Category Archives: Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia, Depression, San Antonio, Texas

CONGRATS TO TAYLOR AND “TUCKER”

CONGRATULATIONS TO CLIENT TAYLOR AND NOW SERVICE DOG, HEELER MIX “TUCKER”!!! THEY PASSED THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!

Taylor suffers from severe depression and agoraphobia.

Trainer Letty writes:

“I can’t stress how far this team has come! When we started, I looked at this team as a true challenge. Tucker was extremely hyperactive, and Taylor had almost no control of him. He ate through more than one leash and had a few accidents while training in public. Taylor really worked hard to turn things around with Tucker. She trained tirelessly on not only his basics but on all aspects of his Service Dog training. I am extremely proud of this amazing Service Dog team.”

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time) Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time) Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

Tucker did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Tucker waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Tucker waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Tucker remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Tucker stayed in relative heel position. Always
Tucker was calm around traffic.* Yes
Tucker stopped when Taylor came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Tucker waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes Tucker waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Tucker was within the prescribed distance of Taylor. Always Tucker ignored the public, remaining focused on Taylor. Always Tucker readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Tucker readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Tucker readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Tucker responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Tucker remained under control and focused on Taylor.* Yes
Tucker came within the prescribed distance of Taylor.* Yes
Tucker came directly to Taylor.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Tucker responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Tucker remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Tucker remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Tucker maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Tucker responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Tucker remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Tucker remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Tucker or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Tucker jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Tucker should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Tucker remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Tucker is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Tucker maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Taylor got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Tucker’s leash and Taylor can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Tucker.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Tucker stayed in relative heel position. Always
Tucker was calm around traffic.* Yes
Tucker stopped when Taylor came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Tucker waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Tucker readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Tucker did well, Taylor praised Tucker. Always
Tucker is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Taylor kept Tucker under control. Always
Taylor was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

PASS TEST: Yes

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Night Terrors, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

CONGRATS TO KERRI AND BANDIT

CONGRATULATIONS TO CLIENT KERRI AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, CORGI “BANDIT”!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!

Kerri suffers from PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and night terrors which are a result of the PTSD. She also has type 2 diabetes and often forgets to eat properly or at the right times.

Trainer Beverli performed the PAT at the HEB Grocery Store in New Braunfels. They scored an “Always” on the questions marked by an asterisk (*), and will continue to work on the commands that had a “Mostly” response.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

Bandit did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Bandit waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Bandit waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Bandit remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Bandit stayed in relative heel position. Mostly
Bandit was calm around traffic.* Yes
Bandit stopped when Kerri came to a halt. Mostly

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Bandit waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Bandit waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Bandit was within the prescribed distance of Kerri. Always
Bandit ignored the public, remaining focused on Kerri. Mostly
Bandit readily adjusted to speed changes. Mostly
Bandit readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Mostly
Bandit readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Bandit responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Bandit remained under control and focused on Kerri.* Yes
Bandit came within the prescribed distance of Kerri.* Yes
Bandit came directly to Kerri.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Bandit responded promptly to the command to sit. Mostly
Bandit remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Bandit remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Bandit maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Bandit responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Bandit remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Bandit remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Bandit or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Bandit jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Bandit should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Bandit remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Bandit is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Bandit maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Kerri got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Bandit’s leash and Kerri can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Bandit.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Bandit stayed in relative heel position. Mostly
Bandit was calm around traffic.* Yes
Bandit stopped when Kerri came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Bandit waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Bandit readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Bandit did well, Kerri praised Bandit. Always
Bandit is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Kerri kept Bandit under control. Mostly
Kerri was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

PASS TEST: Yes

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, El Paso, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas

CONGRATS TO JANA AND SD ZIMBOO!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JANA AND NOW SERVICE DOG, “ZIMBOO “!! ZIMBOO IS A LABRADOR MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Jana suffers from Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, Gastroparesis, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attacks and PTSD.

Our El Paso Trainer Terry writes:

Jana & Zimboo performed marvelously in all aspect of their Public Access Test (PAT). She masterful handled Zimboo in a manner which displayed confidence in herself, and Zimboo as well. You can tell by their openly display of affection, that this team will be around for years to come. The Service Dog family send it’s Congratulation’s, and well wishes to Jana & Zimboo, and the entire family, for making this dream and certification a reality. Good luck and God bless in your future endeavors.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

Zimboo did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Zimboo waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Zimboo waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Zimboo remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Zimboo stayed in relative heel position. Always
Zimboo was calm around traffic.* Yes
Zimboo stopped when Jana came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Zimboo waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Zimboo waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Zimboo was within the prescribed distance of Jana. Always
Zimboo ignored the public, remaining focused on Jana. Always
Zimboo readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Zimboo readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Mostly
Zimboo readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Zimboo responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Zimboo remained under control and focused on Jana.* Yes
Zimboo came within the prescribed distance of Jana.* Yes
Zimboo came directly to Jana.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Zimboo responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Zimboo remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Zimboo remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Zimboo maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Zimboo responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Zimboo remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Zimboo remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Zimboo or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Zimboo jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Zimboo should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Zimboo remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Zimboo is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Zimboo maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Jana got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Zimboo’s leash and Jana can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Zimboo.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Zimboo stayed in relative heel position. Always
Zimboo was calm around traffic.* Yes
Zimboo stopped when Jana came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Zimboo waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Zimboo readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Zimboo did well, Jana praised Zimboo. Always
Zimboo is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Jana kept Zimboo under control. Always
Jana was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

PASS TEST: Yes

Agoraphobia, Air Force, Anxiety, Depression, Military, Mobility, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR TRACY AND SD DAISY!!

Service Dog Express's photo.

CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (Air Force) TRACY AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “DAISY”!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT).

San Antonio trainer Sue tested Tracy and her Great Pyrenees, “Daisy”. Tracy suffers from agoraphobia, anxiety, depression, mobility issues, panic attacks, PTSD, and night terrors.

Tracy needs Daisy to be able to accompany her in public and to be able to go to stores where she would freeze up when walking in. Daisy was also trained to wake Tracy up every morning for work when her husband was TDY for six weeks. Daisy naturally helps with ‘reduction of hyper-vigilance through teamwork’. Bottom line is that Daisy makes Tracy feel safe.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

Daisy did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Daisy waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Daisy waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Daisy remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Daisy stayed in relative heel position. Always
Daisy was calm around traffic.* Yes
Daisy stopped when Tracy came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Daisy waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Daisy waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.*

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Daisy was within the prescribed distance of Tracy. Always
Daisy ignored the public, remaining focused on Tracy. Always
Daisy readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Daisy readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Daisy readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Daisy responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Daisy remained under control and focused on Tracy.* Yes
Daisy came within the prescribed distance of Tracy.* Yes
Daisy came directly to Tracy.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Daisy responded promptly to the command to sit. Mostly
Daisy remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Daisy remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Daisy maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Daisy responded promptly to the command to down. Mostly
Daisy remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Daisy remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Daisy or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Daisy jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Daisy should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Daisy remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Daisy is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Daisy maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Tracy got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Daisy’s leash and Tracy can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Daisy.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Daisy stayed in relative heel position. Always
Daisy was calm around traffic.* Yes
Daisy stopped when Tracy came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Daisy waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Daisy readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Daisy did well, Tracy praised Daisy. Always
Daisy is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Tracy kept Daisy under control. Always
Tracy was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Kerri and her Corgi/Border Collie mix, “Bandit”

From our wonderful trainer, Beverli! She is working with Kerri and her Corgi/Border Collie mix, “Bandit”.  Kerri suffers from Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Panic Attacks, and PTSD.

Beverli writes:

“Today, at Kerri’s home, we worked on the following commands: “cover”, “touch”, “stay”, and “give”. We worked very hard on Bandit’s ability to STAY while in a sitting position. He does well when he’s laying down and asked to stay, but from a sit was a little difficult for him. He was doing very well by the end of the session. We also introduced “cover” during our last session, and by this week, he has it nearly mastered!

Bandit will need more work with stay, both from a sit and stay in public places. We will work more on this during our next session. Bandit seems to have made huge strides with “cover” since last session, and is doing increasingly well with the ‘touch’ command.

For homework, Kerri and Bandit will work more on stay and cover, and ask him to “touch” at random, while at home and in public.”

Agoraphobia, Panic Attack, San Antonio, Texas

Roxanna and “Abby Rose”

From our busy trainer, Beverli, who had her first session with Roxanna and her SDIT, Red Australian Cattle Dog, “Abby Rose”. Roxanna suffers from agoraphobia (difficulty leaving her home due to anxiety), and panic attacks.

Beverli writes:

“Today I assessed “Abby Rose” to get a baseline for where she was in her knowledge of basic training skills. We all went for a walk, and I taught Roxanne to reinforce “heeling”. I also showed Roxanne how to redirect Abby Rose when she heard another dog, or saw a person walking on the sidewalk. Abby Rose is a very friendly dog, so she wants to meet and lick everyone we pass! We will be working to help Abby Rose learn to ignore other people and dogs we encounter in public.

We started learning the “touch” command today, as a building block for anxiety and panic attack service work. Homework given for the next session was working on “touch”, and “heeling with random stop/sits, with Abby Rose’s focus on Roxanne.”

Abby Rose has a wonderful bond with her Roxanne. She has a great work drive, and is a fast learner. She and Roxanne will do great in our course!

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Depression, El Paso, Experience, Texas

Elizabeth and her “Bro”

From our wonderful trainer, Terry, in New Mexico. He is training with Elizabeth, who suffers from anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia, and her SDIT, “Bro”. Terry is doing a wonderful job of methodically working on each command required for the Public Access Test. So far, they have mastered Six Foot Recall on Lead, Downs on Command, and Sits on Command. Terry writes:

This latest session was wonderful. Elizabeth is completely committed to the training, and she and “Bro” have an exceptional bond. Today, they mastered “Off-lead” walking!!

They are progressing beautifully, and it is a pleasure to work with them.

Agoraphobia, Austin, Depression, Experience, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Letter from Emmett and Daphne

A beautiful note written by one of our amazing clients, Emmett. We are SO proud of you, Emmett and Daphne!!!

My name is Emmett Luka and I have struggled with PTSD for the past 5 years. Currently I am a double major at a very competitive liberal arts university and my goal is to teach Spanish at the high school level. The past semester in particular was incredibly emotionally and psychologically taxing. At one point, I did not leave my room for 5 days due to the overwhelming anxiety and paranoia. I knew something had to change.

In November 2014 I was given the information for an agency called Service Dog Express. After speaking with the CEO and founder, Laurie Gawelko, I was able to arrange a meet and greet with one of the assessed dogs that was being fostered by Cherry Jenkins, with In Dogs We Trust. Meeting Daphne was one of the best moments of my life. I knew instantly that she was the partner I wanted and needed.

Over the past few months, Daphne and I have done extensive training. Some of it with trainers through the agency but a good majority of it on our own.

At first, Daphne had a few triggers of her own such as motorized sounds, small spaces, and large rod like objects. Now, Daphne can walk past the patrol buggies that roll around my university. She will willingly go into the Men’s restroom and stall with me, and does not shy away as much if someone has a broom or assistance cane.

She really is the best medicine. On the days that I cannot find my way around or home, she guides me there and sits with me until the feeling of disorientation has subsided.

She is very attuned to me and the reactions I have to triggers. Just the other day I was working a night shift and suddenly became very distressed. Daphne immediately hopped up next to me, set her head gently in my hands and did not move a muscle until I was calmed. That type of behavior is not one she was trained to do, it is simply her knowing me on an incredibly deep level and willingly offering the best she has.

Words cannot express how proud I am of her for all that she has accomplished. Nor can they express how thankful I am for all that she does for me. I am proud to be her handler and I am extremely honored that I was paired with such an exceptional partner.

People always say, we are the ones who rescue dogs from shelters, but I think they are the ones to rescue us.

ADHD, Agoraphobia, Air Force, Anxiety, Army, Asperger's, Austin, Autism, Bipolar, Cerebral Palsy, Coast Guard, Conversion Disorder, Dallas-Fort Worth, Depression, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, El Paso, Epilepsy, Experience, Fibromyalgia, Houston, Hypoglycemia, Lubbock, Marine, Medical Alert, Military, Mobility, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Navy, Pain Management, Panic Attack, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Psychiatric, PTSD, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Schizophrenia, Seizure, TBI, Texas, Tourette's Syndrome, Veteran, Waco, Wounded Warrior

Assistance in the Rio Grande Valley and more

This is a message from our exceptionally brilliant and compassionate trainer, Jacqueline (Jackie). Her life’s passion is to help Veterans, and she asked us to post this for all Veterans, especially in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), if they need help.

I have been a graduate psychologist at the VA down here in the RGV. After working in 3 different VA health care systems, I have seen the great need for Veteran care and have seen both good (actually excellent) and bad ways VAs are run and treatment is provided. It is with an EXTREMELY saddened heart that I can no longer allow myself to provide a lower level of care to Veterans than what they deserve, nor be forced into functioning in a treatment setting that is providing unethical care.

I LOVE my work with Veterans and see such a huge need for this to continue, but as I leave, I also see several other amazing psychologists leaving as well due to the same challenges. I continue to see a need for Behavioral Health Care in the Rio Grande Valley, with Veterans and Civilians alike. After 11 years of schooling and 7 years providing Behavioral Health (BH) Services, I was completing my licensure requirements as a psychologist to provide the highest and most comprehensive options out there, however, despite the need for services in the RGV, I ran into several dead ends for finishing this last piece. However, I am willing to put my own final step on hold to help two communities (Veterans and anyone in the RGV) in need of BH services.

I hold a Masters Level License in the State of Texas that allows me to practice independently (but with some restrictions from what I would have had with my psychologist license and obviously at about 1/3-1/4 of the pay). I am hoping to make some things come together over the next month or two (and will probably be open to picking up random general labor work as my student loans have gone into effect and I incurred debt moving from Idaho to here), but am hoping to offer TeleHealth (similar to Skyping but in a much more secure system) and/or in home therapy/animal assisted-therapy services here in the RGV at hopefully a fraction of the cost of some other places (most likely on an income based sliding scale fee basis) since I will not be accepting insurance and I am wanting to reach a larger population of those in need.

That being said, minus the in-home piece, I am able to offer this TeleHealth service within the scope of my practice anywhere in the state of Texas. I am most wanting to reach Veterans as I know for many, wait times between treatment sessions is 2-3 months in several facilities throughout the state. However, I am also really wanting to service Civilians in the RGV and throughout Texas. I am NOT bilingual unfortunately, but have a considerable amount of understanding of the RGV culture, the Hispanic Culture, and the Texas Hispanic Culture.

For those of you who may know of people who may be able to benefit from this, please feel free to contact me. I will gladly share my extensive training and treatment experience with anyone who requests this, and am hoping to start this as an option for the community within the next two months.

Please contact me at: Jacqueline Kappelman

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Medical Alert, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Elizabeth and Zoe

I am SO happy to report that our dear, beautiful Zoe, who was found on the streets and saved by two wonderful women in the neighborhood, has found her perfect forever home with client Elizabeth. Elizabeth was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety since the age of 14. She also suffers from sleep disturbances and sleep walking at times when she is alone and disturbed before sleeping. Despite this, she has managed to work and go back to school now in the last year. She does not get to go out much due to general anxiety and fear.

Well, when Elizabeth met Zoe, the bond was instant!! Elizabeth came prepared for the first meet and greet with all the supplies needed as mentioned in the training manual. Kelly and Lana, the two women who saved Zoe, visited Elizabeth for the first four days with Zoe for hours at a time to make the transition to a new home easier on Zoe. Zoe just loves Elizabeth!!

Zoe already alerts to Elizabeth when she starts sleepwalking by nipping at her heels to wake her up. I went to Elizabeth’s workplace, where she is a supervisor in a company that has large cubicles. Elizabeth brought a blanket for Zoe, chew toys to keep her occupied, and made sure to take Zoe out for potty breaks as often as possible. Elizabeth’s boss and all the employees completely welcomed Zoe, and Zoe’s “performance” at the workplace is stellar. Elizabeth’s anxiety has already decreased tremendously with Zoe in her life. Elizabeth’s boyfriend, who lives in Laredo but comes up as often as possible, and her entire family have been completely supportive of Elizabeth’s decision to have a Service Dog.

We will begin training in other public places next week.

Laurie