New Mexico, PTSD

Suzy and SDiT Jake

A great update from our client, Suzy, in Alamogordo, NM, who is training with Michelle and SDIT, Jake!

“Well, as you know from pictures last night, we finally got Jake’s vest! Today we went to Walmart and he did great. Between him just stepping up and getting his vest on, and heeling beside the cart, we didn’t have a single problem. I did have to remind Jake to keep his focus every now and then when people walked too close, and he saw another SD in the store. He even did a cover without me asking! The only problem was loading up into the truck after we were done. I’m going to start working on that more. Now unloading – he’s a little exuberant about. So I will also work on making sure he waits and is full control before he unloads – always with my hand on his leash. He is going to be a great asset to me when he’s fully trained. After my husband gets back and I’ll have a second person to assist me for safety reasons, I’ll be able to do some stay training in public.”

Equipment, Experience, PTSD, Virginia

Baron’s First Flight

From our trainer, Catherine, in Virginia, about her own Service Dog, Baron!

“I don’t know why I’m always so shocked by how amazing Baron is, but he never ceases to amaze me. His first flight ever he went through security perfectly and handled the crowds like a total pro. Our first plane was tiny and awful!

We sat in the back (there were a lot of disabled people who needed bulkhead seating) and he squeezed himself under one tiny seat where you would normally put your bag. The flight was so turbulent even I was feeling sick, but Baron just stayed calm and rested through the whole thing!!! Our next plane was WAY better, we got bulkhead seating and all the flight attendants asked to pet him and he got majorly loved on LOL. All in all he handled it like a seasoned SD and even did an alert during our second flight. I always forget he’s only 8 months old!! He acts like such an adult the majority of the time!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Catt & Baron”

Anxiety, Military, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran

Everyone Needs To Recharge Once In Awhile

From our trainer Andrew, who is working with a wonderful client who is actually a VA psychiatrist who works with veterans who have PTSD. Unfortunately, she herself, developed PTSD and anxiety as a result of this intense work, so she is taking a hiatus to get better – and using a Service Dog is one of her top priorities!!

“We had a two hour session this time. We covered everything from loose leash walking, all basic obedience commands, to proper body language and command gestures. We covered how to teach a strong-willed dog like Olla to “down”, using a slippery surface like a linoleum floor to eventually cause her to submit and reward for each down. We talked about the importance of a structured regiment. I went over 10 basic behaviors, and 4 fun games to play, making the process fun and teaching Olla to work with higher drive and engagement.”

Epilepsy, San Antonio, Texas

Desiree and SDIT Ollie

Laurie had two AMAZING training sessions with new client, Desiree, and her 6 month-old St. Bernard mix, Ollie! Desiree suffers from epilepsy, so we will be training for the Public Access Test while simultaneously training for epilepsy detection.

Desiree is a brilliant young woman who works with troubled juveniles. She brings Ollie to work where he stays in her office, and Ollie provides such a calming presence for the juveniles she counsels. At the first session, Desiree was completely prepared – had a vest, the right collar and leash, a treat bag, the right treats; she REALLY read the training manual and was ready to go!

Ollie is wonderful, and will make a wonderful Service Dog. At our first session, we just went over the basics of training and how the epilepsy training will work. They practiced “sit”, “down”, “stay”, and “leave it”.

At their second session, they went to Petco. Ollie heeled extremely well on the leash. He easily avoided distractions and did wonderful “watch mes” while heeling with Desiree. Laurie did a lot of work with Ollie herself, then had Desiree step in. Ollie did wonderful meet and greets, and was perfect when meeting people and other dogs.

Desiree and Ollie have an extremely tight bond. The next thing they have to work on is trying to get Ollie not to always feel he has to be near Desiree when she gives the command “I’m OK”. Ollie is perfect for this kind of work, and Desiree is a joy to work with!!!

Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Mark and Genevieve (Genni)

From Wounded Warrior Mark, who was paired with Genevieve (Genni) from SA Rocks. Mark has been having some difficulties with Genni’s “skittishness”, but it looks like they are making progress. Will keep you up to date. For now, he wrote:

 “To All,
Today was a good day…. Genni has started turning for the better. Still skittish with sudden noises, and some types of materials (metal street covers, marble) but has been performing well in public.

Genni’s vest… Complete with ‘Infidel’ patch…

v/r
Mark”

 

Anxiety, Austin, Experience, Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas

Presentation by Lucia and Lily

What a joyful day in Service Dog world! Dear Lucia, in Austin, with her SD Lily, was asked to teach a class on Service Dogs at the local college! This is what she wrote! Can you imagine – someone who was paralyzed by PTSD and anxiety going up in front of a classroom full of people to educate them about Service Dogs! SO PROUD OF YOU LUCIA AND LILY!

” Hi Laurie! The class went very well! You should have seen the critical thinkers in the class that were so interested in Service Dog issues. Since they are all future educators, we even got into how to address Service Dog concerns in the classroom after the basics were covered (kids/students that are afraid or don’t understand why they can’t pet, how to address parents and classmates without compromising privacy, even issues regarding conflicting interpretations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA Titles II and III regarding Service Dogs). I think they got a pretty good introduction to what it’s like to have a Service Dog on a daily basis, too–including the harassment, questions, weird comments, weird and inappropriate behaviors, etc. (and of course good things, too). We talked about invisible disabilities, too. Lots of things!”

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. INFORMING OTHERS ABOUT SOMETHING YOU EXPERIENCE YOURSELF IS SO POWERFUL!

ADA Rights, Experience, Military, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Vietnam Veteran, Jacky

Another wonderful update from Vietnam Veteran, Jacky, who did our long-distance training program from New Hampshire solidly for over one year, sending videos of every training session, every Public Access command, and more! This is what she wrote!!! Of course, the manager had no right to ask for Seeley’s papers, but the Service Dog gave the papers to the manager himself!!

“Dear Laurie:
I thought I would send an update on the latest news. We are traveling south to Patrick AFB, FL in our RV. Today, we made it to Meriden, CT and stayed at the Comfort Inn right off Interstate 91S. Seeley had to show all his Service Dog papers to the manager. I have him trained to give his pouch to another person, which he did! I don’t think the manager expected such a well behaved dog!

I am so proud of Seeley. What a big difference from last year’s trip south.

My best to you.

Jacky and Seeley, a Service Dog Express graduate!!!!

Experience, Texas

Travis and his Service Dog Charlie

A WONDERFUL, AMAZING UPDATE FROM DANA, GUARDIAN OF HER GRANDSON, TRAVIS. TRAVIS SUFFERED FROM EXTREME PTSD, AND HIS LIFE WAS AT A HALT IN HIS LAST YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL. HE STARTED TRAINING WITH ROBERT CLARK AND THE AMAZING SD CHARLIE, AND I FINISHED UP THE TRAINING. WE RECEIVED THIS INSPIRING MESSAGE FROM DANA – LOOK AT WHAT TRAVIS HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE WITH THE HELP OF DEAR CHARLIE!!!

“Hi Laurie,
I Just want to let you know how Travis and his Service Dog, Charlie are doing. Travis and Charlie are going to college and are doing great! Weatherford Community College has been great with accepting both of them! We went through the Special Services and Disability Counselor. She told Travis that she was so excited to have them both there. Charlie is the first Service Dog to attend their college! She had us meet all the instructors before school started so Travis and Charlie would feel more comfortable about the first day of classes. Travis sets his alarm for classes, keeps up with schedules, and work deadlines all by himself. This is a huge accomplishment for him. Thank you so much for the great service you did for our country and are still doing! You are so wonderful and have made our lives so much better!! We love you and you will always have a special place in our hearts! Dana”

AND YOU ALL WILL HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN ALL OUR HEARTS, DANA, TRAVIS, AND CHARLIE!! WE ARE SO, SO PROUD OF YOU TRAVIS!!!

Mobility, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Brenda and Bailey

From our very busy trainer, Andrew, who is working Brenda who suffers from PTSD and some mobility issues. She has a dog that she wishes to train named Bailey. Andrew writes:

“This session was our initial session, and it occurred at Brenda’s house. It was also an assessment of her dog, Bailey. Bailey has some fear issues due to some shock collar training she received at another training organization.

Immediately upon my entry into the house, Bailey got up and ran away. She did not want to be anywhere near me. It took me an entire hour of laying down on my belly and using calm, slow movements and words to get her to a place where she was comfortable with me in the room. Brenda says Bailey is not like this with everyone, but I believe bringing the presence of a dog trainer into a room set her off, as she had a traumatic experience with her former trainer.

Both myself and Brenda feel that Bailey can be rehabilitated, so we have decided to go ahead with her training. Under no circumstances though is Brenda disillusioned by the possibility that Bailey will not succeed, so we are going to give it a month and see how far she can come. If she succeeds, we will continue. If not, then we will find Brenda a new dog to train as a Service Dog for her.”

Depression, Mobility, San Antonio, Texas

Dennis and Lily

From our wonderful trainer, Beverly, who had her first session with Dennis. Dennis has been in a wheelchair for many years, and just lost his dog, who was his dear companion. He wants to train his dog, Lily, to be a Service Dog to help with mobility and depression. Beverly writes:

“Dennis adopted Lily about 2 weeks ago, and they already have a wonderful bond. Lily is attentive and listens to commands fairly well, although she needs a bit more consistency to do the commands when asked the first time. That will come with time and further training as she is a very smart and attentive dog. She already knows “sit”, “down”, “stay”, and “leave it”.

It’s obvious how much Dennis loves dogs, as he is an avid rescuer and life-long animal lover. He is still very active even though he has been in a wheelchair for 45 years. Lily will be a great partner for him.
In speaking with Dennis and discussing how Lily acts in public, the only concern I have is that he says she barks a lot at strangers. We will meet at the NB Feed store next so I can evaluate this behavior and determine why she does it (fear, protection, etc) and collaborate with Dennis on a training plan for Lily.

Because Lily seems to be so well-behaved, I believe the training process will be fairly simple and not too long. They make a fantastic SD Team!”