Since three years I have had an assistance dog who helps me in my daily life: Sophie. If you want to know what an assistance dog is, check out this post. Assistance dog Sophie is truly my lifesaver, my saving angel. She is so important to me; it's hard to put that into words. Yes, she is my assistance dog, but she is so much more than that.
Sophie possesses a variety of skills. Overall, she helps me in my daily life to function more easily and pleasantly. Thus, I am less dependent on the people around me and can live more independently.
PTSD does a lot of damage, both mentally and physically. Sophie taught a number of things that she uses to help lessen the impact of the PTSD, such that I have less stress in my life and can function better as a result.
That way, with some commands she has learned, she can demarcate my personal space. I don't always feel safe with people around me, especially when they get very close to me. When this happens, I can give Sophie a command so that she creates space around me; stands between me and my threat (because that is how I experience it).
A consequence of the PTSD is that I suffer from chronic stress; both in my body and in my head. This expresses itself in many ways. Physically among other things by high (muscle) tension, pain and cramping. And in my head by overstimulation and short-circuiting of my brain; a dense fog arises. Sometimes the stress gets so high that I can no longer function; then I have an anxiety attack. Sophie senses this prematurely and then gives me a signal. This can be by looking at me for a long time, by shaking frequently or by touching my leg with her paw; for me signs that I have to slow down immediately and take action to get my stress level down.
Another adverse symptom of PTSD is pain. The pain moves in my body, but often it is in my abdomen or other part of my torso. Sophie can give Deep Pressure Therapy through her body. She then lies on my stomach or lap. By applying deep pressure on my body with her body weight, my body comes to rest. The parasympathetic nervous system (which, among other things, takes care of relaxation of the body) is activated so that my muscles can relax and my blood circulation improves; thus reducing pain and stress.
She is also able to sense when I am going over my limits. When she perceives this, she just lies down quietly or stops walking. Or she puts her front paws over my lap. This is how she signals that I need to do something and is the mirror I need at that moment.
Indirectly, she gives another thing that is very important: (basic) security. My parents were not able to give me the basic security that you need as a child so that later you can build a foundation of basic confidence, self-confidence, self-esteem and trust in life. As a result, I feel unsafe; literally not safe in my base. As a result, I am always alert, vigilant. I protect Sophie at all times. Her safety is essential to me because when she is comfortable in her skin, she can function well, do her job and help me. By providing her with that security, I have found that I am indirectly providing security for myself as well. So although I didn't get it as a child, through Sophie's constant presence, there is now a kind of surrogate basic safety that allows me to function better.
Sophie is never out of practice. If I notice things where I need her help or support, I can always teach her new commands or skills. She is still very eager to learn, even after three years. She picks things up quickly, which makes it easy and fun to teach her new things.
A re-examination takes place annually so that Sophie retains her certification as an assistance dog. During the re-exam, we have to show together which skills Sophie has mastered. This keeps the knowledge and skills up to date and Sophie is always able to do her job well.
The work Sophie does every day is hard and intense. She does not leave my side for a moment and watches over me 24 hours a day. In the beginning, when I first had her, I still thought that her work was less demanding than that of an ADL assistance dog, because the latter has to provide physical strength. Now, more than three years on, I know that is by no means the case. Sophie scans me constantly: she is constantly paying attention to how I am doing. Even at the times when I set her free, when I walk her, for example, or when we are at home (and I feel safer because I am in my own home), her focus is on me. Thus, she is on all day, 24/7; even when it does not seem so.
Not only is she focused on me, she takes things from me: my stress. Thus, she carries my burden. Sometimes I find this hard to stomach. She already gives me so much, I don't want to burden her extra. Yet it is something that happens naturally. A dog tends to mirror its caretaker. For example, I once saw a movieclip on Youtube in which the dog was limping because its handler was limping. If this one was not around then the dog was walking normally.
Sophie is my source of inspiration. As small as she is in size, her character is great. Sophie knows no fear, faces life with an open mind, is bold, listens well to what she needs (rest, play, attention, walks), lets go of what doesn't serve her and has fun in her life.
I find that extraordinary: that you as a being live according to what you need, that you can sense your own needs so well.
That makes her my inspiration. She shows so many things that are examples for me. And by living so intensely with her, I manage to adopt some of her amazing character.
Sophie makes me feel more confident and have gained more trust in myself and my body. Because of her, my world has become bigger, the stress level in my body and mind drops so my health does not deteriorate further, I have more peace of mind and I am less tense.
It is so beautiful to experience that Sophie trusts me unconditionally. She believes that I always have her best interests at heart; I notice this in her. In everything I do with her, she trusts that it is good for her, that nothing will happen to her. When I touch Sophie, she assumes it is out of love or caring, not to hurt her. I find that extraordinary. For me, her boundless trust in me is a wonderful gift. Especially since it is not something that comes naturally. So I handle it with great care because I know it is fragile.
Just as Sophie does everything she can to give me a better life, I, in turn, also do everything I can to give her a good life as well. Sophie not only serves me, I also serve her: our relationship is based on mutual respect, understanding, trust and love. Because I am convinced that only then will it work.
Because she trusts me unconditionally, I can do the same in her. I now know from experience: she always has my back. She feels exactly what I need, she gives me support at the right times, gets me out of my shell when I need it, she challenges me to take steps (because she is bold), she protects me when I need it and she takes care of me.
We are a duality; where I go, Sophie is and where Sophie is, I am.
What she does, what she brings, what she gives AND takes. She is beautiful the way she is. She has a very beautiful character.Do you have a minute?? She is caring, observant, stubborn, eager to learn, intelligent, fun, witty, not a morning dog, gentle, a bugger, sensitive, inspiring, small in stature but big in character. She is my bonus organ, my angel, my life buddy and I wish we may be together for a long time.
Do you also need an assistance dog and want to know more about my experience? Don't hesitate to get in touch: I would love to tell you more about my experience.
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