "teach you to train your dog". It's a lot of hard work! You provide the dog, and you must pay for the training. This is an option you may want to consider.

The NORTHWEST AIDE DOG FOUNDATION helps with access problems. By law, a person with a disability has the legal right to take a dog which has been specially trained to help them with their disability into all public places. Laws and reality are frequently two different monsters, and daily, people with disabilities and their aide dogs are denied access. Sometimes, this occurs because of a simple misunderstanding. Perhaps a new employee didn't know the law. Perhaps the person has a disability which isn't obvious, such as a hearing disorder or epilepsy. Sadly, sometimes access denial occurs because the person with a disability isn't wanted and the aide dog is used as an excuse. Access denial is embarrassing, and it can be frightening. Knowing the law, and how it applies to you is the first step in helping yourself.

All services provided by the NORTHWEST AIDE DOG FOUNDATION are free of charge to the public, including our newsletter the NW AIDE DOG NETWORK.

The NWADF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit supported entirely by charitable contributions. Your donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Multiple Sclerosis & Aide Dogs

Many people with multiple sclerosis find that they can live more independent lives when they are assisted by a specially trained aide dog. Some have visual or hearing difficulties which may qualify them for a guide or hearing dog. For those with seizure difficulties a seizure alert or seizure assistance dog may be the answer.

Most will find that the service dog fits their needs the best. Service dogs work for those who are mobility challenged, and multiple sclerosis frequently causes mobility problems. Service dogs are the dogs that are trained to pick up dropped objects, open and close doors, pull wheelchairs, etc. They can, however, do many other tasks. Helping with transfers, assisting after a fall, or providing balance that keeps one from falling, assisting with dressing & undressing, search & find (where did I put my keys?), providing assistance with cognitive difficulties, are just a few of the ways a service dog can help someone with multiple sclerosis live more independently.

AN AIDE DOG IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

Not everyone likes dogs! Remember, dogs shed, drool, and do not have low maintenance upkeep. Grooming, vet bills, and food bills are just a few of the negatives involved.

Aide dogs love their work, and they must be allowed to do it. They're not robots, you can't just push a button and get instantaneous results. If you are 'feeling okay' today and would prefer to leave the dog home or outside because he's too much bother, or you'd rather do it "by yourself" it won't take long before your dog refuses to work for you. They're smart, they know when they're needed & won't work for someone who doesn't need their assistance.

AN AIDE DOG IS A TWENTY FOUR HOUR A DAY - SEVEN DAY A WEEK COMMITMENT!

For his sake (or hers) please think it over carefully before you decide.

DO I QUALIFY FOR AN AIDE DOG?

That's right, you do have to qualify! Not everyone who has a disease, illness, or impairment has a legal disability. The NWADF cannot tell you if your MS automatically qualifies you for an aide dog. If you are legally blind, or deaf, or use a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or walker all the time, you will qualify. Other cases will have to be evaluated by your physician, yourself, and ADA law.

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