My name is Nancy, and this is the story of how Valentine, my psychiatric service dog, changed my life. It's been a year since I brought him home from Medical Mutts, and what a journey it has been.
Valentine isn’t just a psychiatric service dog; he's my lifeline. I have PTSD, severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, hallucinations, disassociation, depression, and self-harm. My family and I knew we needed something to turn my life around, and that’s when my psychiatrist suggested a service dog. Our search led us to Medical Mutts, and they’ve been with us every step of the way.
Valentine’s training wasn’t just about commands; it was about understanding me and my needs. Medical Mutts didn’t just place a psychiatric service dog with me—they ensured Valentine could anticipate my triggers, even the ones I didn’t fully understand. That’s what sets them apart from other organizations. They’re committed and dedicated to helping you even after you have brought your service dog home. If you need your psychiatric service dog to perform a task for you, they work with you to train the psychiatric service dog to accomplish that task.
Before Valentine, my world was small, limited to doctor’s appointments and home. I didn’t go to stores, parties, a restaurant, or even outside. All I did was go to my doctor’s appointments and back home. Triggers are the worst for me; they can come up when you least expect it. At a store, when someone is in a hurry and bumps into me or gets too close to me, new triggers you didn’t even know you had can happen. But Valentine learned to detect my anxiety and respond with incredible precision. He pokes me when my anxiety spikes, stands in front of me to keep people from getting too close, interrupts me when I’m scratching endlessly, lays his head on my legs when my legs are shaking, and comforts me during nightmares. His presence has given me the courage to reclaim parts of my life I thought were lost forever.
One unforgettable moment was after a tough session with my psychiatrist. I was emotionally drained, lying in the van when Valentine rested his head on my neck. His calm breathing soothed me in a way I hadn’t experienced before. It was then I knew I could trust him completely, even without words.
Training is ongoing, and we work together every day. It’s not just about me trusting him; it’s about understanding his signals and reinforcing his training. One crucial task we worked on was pressing an emergency button in our home. It took time, but with Jennifer’s help from Medical Mutts, Valentine learned how to do it. This task is literally a lifesaver for me.
Our bond is unbreakable. Even when running in the yard, he keeps an eye on me, always aware of where I am. That connection is something I cherish deeply.
Recently, we celebrated our wedding anniversary by going out to a restaurant—a big step for us. I was anxious, but I packed everything Valentine might need. Despite the new environment, he stayed calm and focused, giving me the confidence to enjoy the evening. Valentine gave me the greatest gift that day. I got to go out to a restaurant, and I completely trusted that everything would be alright, with him there.
Valentine has changed my life in ways I never imagined. With him by my side, I know I can face whatever challenges come my way. Together, we’ve come so far, and I’m excited to see where our journey takes us next
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