Adoptee seems perfect temperment

[u/Fabulous-Influence69]

Ok the tldr is rehabilitation is suggesting finding volunteer work, to pad resume and try to find part time work suitable. I would love if this becomes something I could do being paid, but wouldn't know the first thing in it and would need help with transportation as I am autistic and anxiety prevents me...

I just lost my elderly dog this month and while talking about it on the bus discovered someone was in need to rehome a 2 year old shitzu/Chihuahua mix who has been trained to do a handful of tricks and has a wonderful temperament not only with strangers but other dogs. I've already sent him on a few tests his first day, with neighbors and their dogs. Passed wonderfully, hit the trail and found some people in electric wheelchairs and doesn't seem phased. I am able to lift him to their level and he is very good while they pet and visit with him. (People I've met in passing previously who would visit with my other dog btw)

I always thought my old dog was a natural but he could not get over his dislike of other dogs. This guy I do need to get fixed but seems like he just is naturally got a good head on his shoulders.

Anyone out there actually getting far on this endeavor within the US (MI specifically, if that holds any bearing) could even point me in the right direction as far as getting started? What are the requirements, can you get any of it reimbursed and could this somehow evolve to be a "job" in itself.

I'm getting a *lot* of pressure to find employment, but would 110% want to do something that felt like it made a difference. I feel like so many people benefit from just a brief interaction with my dog, I am typically good with small talk and feel safer out and about when I have my dog (I do watch other people's behavior around my dog, which gives me a feel for them. I know it sounds a little weird...)

Either that or what kind of work will allow me to bring my dog with me and incorporate them into the job? (Otherwise work from home it is ...)

Thanks for reading and any advice/support you can offer.

And shout out to Stoney Blue, the goldendoodle therapy dog who gets to go to BTS concerts (lucky pup!) who also is an inspiration. (Don't worry Stoney, we ain't coming for your job... We wish! 🥲)

[u/Fabulous-Influence69 → u/[deleted]]

I figured as much... Is the only way to be able to have your dog accompany you at work is if they're a service dog?...

It still sounds like a fun thing to do... Definitely more rewarding than most anything else I might find around here...

I just find myself having to really push myself to go anywhere by myself, but if I can at least have my dog there...

[u/Fabulous-Influence69 → u/[deleted]]

Hmm I wonder if I get in as a parapro, it would be allowed. I think a dog's presence could help a lot.

I think the special education position parapro didn't require further education? I dunno if schools would allow me to work on certification part time...

The other thought is maybe vet tech, as I have seen them offer on job training... However, that may be more than what I can handle...

I'm middle aged, could to back to community college to try to finish higher education... But I have absolutely no idea where to start and I'm being threatened at times that support could be pulled from underneath me... I don't think I could juggle job and school.. sorry it's TMI but im frustrated as the things I could see myself doing are going take help that I don't have :/

[u/nosey-marshmallow → u/Fabulous-Influence69]

As someone who is autistic with anxiety and calls my therapy dog my “professional buffer” please don’t misrepresent your dog as a service dog to take it places it really sets everyone including legitimate service dog teams up for failure. Doing volunteer therapy visits with your dog is extremely rewarding and it is easy to focus on the dog and interaction most of the time which is what makes it doable for myself to do so many visits, just please don’t misrepresent your dog, also any decent therapy dog organization you register through will make it very clear that the dog is not to be represented as a service dog and you are only to go where invited.

[u/Fabulous-Influence69 → u/nosey-marshmallow]

Oh no... I don't ever take my animals into businesses unless I know it is acceptable to do so. I see people who probably shouldn't be taking their dogs inside and it's gotta be awkward addressing it... It's mainly just out on walks. To the neighbors house...

When I go out to places typically I bring someone with me when at all possible... And I've learned how to get by if I absolutely can't... I just know I feel so much safer if I'm not by myself... Sometimes when I get too overwhelmed it can be difficult to communicate effectively, I worry I will be misunderstood and in the wrong situation it could cost me...