For the last half of the school year, my son’s service dog Charlie has not been able to go to school with him. My son had a really difficult year at school and wasn’t able to take care of himself let alone his dog so Charlie’s been spending some extra time with me.
Just as my son has had a difficult year with the issues he is dealing with, it has caused my anxiety issues to skyrocket. Spending this extra time with our service dog Charlie has been fascinating to me. So many days, he knew I was struggling, he would jump up on the bed and lay down on top of my lap and legs. This is something service dogs can be trained to do. It provides deep pressure aiding in calming people down. I’d never experienced the deep pressure that he can provide before. It was very grounding and calming. I just wouldn’t have guessed it could be comforting. Add to that being able to pet him and run my fingers through his hair or rub his silky ears, was pure bliss.
Sometimes I forget just how much of a difference a service dog can make in the lives of people. Studies have shown that service dogs make substantial differences in mental and emotional health. In a survey published by Pub Med, the respondents with service dogs rated their mental and emotional health higher than those in the general public. That should tell you something. I don’t think it’s just service dogs either. I suspect that the same would hold true when people have a connection with any animal. It helps give them a reason to get out of bed in the morning, to leave the house, to come home.
My son spent some time in a Children’s hospital this year. While there I would bring Charlie in with me. The hospital staff LOVED having him there for the other children as well. Charlie and I would sit down and we would be surrounded by children who all wanted to see, pet and know all about him. On the fringes would be sullen teenagers who couldn’t say anything nice to anyone, they were glaring at the world in general. Within 10 minutes of sitting there, they too would be joining the circle running their fingers through his fur, actually smiling. It was such a dramatic change to their demeanor only minutes before.
In this hospital situation, Charlie was performing more of a therapy dog service. Therapy dogs do not have the same protected rights as service dogs. But service dogs can perform everything a therapy dog can do as well as their other trained duties. We love the dog named Charlie who has stolen our hearts,
Is a Service Dog right for you? Check out my other posts about Service Dogs-
This is a really lovely post, he looks such a sweet pup. Isn’t it amazing what dogs are capable of? Thanks for linking up #twinklytuesday, hope to see you again soon!
Thanks. We love him!
I am always amazed when I see a blind person with a service dog and being guided solely by the dog. Such a trustworthy relationship – it’s beautiful to witness #globalblogging
Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Hi Calleen,
Visiting from Tune In Thursday today, therapy dogs are also being used here in Australia in the prisons for the inmates for calm!
I found my farm working dog Polly such a comfort when my husband passed away from brain cancer. You may enjoy my post “Home sweet Home”
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
I’m sorry to hear about your husband. that must have been so hard. I can imagine a dog would help in that situation a lot.
The woman that trained our dog works in the prisons here to have the inmates work on training them.
I have not heard of service dogs before reading this post. It is amazing jus how intelligent dogs can be and how they can make such a positive difference to our lives particularly if struggling with physical or emotional challenges. Man, boy and woman’s best friend. #TwinklyTuesday
Thanks for stopping by and reading. That is one of the main purposes of my blog- to inform people.
I only came across service dogs a couple of years ago and can see how they can play such a life changing role to someone in need – I know that they are trained to do all sorts of things but never knew they were training to lie on legs and lap to aid calming – its amazing stuff really!
Thanks for stopping by and reading. I appreciate it.
Calleen. I love how God created animals and us to meet needs in each other. I love that you have Charlie as a service dog and that you were able to experience what Charlie had to offer to you, when you needed him most. I have always loved animals, and as a kid often felt closer to them, than to people. They were my trusted confidant, and kept secrets better than any of my friends. LOL They were also my adventure, thrill seeking partners. Thanks for sharing about your service dog. Blessings
Thanks for reading. I think God knew what he was doing when he created animals. He knew we would need companions and help.
what a beautiful relationship!
Thank you. He’s a wonderful dog. Thanks for reading.
I once read a book about a visually challenged woman who had a super service dog. Like you said, pets can be a blessing when it comes to coping with stress, whether it is children or adults.
Service Dogs are amazing. Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Even in so-called “ordinary” families dogs can give so much. Our terrier mix Bella is central to our whole family life,. Our 13 year old boy has to have her with him before he goes to sleep and she is practically his first waking thought. Proceless1 #MixItUp
I completely agree, and I think it doesn’t have to be just dogs. Any animal can make a huge difference. Thanks for stopping by.
What a beautiful creature! I’m sure he has brought joy to many! I’m in awe of how they train these dogs and the relationship they have with their partners! #globalblogging
He’s a special boy and we love him. Thanks for stopping by.
Such a sweet pup! A friend of mine has a service dog and he always makes everyone he is around feel so at ease.
Aw. Thank you. We really love him.