I want to assure Andrea that service dogs can be very long lived. Dogs are working animals, like horses, and they do better longer with that sense of purpose. Also, service dogs live more "human" and take fewer risks.
still, i am experienced enough to know that my Hunter has taken a big, vulnerable place in my emotions. He is awesome, and when i was alone last fall, while Jim went on a trip, Hunter knew i was having a bad bad time. He let out this shrill bark as i was going down, that was so strident, it brought me around.
dunno how that works, but bless his little fur suit, it works. knowing there is a living friend nearby is very calming.
the waiting period, for interviews, sponsors and availability can make us never try. as with anything that is lengthy, the sooner we apply the sooner the waiting will be done. never know, by that time we might have "morphed" into a different set or severity of challenges, as Andrea has done. Please all consider this, go online and see if there is a program near you, or in surrounding counties/states.