I remember that feeling bringing my dog into a retail store for the first time! I felt like I was doing something wrong....I also felt like I was drawing more attention to myself then relieving myself of the anxiety!!!
It has now been 4 months that I have had Roxy as my service dog and she has definetly helped me gain back my patience and confidence in public.
I wish you and your service dog all the best! Keep in touch.
Susan & Roxy
Jun 23, 2010 Rating
Thank you!!! by: Anonymous
Read your post is like reading a book about my life. I just got my service dog a month ago. For the 1st time I went to a Walmart all by myslef with him. I was sooooo nervous! I walked through the door and the greeter said, 'hi how are you, is that a service dog'? I said, 'yes'. She said, 'have a good day'. We spent over an hour I the store, it was packed out. I had a couple of panic attacks (I so wanted to leave) but I was determined to stay. When i was finished shopping, I felt so CONFIDENT (though I am not sure if that was the bi-polar - but I have not been in a manic stage)!
Jun 10, 2010 Rating
Dog Training Course on line by: Janet pawson@frontiernet.net
This site has a training course for owner trainers.
It's intense but it covers everything a service dog would need to know except specific task training which you can teach along the way.
Jun 09, 2010 Rating
Thanks by: Anonymous
Thank you very much, this helps alot. I am meeting with a trainer on Monday.
Jun 08, 2010 Rating
Dear Hadley by: Susan & Roxy
Since Roxy is self trained as a service dog ( I worked with a professional trainer for her advanced obiedience training )I keep a letter from my doctor stating she is needed for my chronic disabilities. You may want to have a letter on file with the school if any probelms arise with housing or her attending classes. Just a thought.
Jun 06, 2010 Rating
Dear Hadley by: Anonymous
There is no "certification" for Service Dogs that are owner trained. The only thing people need to realize is that you must be disabled according to the ADA definition of a disability your dog MUST be trained to help you with that disability.
Here is a site that can be very helpful in learning more about PSD's ... wwwpsychdog.org
Jun 06, 2010 Rating
Where can I get my dog certified?? by: Anonymous
I have a black standard poodle named Hanley and he is the apple of my eye. I also have ulcerative colitis, exzema, severe chest pain, and asthma. I stress out alot and it only makes my diseases worse. Hanley has worked wonders with helping me through everything. I got him after I got out of the hospital last year due to a severe reaction to a medicine, I was there for two extremeley painful and hard months.Hanley is the best gift ever. But now Im set to go to college since I just graduated( I am 18) and I need to get him certified as a service dog(we are still in training but about thru) where is the place to get your dog certified for being a service dog???
Apr 17, 2010 Rating
Almost Identical Story! by: Susan & Roxy
Hi Janet and Andy,
I am so glad you posted your story. I had a life threatening panic attacked that landed me in the ICU and in a coma for 2 days back in 2009. I had always considered myself a functioning person of society working a full-time job, owned a home, raising a family, etc. After that incident I really did not know what was going on with me. I later checked myself into a hospital for depression and ended up staying for 2 months. I was let go from my job, my dr' put me on disability and now I will be on ssi for long term due to multiple diagnosis. I also now have a standard poodle service dog named Roxy who helps me with the panic attacks.
Thank you again for your post. I am sorry this happened to you, but relieved I am not experiencing this alone.
Susan and Roxy
Feb 02, 2010 Rating
panic attack dizzy.back and neck pain by: melissa medellin
hi there i been getting neck and back pain for along time.i been getting dizzy for a couple of weeks.i been getting panic attack for a long time.i have a new dog name lorie but sometimes we call her lauren.i think i speel that right.i am trying to speel mt best. my first dog that i had.dead at age 10 years old.he died in my room.rocky was his name.he was my best dog in the world..i have this one i dopted her at franklin county dog shelter.in may 15th of 08.i fell last wednesday late afternoon.my dog lorie was there for me.and she help me.my first dog was my theraphy dog.i want my dog lorie to be my service dog.i was wondering do u know anywhere i can train my dog lorie to.i would be happy if u would call me.614-633-7965 614-885-9998 what i was talking about .when i fell.lorie was licking my face to see if i was oka.thanks melissa and lorie
Jul 12, 2009 Rating
Therapy Poodles by: Lucy
I was so glad to read your comments on Poodle Service dogs for people with depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc. While my two black standards, Oliver & Maggie, are not service dogs, they are my pride and joy. When things get rough and I have a hard time making it through the day, or even hour by hour, they give me a reason to get outside myself, and take them to the park, or on a walk, or even for a ride in the car - they LOVE car rides. Mostly, I just feel better when I touch their curly heads, or when I get "kicked" during the night by Maggie, who likes to sleep on her back, and needs a lot of room to spread out. Being a poodle mom is probably the best thing that's ever happened to me. And it helps tremendously to know that they love and need me, too. Bravo to you for learning how to groom him! They are simply the best dogs around.
Jan 27, 2009 Rating
awesome by: cindy
I am so glad you have a great dog to help you through your toughest times!! They are better than people at just being there.
Take care
cindy ,Texas
Jan 27, 2009 Rating
I agree totally by: Kara Conder
I also have anxiety issues, along with rhuemtoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. If it wasn't for my service dog April who is also a Standard Poodle also I wouldn't be able to make it through the day.
Dec 28, 2008 Rating
They sure work wonders! by: Anonymous
I am so glad you wrote your story! You did a wonderful job too. I have a few health issues, one being fibromyalgia that has me in pain and tired 24/7. If is wasn't for my little 3 & 1/2 lb. poodle cuddling me and making me laugh with her funny playtime I don't know what I would do. I also have a Golden, that has been my biggest helper with getting things for me that I drop or need.He even does the recycling! He is getting up in age, and I have already decided I will be getting a standard poodle for my next dog, and training it myself as a helper dog, so he/she can go everywhere with me.
I am so happy you are doing so well with your wonderful helper. Keep up the good work! I tell everyone I am a Timex watch.."I take a lickin' but I keep on tickin'!"
Take care.
Nov 18, 2008 Rating
Poodles are better than Prozac by: Zella
Hi Janet and Andy;
I have PTSD, have coped without meds using herbal remedies, but still had regular panic attacks, needing to talk myself down frantically. My Standard Poodle, Clapton, who has been with me for the last three years, has essentially cured these! I know I reach for him several times a night (he sleeps in my bed-yay!) But I really haven't had those panic symptoms. I did a few weeks ago after looking at my retirement savings that no longer exist, and found myself panicking, but after holding my baby-dog, found myself much better. My husband half-jokes that if doctors prescribed a Standard Poodle rather than Prozac, the world would be so much more sane....I must concur.
Apr 09, 2008 Rating
Thank you so much! by: Anonymous
I, too suffer from Bi Polar and Depression. Your page provided me exactly the information I needed! I get overwhelmed so easily in stores, I get panicked when driving, except when I have my dog Ian with me. He is very warm and cuddley, and very calm. He is a long haired Chihuahua, with the temperment of a cat. He helps me interact with people because he is so calm and friendly. I love talking to people, but striking up a conversation is hard and leads to panic...but with Ian there, I can somehow do it.
My therapy has included using tactile stimulus to come out of panic or mania...and his fur does the trick.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am going to get to work on having him be my service dog.
