Life With a Psychiatric Service Dog

My Story

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!

Update as of Nov, 2009!

Gabriel and I are going strong after two years together. I've been off of Squidoo for so long questions piled up in my box and I haven't replied, but I'll be on more and more as I complete my Animal Behaviorist and Veterinary Assistant certificate courses. I'm training up a replacement, Jack Boy, a Miniature Australian Shepherd. After Gabriel was attacked by an Akita, he's had some aggression problems and I can't in good conscience continue to take him into public like that. Since writing this article I've married a man who loves my dog almost as much as me, and who appreciates that I took my life into my own hands and moved up in life. He's in the US Army, and through him I've met quite a few people and have discovered how wonderful the Army is (at least at this post) when it comes to disabilities. We are well taken care of! I hope to continue to help others by training service dogs for veterans here who need help, and encourage organizations to do the same. I've made another web site where you can contace me more directly at http://www.trainingassistancedogs.com. It's difficult to reply from Squidoo, so questions are best sent to me from there and I'll get to you quickly. Three cheers for those of us living the life and those of us who will be living the life as soon as possible!