The long and the short of it is that acquiring a psychiatric service dog gave me back my life. You don’t go into the lion’s den without taking safety precautions and having a back up plan for when things go awry. That’s how I feel about having a psychiatric service dog. She is my ally and support; my back up plan when the world starts closing in.
When I was a kid I had one of those blow up, clown faced, punching bags. Theoretically you could kick or punch the clown, knock him to the ground and the sand filled based ensured the bag would right itself.
That’s how I’ve come to view and understand my situation. When circumstances knock me off my center I need to take extra time and energy to right my ship before tending to the environment. The dog does precisely that, she is my buffer helping me to prioritize inner needs over that of the environment.
I remember one particularly egregious panic attack. It was a cool autumn day and Rosie and I were walking home after having spent a relaxing morning over coffee and journal writing. As we walked all was calm and peaceful, to my right the street was deserted and to my left was an empty expanse of green grass dotted with soccer goals and park benches. Suddenly and inexplicably my heart was pounding so hard I feared it would explode from my chest.
“Rosie, I’m having a panic attack,” I had the presence of mind to say and we stumbled toward the closest park bench. I sat down and very uncharacteristic of Rosie, she jumped up beside me and sat gazing outward, protecting me and keeping the world at bay. She made me feel safe, safe enough to let go concerns for the outside environment in favor of the inner. That day, instead of trying to step over or push through it, I became an observer to the panic and turmoil that lives inside me.
Dogs live without judgement. They also live in the moment. That is unexpected gift they bring to my life. My panic, depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety are never going away. They are complications to my journey and not unlike a broken leg or cancer. My service dog helps me to stay fiercely proactive about the challenges that I face.
My first psychiatric service dog, Rosie, who is featured in the header, is currently enjoying her well deserved retirement and this presumptuous upstart, Ivy, is working very hard to fill her formidable paws.
Wild Currents 
Dogs are more intelligent than we’ll ever know.
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and empathic 🐶
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I’ve read about dogs helping people who suffer from epilepsy who can sense when the person is going to have a fit. How cool is that?
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They can sometimes sense the seizure up to 45 minutes before it happens. Talk about getting your life back when suddenly you have warning and can prepare for an episode.
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Awe so sweet! Unfortunately, we don’t have psychiatric assistance dogs in the UK, although my little Jack Russell does help my depression and agoraphobia
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Since I’ve trained my own dogs people often ask about where to find a suitable dog. I always point them in the direction of the family pet. Our pets are pretty savvy. Like Rosie jumping up on the bench and facing outward … somehow she knew that was what was needed. There was no training involved.
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That’s very true
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Thank you for this post. It helps me to understand what function the dog serves in your life. I am very fond of dogs as pets and have had very many of them. I know how smart they are and how intuitive about feeling s but I didn’t understand exactly the impact of a psychiatric service dog. This post opened that door to understanding for me.
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Yes thanks for sharing! I wasn’t aware they could serve in this manner. I suffer from anxiety as well and now you have me thinking about getting a companion to help me with that. Great post!
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I advocate for the use of psychiatric service dogs, Shannon. I think they are an underutilized and not fully understood resource. I’ll be happy to help you explore your options if this is a path you’re considering.
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Dogs are just there, without judgement, to look out for you.
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Fur-babies are wonderful!
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I know libraries are using dogs in reading programs where the children read aloud to “their” dog and the dog is a friendly, non-judgemental listener. Animals are wonderful comforts!
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Beautiful dogs. It’s not surprising to me at all that they make wonderful companions and know exactly what we need.
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