I cried watching this, because I too have anxiety disorder. I don't leave the house without my boyfriend. I would love it if I could have a dog that is allowed to go into grocery stores.
What a gorgeous dog Merlinfluff, and so pleased he could do so much for you, hope your progress continues even now he is gone, I am sure he will always be with you in spirit :) You are doing a great job as a new Mum, keep up the good work!
RIP my beautiful, perfect newfie. You will always be remembered and loved. Max passed away from Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy on the 7 May 2011. He waited long enough to meet my gorgeous son. Have a wonderful time over beyond the rainbow with a strong heart and plenty of energy to play.
@merlinfluff Fist you had me crying from the amazing things your dog was able to do to help you NOW you having me crying for the loss of such a wonderful companion.
@merlinfluff God Bless you and Max.. this is an amazing, beautiful Newfie. So very sorry to hear that Max has passed. I have 2 Newfies, a 2 yr old female, Mya. And Murphy, a 14 week old boy. I would love to have him become a therapy dog. Any suggestions on where and when to start?
@merlinfluff I found this video when looking to see how well a newf would handle being a service dog, my fiancee ((wedding day planned in June 2012)) is disabled with lower back and nerve damage. This video was beautiful, we are looking to get two newfs in the next year. Something we have been planning for many years now. Max is a beautiful dog, It is so sad to hear you lost him, but this video has answered some basic questions on trainablitly. Thank you both for sharing.
You are very brave and I am pleased you have the love and companionship of such a beautiful dog. Keep going and know there are many of us out here on your side! :0)
These dogs are so amazing. We are in the process now of getting our dog trained to fit the needs of my little one. It's good to see you have someone in your life a your dog to help comfort you and help you. What a true blessing hun. I'm so happy for you. God Bless
Curious to know why you allow him to walk up on top of tables, especially in a public place and where people eat? In the US that would be highly frowned upon, well, just not done.
This is the most amazing video I came across about service dogs and especially newfoundland. I am in admiration and humbled by how those dogs are able to help us human. I feel touched each time I see your video. Thanks!
I didn't know we could get service dogs, I am not sure if we can get them in Canada..
I'd love to have one. Our large dogs. A rotti and rotty shepherd cross are like your dog in many ways. I am extreamly proud of you. You have given me hope. I didn't know people could have a service dog, for some reason I figured people wouldn't consider problems like ours real and tell us service dogs couldnt be used. Info is power and your giving us great info, that can help us help ourselves
This is very inspiring. I'm training a border collie to be my PSD soon. i'm going to make a series of videos about training/public access. I live in a small town in the south (in the US) so i'll be just about the only one in my town with a service dog at all, and I have a feeling i'll have some trouble being let in some places! But i'm going to be video taping it all as an example of how to explain to a business owner about PSDs and how they are just like any other service dog.
This is absolutely inspiring. This literally brought a tear to my eye. I am physically disabled and know the joy, freedom, and independence that service dogs can bring to life. I commend this woman and Max for sharing their beautiful teamwork, journey, and message that there is hope for everyone.
Hi, I have physical and cognitive disabilities. I trained my own service dogs. (My first was 10 years ago, then a few years later for my second guy.) Did you train Max yourself, with a professional trainer, or is he a program dog? I did train one "intelligent disobedience" skill: alerting me to the stove timer going off, even if I am asleep, ignore, push away, reprimand, etc., because of memory impairment. If you trained Max, I'd love to swap training stories. R U a member of IAADP?
Thank you for sharing My newfoundlands name is Ella and I have M.S. and she has come to help whenever I fall(pulled me) The only that I have taught her is the word "help" when I need help getting up she lets me use her for support.
wow! what an amazing dog:) he is so big, like a giant teddy bear. Was he your dog and you trained him to become a service dog, or did you get his specifically as a service dog?
omg, I can't believe how beautiful he is. I would love to have a service dog for my seizures, but they're expensive and you always have to go to wherever they are trained to train with them which can be expensive as well if not local. You're a very lucky woman. Stay happy and well :)
OMG...I was in tears. I thought about getting a dog like this. I have a sheltie who comes to me and calms me. But I have seriously thought about getting a service dog. I love this video. Thank you for sharing it!
She is amazing I have some of the issues you speak of. I cant thank you enough for this post. After 7 years of marriage my husband finaly understands what I go through. Never thought I would find how to express it here. When I could never ut it in words things do happen for a reason.
I've always wanted to breed and raise Newfies to be therapy dogs. They just seem like they'd be perfect for it since they are so gentle and have the most amazing disposition.
Max is a beautiful Newf, and it's easy to tell you both have great trust in each other.
This rly touches me cause i suffer agoraphobia, hyperventilation and ocd. I really want to praise you for your work with the dog and your effort in making a better life for yourself.
I can imagen that when your outside and feel panic risen up, then feeling and petting your dog must be a big comfort. I love your dog <3 and wish you all the best. I know allot of people who just sit house and do nothing about themselves. So /salute
Truly amazing animals. I am both delighted and amazed to see Max and you working in NZ. Until recently I was involved in advanced training assistance dogs within NZ. My struggle with OCD, GAD, panic disorder and depression has led me to do more research on psychiatric dogs and I can only hope that one day they are recognised internationally for the wonderful work they do. All the best and thankyou for showing this video. It gives me and i'm sure many others hope.
Hi we have had meetings with Ruth Dyson (minister of disability issues) CCS, doctors etc all over psychiatric working dogs. Pretty much NZ law covers anti discrimination but poorly covers anyway to register pysch dogs. We have found individual councils are saying if you need them and they are trained then we'll accept them. We even wrote a full certification system, access tests etc thought CCS could run some of it. CCS said good idea, good system but liability issues made it "too hard"
Mobility Dogs. Interesting - i had the same problems with trying to found my own trust after leaving mobility dogs due to illness. We should talk more if you have the time. Could I email you my details and maybe we could share ideas and knowledge
what a beautiful video and a beautiful dog. i have a newfoundland as well and she has helped myself and my s.o. through some horribly tough times. i am looking to get her a certification to be able to take her to work with me, but so far have had difficulties finding something like that in my area. feel free to write me a message anytime.
...& then once we said "lets go" we praised him. He quickly (30 minutes) understood the factor not to cross the road without command, then he just picked up if Elly didn't look or a there was a car coming that he couldn't cross. Still the best thing is having him there. Since then taught him to bark on hand signal & he knows a guard me command although he is lazy & only does it when danger is around. Anyway PM us if u want for newf pics exchange or just as a friend with similar experiences
I was thrilled to run across your video! I have a Newf. I've had depression and PTSD for more than 10 years. In 2004 I was brutally sexually assaulted. Leaving home has become nearly impossible UNLESS I take Gracie with me. I didn't really realize, until I saw your video, that unconsciously I've been receiving some of the same assistance & comfort from her. I'm going to talk to my doctors about this and work harder to give Gracie some of Max's skills! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi you story is so similar to Elly's (I'm Aaron and the Newfs are mine except when working with Elly :) of course). It all started out for us when Elly was walking the newfs in park (one of 3 places in town she could go) when some youths thought it'd be fun to abuse her. Nice teddy bear Newf turned into a big jaw snapping monster. That's we we clicked the commitment Newf have with their owners. For the crossing the road command we started simply by telling him of and saying stay.....
I ran into one of these dogs a couple days ago on the job. I was afraid at first but then realized she was a sweetie and very smart. After watching this I have a whole new respect for the newfoundland retriever!
Hi my name is Leigh I have had depression and anxiety for a long time now. I'm trying to set up a charity in the UK which trains service dogs for people with emotional/mental health problems. If you have any advise I would be very grateful.
I moved to the UK from the USA with a servie dog who helps me with agoraphobia, panic attacks and psychotic depression....I was aware service dogs of this type are not recognised in the UK?
I would be beyond joyful to help create the charity, as I know from first-hand-experience that psychiatric service dogs really are wonderful and are needed just as much as service dogs for the blind, disabled and deaf.
thanks for the comment I was so pleased to get it i would love for you to help me in this venture at the moment you are correct and this type of sevice dog is not recnoised in the uk but im planning to change that:)where about in the uk do u live?
I don't know if you still need a dog? There is a serice dog training center sort of close to where I live in Florida. I have High-Fuctioning Autism as well. Though I'm only still in the process of getting a service dog. I could give you the e-mail address or the number of the group in Florida if you still need to find a dog.
Hiya, first I started close to the car on walks where he knew where he was going anyway and praised him when given 'find the car' command. Then got further and further away, then put in corners and extra streets. He picked it up pretty quickly as he loves riding in the car!!
Very, very incredibly cool. I can see that a Newf would be fantastic at this kind of work. They are so full of empathy for all other living creatures.
This is awesome!! My newfs are good but wow! Did u train him yourself???
lillyellajessica 2 months ago
@lillyellajessica Yes trained him ourselves, although he did make it easy
merlinfluff 1 week ago
I cried watching this, because I too have anxiety disorder. I don't leave the house without my boyfriend. I would love it if I could have a dog that is allowed to go into grocery stores.
MSChelsey1988 4 months ago
awww.... he looks like a big teddy bear :)
tracyhobbs 5 months ago
A newfoundland dog is the best dog from the best province. You should visit st johns. You had a really nice newfoundland dog
thebashersplace 5 months ago
:'( RIP Max
noleafclover614 6 months ago
How did you train him? I'm currently training my own psychiatric service dog :)
TheBahaiGirl 7 months ago
What a gorgeous dog Merlinfluff, and so pleased he could do so much for you, hope your progress continues even now he is gone, I am sure he will always be with you in spirit :) You are doing a great job as a new Mum, keep up the good work!
tinekesnow 9 months ago
RIP my beautiful, perfect newfie. You will always be remembered and loved. Max passed away from Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy on the 7 May 2011. He waited long enough to meet my gorgeous son. Have a wonderful time over beyond the rainbow with a strong heart and plenty of energy to play.
merlinfluff 9 months ago
@merlinfluff I am so sorry. He looks like such a great service dog!
crimsonblood8 9 months ago
@merlinfluff Fist you had me crying from the amazing things your dog was able to do to help you NOW you having me crying for the loss of such a wonderful companion.
RIP Max.
TheCassiFish 5 months ago
@merlinfluff God Bless you and Max.. this is an amazing, beautiful Newfie. So very sorry to hear that Max has passed. I have 2 Newfies, a 2 yr old female, Mya. And Murphy, a 14 week old boy. I would love to have him become a therapy dog. Any suggestions on where and when to start?
MrLilblondie822 4 months ago
@merlinfluff I found this video when looking to see how well a newf would handle being a service dog, my fiancee ((wedding day planned in June 2012)) is disabled with lower back and nerve damage. This video was beautiful, we are looking to get two newfs in the next year. Something we have been planning for many years now. Max is a beautiful dog, It is so sad to hear you lost him, but this video has answered some basic questions on trainablitly. Thank you both for sharing.
Kierakittie 3 months ago
You are very brave and I am pleased you have the love and companionship of such a beautiful dog. Keep going and know there are many of us out here on your side! :0)
Trund27 10 months ago
These dogs are so amazing. We are in the process now of getting our dog trained to fit the needs of my little one. It's good to see you have someone in your life a your dog to help comfort you and help you. What a true blessing hun. I'm so happy for you. God Bless
Tigerbabe38 11 months ago
he's so beautiful! I'm glad he helps so much.
gorramdoll 11 months ago
@txwildflower45 - I'm sure you're right, but that's not the point. :)
GoldiDox 1 year ago
Big deal about the dog walking on the table man how many birds shit on it daily.
Pippip3030 1 year ago
Curious to know why you allow him to walk up on top of tables, especially in a public place and where people eat? In the US that would be highly frowned upon, well, just not done.
GoldiDox 1 year ago
@GoldiDox I am sure that there have been dirtier things on those tables than a dogs paw.
txwildflower45 1 year ago
This is the most amazing video I came across about service dogs and especially newfoundland. I am in admiration and humbled by how those dogs are able to help us human. I feel touched each time I see your video. Thanks!
GoldenGirl0901 1 year ago
These dogs are truly amazing. I had a Newfie for 13 years, been without him for 2, and am 4 weeks away from getting another one. They are awesome.
geroni1971 1 year ago
13 that's a good age, must miss your Newfie, good luck with your new Best Friend
merlinfluff 1 year ago
I didn't know we could get service dogs, I am not sure if we can get them in Canada..
I'd love to have one. Our large dogs. A rotti and rotty shepherd cross are like your dog in many ways. I am extreamly proud of you. You have given me hope. I didn't know people could have a service dog, for some reason I figured people wouldn't consider problems like ours real and tell us service dogs couldnt be used. Info is power and your giving us great info, that can help us help ourselves
PurpleHempDragon 1 year ago
why did he walk over the table
topdoggirl12510 1 year ago
Aw, he's such a cutie. I'm always glad when dogs other than poodles and labs are seen doing these jobs, they get too much publicity as it is.
Beautiful vid, and the music brings a tear to my eye.
FallingandRunning 1 year ago
This is very inspiring. I'm training a border collie to be my PSD soon. i'm going to make a series of videos about training/public access. I live in a small town in the south (in the US) so i'll be just about the only one in my town with a service dog at all, and I have a feeling i'll have some trouble being let in some places! But i'm going to be video taping it all as an example of how to explain to a business owner about PSDs and how they are just like any other service dog.
BIP0LAR0ID 1 year ago
Max is amazing! Keep up the great work!
therapydogchick 1 year ago
So much hope!!! thank you...
pinkiekat122 2 years ago
Looks like a Service Bear.
zipperhead53 2 years ago 9
You're not alone, please take care and keep taking one step at a time:)
BeingMarieT 2 years ago 6
yeah its great until the dog dies
smcglynn3 2 years ago
I also use a service dog. A pyr. My Newfie is in training. Thank you for sharing!!
1skinrn 2 years ago
wow the dog saved her life at 1:00
Turok9702 2 years ago
Elly,
What kind of trauma did you suffer in your life?
alisa8664 2 years ago
You certainly have a (very dear friend)- there by your side.. :-))) we wish you well.
markdon16 2 years ago
What a beautiful video. I'm so sorry as I know how debilitating panic disorder can be.
alisa8664 2 years ago
Gotta love the Newfoundland dog, such a sweet, gentle giant. And a true hero at your side!
vulcangunner58 2 years ago
beautiful dog..you have a friend for life!!!
markdon16 2 years ago 2
please take care and get better :)
josiewhales84 2 years ago
Comment removed
brailleisbeautiful1 2 years ago
This is absolutely inspiring. This literally brought a tear to my eye. I am physically disabled and know the joy, freedom, and independence that service dogs can bring to life. I commend this woman and Max for sharing their beautiful teamwork, journey, and message that there is hope for everyone.
slayerchick303 2 years ago
Hi, I have physical and cognitive disabilities. I trained my own service dogs. (My first was 10 years ago, then a few years later for my second guy.) Did you train Max yourself, with a professional trainer, or is he a program dog? I did train one "intelligent disobedience" skill: alerting me to the stove timer going off, even if I am asleep, ignore, push away, reprimand, etc., because of memory impairment. If you trained Max, I'd love to swap training stories. R U a member of IAADP?
ServiceDogPartner 3 years ago
two angels.
canariojoe 3 years ago
they are so gentle...how are u and max now elly?
iluvmerrcatz 3 years ago
i ahve a service dog to his name is sparky he is a chihuahua he really works and he has saved me 20 times the pic that i have on my icon is him
emyloverbug2 3 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing. This is great !!! :-) I also have a PSD. But mine is a tiny italian greyhound. :-)
triumphantbutterfly 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing My newfoundlands name is Ella and I have M.S. and she has come to help whenever I fall(pulled me) The only that I have taught her is the word "help" when I need help getting up she lets me use her for support.
The best dog ever!!
rkirkemnat 3 years ago
wow! what an amazing dog:) he is so big, like a giant teddy bear. Was he your dog and you trained him to become a service dog, or did you get his specifically as a service dog?
walksindreams 3 years ago
Not only do I love Newfs (Jackson is my big handsome boy), but I'm a big fan of Superchic(k) too!
green97tl1000s 3 years ago
I just love watching Max work :D
faithtimtoby 3 years ago
omg, I can't believe how beautiful he is. I would love to have a service dog for my seizures, but they're expensive and you always have to go to wherever they are trained to train with them which can be expensive as well if not local. You're a very lucky woman. Stay happy and well :)
sickofviolence 3 years ago
I just bawled my head off...I want a newfoundland dog now!!!
saltyeggs71 3 years ago
wow this is amazing i wish i had an animal to help calm me down when i am gettin all crazy...what a beautiful gift from God you have...Hope
hopehippy 3 years ago
OMG...I was in tears. I thought about getting a dog like this. I have a sheltie who comes to me and calms me. But I have seriously thought about getting a service dog. I love this video. Thank you for sharing it!
jaxkipi 3 years ago
this is wonderful.. I got my maggie for the same reason.. what a wonderful idea
thecrackwalker 3 years ago
I love those big dogs they are do cute.
mspen1018 3 years ago
good doggie, newfoundlands make great friends, thanks for posting this video!
Vinnylc158 3 years ago
She is amazing I have some of the issues you speak of. I cant thank you enough for this post. After 7 years of marriage my husband finaly understands what I go through. Never thought I would find how to express it here. When I could never ut it in words things do happen for a reason.
myheartcopper 3 years ago
I've always wanted to breed and raise Newfies to be therapy dogs. They just seem like they'd be perfect for it since they are so gentle and have the most amazing disposition.
Max is a beautiful Newf, and it's easy to tell you both have great trust in each other.
fivefoothobbit 3 years ago
This rly touches me cause i suffer agoraphobia, hyperventilation and ocd. I really want to praise you for your work with the dog and your effort in making a better life for yourself.
I can imagen that when your outside and feel panic risen up, then feeling and petting your dog must be a big comfort. I love your dog <3 and wish you all the best. I know allot of people who just sit house and do nothing about themselves. So /salute
SparrowsHeartache 3 years ago
Waaay to go Max! I'm hoping to get a whippet to train for diabetic alerting and to help with schizophrenia. Great to see you two in action. Thankx!
vampiricconure 3 years ago
Although CCS did issues a disability parking card for Elly which was great and helps with access
merlinfluff 3 years ago
Truly amazing animals. I am both delighted and amazed to see Max and you working in NZ. Until recently I was involved in advanced training assistance dogs within NZ. My struggle with OCD, GAD, panic disorder and depression has led me to do more research on psychiatric dogs and I can only hope that one day they are recognised internationally for the wonderful work they do. All the best and thankyou for showing this video. It gives me and i'm sure many others hope.
nzsrsf 3 years ago
Hi we have had meetings with Ruth Dyson (minister of disability issues) CCS, doctors etc all over psychiatric working dogs. Pretty much NZ law covers anti discrimination but poorly covers anyway to register pysch dogs. We have found individual councils are saying if you need them and they are trained then we'll accept them. We even wrote a full certification system, access tests etc thought CCS could run some of it. CCS said good idea, good system but liability issues made it "too hard"
merlinfluff 3 years ago
BTW who did you used to work for? Mobility dogs, top dog companion trust?
merlinfluff 3 years ago
Mobility Dogs. Interesting - i had the same problems with trying to found my own trust after leaving mobility dogs due to illness. We should talk more if you have the time. Could I email you my details and maybe we could share ideas and knowledge
nzsrsf 3 years ago
Fabulous.
Thank you for sharing.
FrancisRocks 3 years ago
Wow! What an incredible video and even more, an incredible dog! God bless you both!
BrandonBoston2 4 years ago
what a beautiful video and a beautiful dog. i have a newfoundland as well and she has helped myself and my s.o. through some horribly tough times. i am looking to get her a certification to be able to take her to work with me, but so far have had difficulties finding something like that in my area. feel free to write me a message anytime.
laurenmargaux 4 years ago
wow is all I can say
CSIAddict 4 years ago
They are so wonderful dogs! I had two brown neufundländer ... They were so clever and so dear ...
many greetings from berlin: kati :)
KatiBerlinben 4 years ago
Great job! I'm looking for a Psychiatric Service Dog. =D
Hope to see more videos of you and Max soon.
GabeyKunTheWolf 4 years ago
...& then once we said "lets go" we praised him. He quickly (30 minutes) understood the factor not to cross the road without command, then he just picked up if Elly didn't look or a there was a car coming that he couldn't cross. Still the best thing is having him there. Since then taught him to bark on hand signal & he knows a guard me command although he is lazy & only does it when danger is around. Anyway PM us if u want for newf pics exchange or just as a friend with similar experiences
merlinfluff 4 years ago
I was thrilled to run across your video! I have a Newf. I've had depression and PTSD for more than 10 years. In 2004 I was brutally sexually assaulted. Leaving home has become nearly impossible UNLESS I take Gracie with me. I didn't really realize, until I saw your video, that unconsciously I've been receiving some of the same assistance & comfort from her. I'm going to talk to my doctors about this and work harder to give Gracie some of Max's skills! Thank you so much for sharing!
KYGirlInNC 4 years ago
Hi you story is so similar to Elly's (I'm Aaron and the Newfs are mine except when working with Elly :) of course). It all started out for us when Elly was walking the newfs in park (one of 3 places in town she could go) when some youths thought it'd be fun to abuse her. Nice teddy bear Newf turned into a big jaw snapping monster. That's we we clicked the commitment Newf have with their owners. For the crossing the road command we started simply by telling him of and saying stay.....
merlinfluff 4 years ago
Awsome! I raise Guide Dog puppies for the blind, and its really awsome to watch service dogs at work and just to be part of the process!
Great job!!!
pw4gdf 4 years ago
I ran into one of these dogs a couple days ago on the job. I was afraid at first but then realized she was a sweetie and very smart. After watching this I have a whole new respect for the newfoundland retriever!
GordyMari 4 years ago
Hi my name is Leigh I have had depression and anxiety for a long time now. I'm trying to set up a charity in the UK which trains service dogs for people with emotional/mental health problems. If you have any advise I would be very grateful.
Leighnine 4 years ago
I moved to the UK from the USA with a servie dog who helps me with agoraphobia, panic attacks and psychotic depression....I was aware service dogs of this type are not recognised in the UK?
I would be beyond joyful to help create the charity, as I know from first-hand-experience that psychiatric service dogs really are wonderful and are needed just as much as service dogs for the blind, disabled and deaf.
-=Neo=-
sonokage53 4 years ago
Hi
thanks for the comment I was so pleased to get it i would love for you to help me in this venture at the moment you are correct and this type of sevice dog is not recnoised in the uk but im planning to change that:)where about in the uk do u live?
leigh
Leighnine 4 years ago
message me here on YouTube and I can forward your my eMail address :)
I am in south england, between South Hampton and Chichester
-=Neo=-
sonokage53 4 years ago
Where could I get a service dog like that? I have High-Fuctioning Autism.
WolfWithARose 4 years ago
I don't know if you still need a dog? There is a serice dog training center sort of close to where I live in Florida. I have High-Fuctioning Autism as well. Though I'm only still in the process of getting a service dog. I could give you the e-mail address or the number of the group in Florida if you still need to find a dog.
iceprincessrowena 3 years ago
iceprincessrowena,hey! I have HFA,too! Along with Bipolar Disorder/Chronic Depression,and Social Phobia/Panic Disorder.
What is the name and website of that place you were talking about?
MystyLikesLadies 3 years ago
Can you send me the same website? Thanks.
jaxkipi 3 years ago
compliments really beautiful
LYNKto 4 years ago
Bellissimo..mi sono emozionata..
ymaryang 4 years ago
Wow
Totally awesome!
How did you train him to find your car? I know someone who has the same problem and wants to train her assistance dog to do the same.
Daphné and service dog Valéas (from Belgium)
xxx
eikootje 4 years ago
Hiya, first I started close to the car on walks where he knew where he was going anyway and praised him when given 'find the car' command. Then got further and further away, then put in corners and extra streets. He picked it up pretty quickly as he loves riding in the car!!
merlinfluff 4 years ago
I don't word...
è bellissimo, veramente..
Fatadegliorsi 4 years ago
grazie :D
merlinfluff 4 years ago
Very, very incredibly cool. I can see that a Newf would be fantastic at this kind of work. They are so full of empathy for all other living creatures.
svflybynight 4 years ago
he is amazing at it, very easy to train and just loves being with me so he's a natural!
merlinfluff 4 years ago