Just Doing Her Job

     It's been a month since I posted to my blog. First, I had the flu which took me out of commission for several days, then I was out of town with my sisters- in-law and some nieces. Today I have a moment to write, only because I spent the day at my doctor’s office, then to a hospital, the nearest one that had availability for a scan. So now, I must relax, but my idea of relaxing is to keep busy. That’s just the way my mind works.

     Over the decades I have had a multitude of problems from physical to mental, from accident caused, to disease. I won’t give details today except to admit that I mask them well. Not many people know this, but I have a psychiatric service dog. A service animal is different than a therapy pet or emotional support dog. A service dog performs a task that is needed by the patient. In the case of sight-impaired people, they are guided by their canine companions. Some of our furry co-workers pick up objects or provide a strong support for their humans to get up off the floor if they’ve fallen. Some will indicate that the diabetic human they serve has rapidly falling blood sugar and for young, busy people this actually does save lives. Teddi provides grounding and a sense of safety. I’ll explain more about that later.

     A service dog, in most states, is recommended by one or more medical professional. They are trained for specific jobs. These canines (and sometimes horses) are a little different than our furry friends that are there, just as our friends and companions, in that SD’s are allowed everywhere: clinics, restaurants, salons, museums, concerts etc.

     I personally do not anticipate taking Teddi to a restaurant unless it has outdoor seating. I never dine alone. I won’t take her to medical or physical therapy appointments, although my physical therapist says Teddi is welcome any time. I don’t need her at work, but I have had her at my feet, in the past, while I type reports and greet clients. Many people have their SD by their side every moment. It is their choice, need, and right. Please, do not distract their dogs or harass the team. Err on the side of caution. Be kind. When I need Teddi is mainly at night and specific situations due to my PTSD. My mind takes me back to certain moments and Teddi brings me back to reality.

     Several days ago, once I felt well enough to go for a short walk, I took Teddi to a mall. I’ve met other people there in the past that ask A LOT of questions. I appreciate it when these shoppers and walkers ask first before petting, and wait for an answer. Teddi is very accommodating. Many people ask me why she doesn’t wear a vest. The answer is, some SD’s do wear vests but it is not required by law. Wearing a vest encumbers Teddi from some tasks. Add to that, anyone can buy a vest online, slap it on a dog and it will look authentic. Chances are that dog will still bark, nip, lunge and pee indoors. Service dogs will bark to signal that their human needs help, but will not yap in public continuously.

     It’s because of these liars, many people assume most service dogs and owners are fakes. Some malls will remove all dogs including service dogs, which is against the law and breaks ADA rules. I’ve had it happen in another town, but left quietly (and injured myself) because my anxiety was getting the better of me during the harassment. 

     On our most recent jaunt to the closest mall, the guard on duty and I did more talking than I did walking. I’ve met a couple of the security officers there over the months and they are pretty good about Teddi. This guard didn’t recognize me at first, but when he remembered me, we visited and talked about PTSD and his time in the service of our country, the men he lost, injuries and survivor’s guilt. I saw that he was desperately fighting back his emotions. His eyes began to water. Teddi stood up on her legs, touched his chest and looked into his eyes. She put pressure on him and he began to calm. He said, “She’s doing her job.”

     I said, “Yes, Sir. She’s just doing her job.”