What Does My Service K-9 Do For Me???????

[Tim McDonough]

What does my Service K-9 do someone asked. Instead of getting upset I like to help educate others on what she does. She has saved my life. At one point I was looking at my second divorce, losing my kids and being discharged because the PTSD was ruling my life. No matter how bad my day is she looks into my eyes and I communicate with her. She says Look its OK all secure I have your back and more importantly I will always love you and never judge you.
For feelings of isolation she cuddles and loves on me ( Thinks shes still a lap dog LOL) for my Hyper-vigilance especially when walking in a public area if I start getting a panic attack I look to her If shes not alert, I calm down knowing full well to trust her. If something bad was going to happen she'd protect me after all. When I have Night terrors she wakes me by jumping on the bed and licking my face. If that don't work she will turn the light on and keep jumping on my bed until I wake and acknowledge her. This serves two purposes. First She gets me out of that hell we call the dream world, second when I look around and see her waking me I know I can't still be there in the dream. If I need to do a room sweep like at a strange hotel she goes into the room ahead of me and makes sure all is secure before I go in.

She is way better then any meds they have put me on and since she has been going with me to therapy I actually have been talking with the therapist and not just putting up the wall.

One thing I will say that does bother me is ignorant public. Mostly people who judge with their glares and comments or those that just walk up to her and I when we are out and try to pet, feed (yes feed) or touch my Dog. If you see someone out in public with their dog, especially if the K-9 is wearing her vest and it says right on it "SERVICE DOG DO NOT PET" dont just walk up and pet the dog. This will protect you and the dog and mostly the handler. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask me. The care and love and time involved in a service dog team is deffinatley not for everyone However I will say this, I love that Bailey helps me and if a Service Dog will help you.

Its a bond and a partnership that you wont regret

Tim

 

[The Albatross]

My Jesse is not a service dog, but she is devoted and protective of me. Helps me a lot.

Nice to meet you Tim.

 

[AmyO]

Bailey so rocks for you, Tim. I love the way you regard her as family. I am glad that you have her to help you in your recovery (slow as it may seem). I hope things are going well with you and your family.

What do you usually say to people that come up to pet or feed (kind of asinine IMO that they would do that without your permission) her? And do people ever get offended if you say anything? Also, where would you go to find information about Service dogs or is it a military program? I am trying to see if that might be an option for my youngest who was just upgraded I guess you could say. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[somethingswrong]

I love this, I say put a sign on her, touch and DIE! We use to call the K9 Unit in my area, strictly out of love, the jaws of life... Nobody runs when you tell your partner get the Jaws of Life out, by the time they realize the jaws of life are snapping and growling its waaaayyyyyy to late for em! .... :laugh:

 

[Tim McDonough]

Bailey so rocks for you, Tim. I love the way you regard her as family. I am glad that you have her to help you in your recovery (slow as it may seem). I hope things are going well with you and your family.

What do you usually say to people that come up to pet or feed (kind of asinine IMO that they would do that without your permission) her? And do people ever get offended if you say anything? Also, where would you go to find information about Service dogs or is it a military program? I am trying to see if that might be an option for my youngest who was just upgraded I guess you could say. Any information would be appreciated.

Hi AmyO
www.psychdog.org and www.pawsandstripes.org are my two favorite web sites. Put Pyschological service dog in google there are many more sites out there. I originally tried to get information through the VA. The psych dog program they have is less then ideal, they are a great orginization and really want to help. They just couldn't help me.

Determined to get some help I pushed things further and found I could train on my own for the K-9 good citizen. That is basically the minimum standard to bring a dog out in public. (if you havnet done this at a minimum handler and K-9 will become very frustrated, very quickly.) I opted for a pure bred German Shepherd because I like larger dogs and that is what I saw mostly when in the sand box. When ever we picked up a K-9 team I knew we were safe. Plus growing up we had Shepherds all the time so it was a logical decision for me.

Depending on the mood I am in I will either just simply say " Please do not touch my partner she is working for me right now" if I am in a not so good mood I have said things like "STOP don't touch my kid or back up, I may bite." The woman who just tried to feed her when I asked her to not ouch or feed my Service Animal began to pry. My standard answer has become She helps me with disabilities I have if that don't work a stern " I don't know you and don't feel comfortable discussing my medical conditions with you" if that still don't cut it. Here is what I told the mad feeder " Ok Look she tells the voices in my head not to kill people." It was quite satisfying to see the back end of her moving quickly in the other direction. People can be so ignorant, I started that conversation with " Would you allow a stranger to walk up and stick candy in your kids mouth?"

It is very rewarding when you and your K-9 begin to work together. You realize your not just giving commands but you have learned a whole new language and are communicating with each other.

Tim

 

[mysihba]

LMAO, I think I would stick with your last comment first "she tells me not to kill people"...why beat around the bush LOL

 

[mysihba]

My 10 lb. jack Russel is a real killer (don't ask)...but she is mine and I am hers...just not sure who serves who

 

[KP the nut]

Here is what I told the mad feeder " Ok Look she tells the voices in my head not to kill people."

Oh, Tim and Bailey, I know it is not funny but that comment is brilliant :roflmao:. My dogs are not trained, but one especially is v special, he knows how I am feeling and when I look into his brown eyes I know he feels my pain. I wish he could always come with me.

I must confess I talk to people with dogs, even service dogs. I never however approach the dog, I always talk to the owner, then if appropriate talk to the dog, if it is working than briefly. My dogs are pets and sometimes children run up to them, their parents don't care and I'm the one who must lecture the child about doogie ettiquette eg never approach a dog by running up and always ask permission.

Please tell me more about your life together.
(((HUGS to you both)))
KP

 

[intothelight]

Ted,

I agree with KP and I love this thread. I lost my best friend (dog) three weeks ago today. They have a place in our hearts that even very few people can ever occupy.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Debbie

 

[NIKI]

I lost my best friend (dog) three weeks ago today. They have a place in our hearts that even very few people can ever occupy.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved best friend. I know it is devistating. I still cry for the loss of my best friend, my Lab (Duke), it's been almost two years. I think about him everyday and miss him everyday! *tears* I absolutally agree they have a place in our hearts that very few can ever occupy.

 

[Tim McDonough]

Oh, Tim and Bailey, I know it is not funny but that comment is brilliant :roflmao:. My dogs are not trained, but one especially is v special, he knows how I am feeling and when I look into his brown eyes I know he feels my pain. I wish he could always come with me.

I must confess I talk to people with dogs, even service dogs. I never however approach the dog, I always talk to the owner, then if appropriate talk to the dog, if it is working than briefly. My dogs are pets and sometimes children run up to them, their parents don't care and I'm the one who must lecture the child about doogie ettiquette eg never approach a dog by running up and always ask permission.

Please tell me more about your life together.
(((HUGS to you both)))
KP

Callused and broken.

Today I found out my Uncle and dear friend 'Tedd' passed peacefully at home. I guess whats pissin me off is i haven't cried yet. I simply went into combat mode. Kids with friend- check, gas van-check, pack-check, sleepin arrangements for me the wife and Bailey- check, Dress blues ironed and shined- check.
What the hell is wrong with me????? My Aunt who is also my Godmother called upset 'Tim can you come and please wear your blues Uncle Ted was so proud of you. Thats how he'd want to see you' I simply reply "Yes ma'am" and start getting my shit in gear. Why does this wall keep out all emotions? My wife who's only known him 5 years can't stop being emotional and i'm about a smooth as 80 grit sand paper. When Bailey went lame last summer for no apparent reason i sat on the floor in the Vets office bawling like a lunatic. Damn sometimes i really hate me.
Bailey and me will be making a 3 hour trip today to East Islip long Island - this is gonna suck

Tim

 

[KP the nut]

(((Tim and Bailey))) Life sucks. We climb up, think we are recovering and life throws something else at us. I am so sorry uncle died. It is rare to have a dear friend it is rarer still when that friend is family. It seems like a double blow.

I'm trying to send you positive thoughts to help you through the next few days.
Love
KP