Companion animals do not fall under a disability act so you would have to follow what ever the lease or contract you have is regarding pets of any nature. If you have a disability that a service dog can provide assistance changes the whole situation. However you do have to have a lot of documentation and an actual service dog for this to apply.

What can a dog do for a CD patient? I know about fetching things for someone who uses a wheelchair, guide dogs for the blnd, etc -- but for Crohn's?

I have a service dog for my Crohn's! She was a pet first but she gets agitated (talkative and noses me) a few minutes before I have "explosive diarrhea." I'm not sure if all dogs do this, but because mine did I got her papered through the ADA as a service dog and now she goes to school with me and alerts me before I get sick so I have time to get to the bathroom (prior to this, I was just skipping class on "questionable" days.)

Also, when I'm really sick she comforts me. Its nice to have her around, especially when I'm stuck in the bathroom all day she is great company!

Most apartments (that don't allow dogs in general) are against companion animals but if you can get a service dog then legally there is nothing they can do. Try getting a doctor's note first and see if that works, then if not look around online for more info. The problem is you need the dog to get it papered and you can't get it papered until you have it and have trained it. As for get a pre-trained one I don't know... mine was a pet first and when we noticed that she was telling us prior to diarrhea attacks we got her papered.

Good luck!

Wow rmansker - your dog is kewl!

That's really interesting, mansker---is that a photo of your dog over your name?

I have heard of dogs nosing at the locations of their owners' as-yet-udiagnosed cancers, and dogs who c an tell when a family member is about to have a seizure.

She must be able to hear your bowels moving around inside. They have incredible hearing & we never think about it but certainly your dog can hear things like your heart, stomach movements, etc.

Yeah, that's here trying to climb into my lap on a day I was home ill... lol

here=her*

I actually have a companion animal for my Crohn's. I live in an apartment where dogs are not permitted, but I am allowed to have him anyway. My doc wrote me a perscription for him, and I had to fill out forms with the apartment complex. He helps me get out and to keep moving, and I firmly believe that he helps me to recover from my very frequent surgeries. There is nothing like a furry friend to boost one out of the depression that sometimes comes with a serious disease. I have my little guy registered with the state, and he has special tags and vest that he wears when we go out together. Speak with the manager of your complex. Rules are different everywhere, so it's best to check before you get started. I hope that this helps you. Good luck to you and keep in touch with your progress.

rmansker- that is awesome. wow. i want one!!

The biggest different between Companion Animal and Service Animal is the paperwork. The one question that clinches it: do you need the animal for a medical purpose? Yes. Ok, then its a Service Animal and you can get the vest. If no, then its a companion animal and NOT covered by the ADA.

The medical purpose can be anything. Instead of explaining the bizarre nosing she does before explosive diarrhea I just tell people she's for anxiety and carries my medications. (Just put your meds in their vest and now, because they carry your medications, you need them medically. -- Gray area solved!)

so cool. my cat will lay on my left side when i'm having cramps and stuff (and rarely any other time). but she also chews on my toothbrush and pees on my carpet. she's a service/disservice animal i think.