Nope. I'm already aware that an ESA is different from a service animal. But they still do have their perks, so long as you have a doctor that recognizes and agree's with your need for the animal. While you can't go every where in public with them, they can more often be allowed to live with you, even if you move to a place that normally does not accept pets.
Homelessness and loosing my pets (I have 4 animals right now) is the biggest issue I'm currently facing. And while I can not reasonably keep my 3 cats any longer, I would just be a complete wreck if I had to get rid of my dog as well. Heck, I'm already a total wreck.
Unfortunately, I'll most likely end up having to live in a shelter and they don't allow pets at all, not even if it was an ESA pet. I do not have the time to get her trained as a service dog. I don't even have any doctors anymore, so the whole ESA thing is unlikely as well.

I would like to adopt a dog as a companion and also train him or her to assist me, but I'll have to wait until I have a different living situation. I rent an apartment and I want to have a home with a yard before getting a dog.

Taking dogs on walks is far more healthier for them, then just letting them run around in a back yard. Millions of people successfully own dogs with out back yards and they are some of the happiest pets. Some places actually won't adopt to people who have yards because they often tend to just let their animal hang out there, instead of takin them out into the world for mental exercise and socializing.
A dog does NOT need a yard, but each dog has it's own physical and mental exercise needs. So take that into consideration when looking for your companion. =)

Wow I've never heard of the service dog for N. That's a great idea. I wonder if my daughter would qualify for one. I'm gonna look into it. Thanks

So far I haven't found a service dog training place that trains N alert/response dogs. I had to train him myself with the help of Service Dog Academy in Washington.

However, the cool thing is you can train your own service dog if you know what you need.

I actually trained my boy in a couple of different common disability tasks, i.e, psychiatric service dog, mobility and diabetic alert service dog tasks.

Here is an excellent link from Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) showing the service dog basics and different tasks that can be trained to alleviate certain symptoms.

http://www.deltasociety.org/page.aspx?pid=302

Great thanks.

Where do you sign up for the waiting list??