Met a great service dog

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I had a great opportunity today. One of the local Autism support groups had a picnic and they invited me. There was a guy who sang at the picnic and he has an amazing service dog. His dog is not an Autism support service dog but he is trained for PTSD support. The guy he supports has a spinal injury and I think he has PTSD as well and the dog helps him with those things. The dog also works with him part time with the police department and works as a K9 unit dog to help veterans who are suicidal. Rather than sending the cops in and scaring the person, they send the dog in first and he finds the person and gives hugs and kisses to help the person relax and feel safe. Then the cops come in to help.

This dog is magnificent. He is an Albanian shepherd so he is huge. He stands hip high and he is really muscular and strong but so gentle and loving. But it was so awesome because when the guy was performing he let me sit next to him and hold the dog's lead and basically spend the whole time I was there with the dog. When I first met them, right away, the dog turned around and gave me his tail. The guy said that that meant that the dog had accepted me into his inner circle and now considered me someone to support and protect. And for the rest of the time we sat together.

There were a couple of times when I felt anxious and the dog picked up on it and gave me deep pressure leans which calmed me right away. Also when the guy sang Under The Boardwalk, I had really bad and terrifying PTSD. I have been hurt sexually and I was very young when I saw the movie with Clint Eastwood so I have always associated that song with that movie and it causes me lots of fear whenever I hear it. When he sang that, the dog came really close to me and put his face right up to mine so that I could wrap my arms around him and snuggle with him.

There were a lot of people at the picnic and even though everyone was calm and nice, just the sheer amount of conversations going on made it overwhelming for me. Having this massive dog close to me was like having a protective barrier which made me feel less anxious because I could pet him and focus on him rather than on all the visual stimuli from everyone moving around and even though all the conversations were overwhelming as far as auditory input, the dog would lean on me every now and then and give me deep pressure whenever he felt I needed it and that really calmed me and made me feel safe and less anxious.

I had heard a lot about Autism support service dogs but had never had the honor of actually spending time with a service dog. And even though he was not an Autism specific dog, because he was trained for PTSD and fear and anxiety he was really able to connect with me and help me. I wish I could afford a service dog but I can't afford to keep a pet of any kind. But his owner promised me that when they do public events he will let me know so that I can come and spend time with the dog. It was an awesome experience.

Sounds like you had a great day!

I've never seen any type of service animals other than guide dogs. But even 'just' regular pets are the best anxiety medication ever. Petting them, just being around them and hear the little noises they make or just watching them, is so relaxing. I always find the time spent around animals is the best time to be had.

I want a service dog.

Thanks for sharing skibum

Skil, I always grew up with cats, we always had one or two Siamese cats and they helped me so much when I was a kid. In high school my cat was my best friend.

Blazingstar, I wish I could have service dog too. Even a service cat would be awesome. But if you are able to afford a dog, if you have an Autism diagnosis you can get an Autism service dog.

There’s a place in Warren, PA, which offers service dogs.

There is a place in the Susquehanna Valley as well. I have already spoken to them. They offered me a dog but I can't afford to care for a dog. A service dog is just as much work and just as expensive to care for as any other dog.

I love having my autism assistance dog.

Before I got him I meant a service dog at church, he was a mobility and ptsd dog and the handler would sometimes let me sit with him, it helped me a lot.

It's even better having my own.

That is so awesome Arpanger. What breed is s/he? I would imagine that for Autism you would want a relatively big dog or at least a medium sized dog like a golden or labrador retriever size. I loved the size of the dog I met because he was huge. I don't want to post his picture because I did not think to ask his handler for permission to do that. But if I am able to get permission, I will see if the handler would like me to put a link to his facebook page. If I understand correctly what the handler told me, I think the dog might have his own facebook page. I am not sure. But anyway, because he was so big and strong, he was very easily able to give me the deep pressure "doggy hugs" that really helped me to feel safe and calm. So I would think that a smaller dog would not be able to provide deep pressure and that is why I imagine Autism service dogs would need to be bigger. I also know that Autism dogs are sometimes trained to keep their handlers from running off so I imagine they have to be pretty solid dogs to be able to do that. What kind to dog do you have?

What a cutie!! !!
Good job posting the picture

Arganger, your dog is really cute!

Wonderful animals.

Skibum,

How awesome about the dog! He sounds great!

I love Siamese cats, too! I have had two of them and they are wonderful. My first Siamese, Samantha, was also my best friend. Cats are wonderful!

I really miss having one. I wish I could afford to have another cat and a service dog