The ups and downs of living with a psychiatric service dog.
Having a psychiatric service dog has had an amazing impact on my life... In all honesty, it's truly given me a new life entirely. In addition to my amazing new lease on life however, there's a darker side. That's the part you aren't ever ready for!
Struggles With Service
Good, Bad, and Distressing!
In 2005 I developed Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly called PTSD. I've seen things they wouldn't put on cable TV, and in just six months I'd been in London during the terrorist attacks, my home was hit by Hurricane Rita, and my father passed away unexpectedly. At the sensitive age of 17, it was just too much. The harder I tried to be "normal," the farther behind I fell. I was unable to attend school, and had a teacher bring my lessons three times a week. I would perform everyday tasks like get dressed or fix myself some food and be exhausted, both emotionally and physically. Regular life seemed like something of the past.
Like many other sufferers of PTSD, I sought help. I continued with therapy, and was put on medication to help with my depression and my anxiety/panic, but I still wasn't normal. I wasn't myself. I couldn't go to the mall, I couldn't even go to the grocery store without falling apart and needing to recover for a few days! The amazing person I had once been - the girl who could captivate an audience with a speech at such a young age, or travel the world and meet people from over a dozen countries - was gone... I thought!
Through a series of what I believe to be miracles, I found Gabriel. My life looked up almost instantly. The week he came home with me, I spent two whole hours at the mall! On a Saturday! I felt like I could do anything! I held a steady job for the first time in my life, and I could finally start looking forward to a bright future as a contributing member of my community!
The support has been amazing. Most people wonder what Gabe does for me. I'm proud to spend time out of my day telling people about him. I'm proud that he stops me before I panic, before I stress, and I don't have the same problems any more. I'm glad that people want to know, and I'm glad that I can get the word out there that service dogs are for more than the blind or paralyzed.
There are people who absolutely don't try to understand though. Every handler has their horror stories. Mid-January, I was walking the mall one afternoon like usual. When it rains and I'm unable to exercise outside, I enjoy the environment of the mall! On this particular occasion however, I had the police called out to have me thrown out! Thankfully everything could be sorted out and the officers were very understanding of Gabriel and his job to watch over me. I think the whole situation could have been resolved before the authorities were called if the person who summoned them had simply confronted me about having a dog in a shopping mall.
Because of these people, I want to reach out and get the word out about service dogs and the people they help. I'm planning on majoring in journalism, and hope to work with more non-profit groups like My Service Dog (in the Houston area) to improve the quality of life for people who could truly benefit from partnering with a service dog.
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What You Might Want To Know
There is no specific breed used for service dogs. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are commonly used for seeing-eye dogs and mobility assistance dogs because their stocky muscular bodies are incredibly stable and sturdy. My dog is a Standard Poodle, and I know of a couple of other Standards currently in service for seizure or mobility dogs. As long as the dog is capable of performing its required tasks and is a peaceful dog they're welcomed as service animals. Typically, breed-aggressive dogs aren't used regardless of the individual's temperament.
The most recognized use of a service dog is the seeing-eye dog. There are many more reasons to have a dog though! There are dogs to help the hearing impaired live more rich lives. Mobility dogs are, as the name implies, for people with mobility problems. They can have a harness very similar to a guide dog's harness, but the dog has completely different responsibilities.
Another amazing title for some of these dogs are seizure dogs! I've been blessed to know a couple of seizure dogs and their handlers. They seem like normal people, but epilepsy can severely restrict activity and even cause further health problems. I've known of a woman getting a concussion from falling to the floor during a seizure. Her dog now warns her before hand, and she has time to get low and safe before anything worse happens. Seizures are bad enough!
Finally, psychiatric service dogs. There are several mental illnesses that a canine companion can assist with, but the one I know most about is assistance with PTSD. Gabriel has several tasks he's trained to perform as needed and without command. Aside from his trained tasks, he can sense my panic attacks before I know I'm going to have one. These attacks can paralyze me with fear, cause fainting spells, or result in disorientation. With his warning, I can go out of my way to make sure I'm someplace safe. Usually I can control myself before I have any problems, and if I can't control them I have time to call someone for help before I become too disoriented to remember who to call.
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Mind Your Manners!
When you see a person with a service dog, you may not see a physical problem with them. I look like a normal teen, but without Gabe I'd be a wreck! If the handler seems open and willing to discuss their dog with you, you can use your discretion when asking further questions. Keep in mind though that the service dog is there because of a serious problem, and the person may be very uncomfortable discussing his/her reason for requiring their dog. It's even a sensitive subject for me if you catch me at the wrong time, so please be considerate of other people.
On a similar note, remember me mentioning that the dog is there because of a serious problem? Check the vest. Gabriel's has a patch that says "STOP! Don't pet me. I'm working." He needs to focus on me, and it's the same for other service dogs. On rare occasion, a handler will allow you to pet the animal, but not normally. The dog needs to focus on its owner. If Gabe quit focusing on me, I could have a problem in a public place and be unable to get home. It's important to keep your hands (and your children's hands) to yourself!
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By The Way, You're Amazing!
I just want you to know that I appreciate your time. I know that sounds so generic... a bit like some Hallmark card - pre-made so you can add your signature and be done. I mean it though. You took your time to read what I have to say and educate yourself. You've taken time to listen to some of what I've been through, and a tiny bit of what others go through.
If you have anything to say, I'd be glad to hear you out too. Share your experiences, speak out! Ask questions! I'm an open book, and if I don't know the answer I'll find someone who does for you. Help make the world a little smoother for people who are taking their lives into their hands and living with service dogs!
Service dog in action
Life and trips with Gabriel
Gabe and I have enjoyed life together so far!
Video of Gabe
Check out Gabe in Action!
Gabe and Friend!
Even service dogs have time to be normal. Gabriel works hard, and plays harder as soon as his vest is off!





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I want to know!
You've taken the time to read what I've got to say. Now I want to hear what you have to say! Comments are welcomed. Thank you for taking time to check this out.
Sorry my writing was so scattered on my last blurb I'm really tired and your story evoked allot of emotion.I'm glad to see someone else with a PTSD dog it makes me feel allot better even though beau is not being trained for PTSD specifically that is his main job.also I have run into some problems regarding Beau that maybe you can help with. Beau is a Keeshond Australian cattle dog cross but he looks allot like a German shepherd pup and I've had people tel me that the didn't want him there because of "the kind of dog he is" and when questioned it turned out that they assumed he was German shepherd(a violent breed,lol)do you have any Ideas what I can do.also I don't have any money so since I do know how to train dogs and have done so in the past I'm training Beau myself and have found it hard to find and afford decent appropriate working dress for Beau.Any one that has anthing to say that could be helpful please do so.
thanks lotts
Alisa
p.s. want to see pics of Beau?
Posted June 03, 2008
hey I ran into your post by accident but I wanted to thank you for posting it.My name is Alisa I'm 20 years old and have recently gotten a psychiatric service dog for PTSD among other problems and people just don't realize how much harm they can do just by walking up to me and petting my service dog Beau and I could swear they can't read. Beau like your service dog has changed my life and he's still in training. I have become so panicked by people crowding and standing behind me that even though I was only block from home I didn't know where I was or how to get home so people walking up unannounced to pet my dog can be paralyzing for me.It can be vary frustrating and tiering having people treat me as though I'm some kind of criminal becuase I need a service dog even though I can see, hear, and walk
but they do so all the time. also people get very offended and give me awful looks when I ask them not to approach me and Beau and pet him or say no when they ask.thanks for sharing
Alisa
Posted June 03, 2008
I suffer from PTSD, Borderline personality disorder, General Anxiety Disorder and Depression. I am looking into doing what you are doing and am hopeful I get the support of my psychiatrist and family. Thank you for sharing your story!
Posted February 15, 2008
i'm glad that your starting to realize that your not a lost cause, your life is going to get alot brighter. But i've already told you that before. good luck Layna
Posted January 28, 2008
This is pretty cool. Gabe is a awesome dooggie. hope you get him paid off soon.
Posted January 28, 2008
Know More
Keep going!
- Psychiatric Service Dogs
- Find out what the professionals have to say about psychiatric service dogs, and what they can do for their handlers!
- My Service Dog
- Keep updated with the first and only service dog organization in the Houston area. They hold a special place in my heart because they brought helped me find Gabriel!
- Dating With Dog
- The response to wondering what I do with Gabe on dates. Curious? Read on!
- Raspberry Field Equipment
- Here's where I found my dog's equipment. They're really amazing! I'd recommend them any day! Remember that it's illegal to misrepresent your dog as a service dog, and I wouldn't want to be you if you got caught!!!
- My Child Has PTSD?!
- Read a firsthand experience of a parent whose child was diagnosed with PTSD. Find out what it's like for someone to go through the nightmare of trying to get treatment and trying to move on with life after a catastrophe. I highly recommend this site. The author is great!
- Delta Society - Improving Life Through Service
- Check out the leading resource for the human-animal bond. They present research to prove the impact on the health and well-being of animals on a person's life.
