When I was searching for a service dog, I was specifically looking for a collie type. I have had collies all of my life with a couple other breeds here and there. Honestly, when l began this process, I did not know the difference between an emotional support animal, therapy dog or a service dog as defined in the USA where I live.
What I did know
is I have diagnosed PTSD. Two of my doctors and two therapists gave me letters,
basically prescriptions, for a service dog. The disorder mainly comes on in the
evening.
After not having
any dogs for fifteen years, when I seriously looked for a service animal, I
knew I wanted the most obedient dog, biddable, good natured, understands a
variety of human words, quick to learn, compassionate and had to be good on a
small farm, because I have other animals. HOWEVER, most collies are too big. I
am a small disabled woman. I can't handle anything over 30 to 35 pounds if
another animal attacked us. Yes, I imagined I'd have to pick up my dog if
threatened, and/ or protect it with my own body, because service dogs are not
trained to physically defend their handlers. I found the perfect dog in a half
English Shepherd (collie type) and a Spaniel cross. Not the traditional German
Shepherd, Lab or Golden Retriever, yet exactly meeting my needs. At the age of
five months, I tested my potential dog's intelligence at the litters' home. The
pup was alert, healthy and bright eyed, not fawning, maybe even a little aloof.
Mind you, I've trained dogs, horses and cats in the past so I knew what to look
for. I named the pup Teddi.
As a potential
service dog, I knew she MUST be held to a higher standard. A month after
settling in, I took Teddi for basic obedience training. Yes, I am bragging and
proud when I say that the trainer took me aside and remarked that my dog was a
quick learner. Yes, she was teacher's pet in so many ways. While the other pups
were goofing off, Teddi was helping our trainer demonstrate what the others
needed to do. I knew I had a special dog. She went to more training, but some
of it Teddi has improvised on her own. Teddi must stop me from having full
blown anxiety attacks. I've harmed my husband in the past when I'm nearly
asleep. Teddi can put her weight into me, look in my eyes and calm me. She is
NEVER allowed in bed. Yet, one time she went “off script”. I was watching Cobra
Kai with my husband last year. I gasped during a fight scene; not a panic
attack. Teddi didn't know that. She leapt on the bed and held me down. After a
few minutes I praised her.
People have asked
if a person can do her job. Well, maybe, but I might perceive a person landing
on my body as a threat. I might think a real creep is getting in his feels, so,
NO!!!! A human cannot do her task. Additionally,
I am losing vision in my right eye and have depth perception issues. Although
Teddi isn't trained as a guide dog, if I go outside in the evening, I feel her
leash and can tell if she is going up a curb or down into a pothole, and that
helps me, too.
I've only had
three guards, usually at shopping malls, question me. That's fair. I just
answer their questions, within reason. The only people that doubted my need for
a service dog and told me so were on my husband's side of the family. One, a
sister-in-law, is the widow of a man that worked for Leader Dogs for the Blind
in Rochester, Michigan. To her, the only legitimate service dogs are meant for
visually impaired. I texted and talked to her. After Meeting Teddi for the first time recently, I hope that now she understands.
Will I always
need a service dog? I do not know. This I do know: at least I can sleep more
peacefully. That was an issue for more than a decade. My motto is, "I'd rather have
a Teddi on top of me than a bottle in front of me."
Teddi, a sable and white medium-size dog on a dock after her first boat ride with the author - Maine, July 2026
