Category Archives: Anxiety

Anxiety, PTSD, San Antonio

Kathy and SDiT Olla

From our trainer, Andrew, who is working with Kathy, who suffers from PTSD and anxiety, and her SDIT, Olla.

Kathy and I met at the Lowe’s close by her house, and proceeded to work on practicing for the Public Access Test. We made it all the way through, but Olla has some focus and listening issues that still need to be addressed. So, we went over them and we practiced the focus exercises that I have given them. They scored about a 78% on the test. So, perhaps in a week or so at our next session, the team will pass! They have done a wonderful job so far!!

Anxiety, San Antonio, Texas

CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDA & SERVICE DOG, SNOOKIE

CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDA AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, SNOOKIE!!!!! From trainer, Cherry:

Huge congratulations to Linda, who with her now Service Dog, Chinook (they lovingly call Snookie) passed their Public Access Test today!

This awesome little dog performed perfectly in all areas; just look at how he focuses on his mother’s face when off leash and still walking right beside her. In the restaurant, Snookie did wonderfully, and was happy just to doze off under the table. He waited patiently for Linda’s command to exit his kennel in the car, and stayed in a perfect heel around the store. His “sits”, “downs”, and “stays” were excellent, and I was very proud to announce they had passed with flying colors!

Snookie has three specialized tasks: “cover”, “watch me”, and “check behind”. Linda likes Snookie to look behind her when they are walking which makes her feel safe and more secure.

Linda’s anxiety is so much better since shes been training lil Snookie, and told me that having a Service Dog has been invaluable to her. I am so pleased for her, and her devotion to training has truly paid off!

Anxiety, Bipolar, San Antonio, Texas

Candice and Trenton

From our wonderful trainer, Cherry, who is working with Candice, who has Bi-polar disorder and anxiety, and her SDIT, Trenton.

I had a great session yesterday with Candice and her SDIT, Trenton. Trenton is a Corgi-Lab mix, and can certainly have his.. “I’m a Corgi” days. But Candice has kept consistent with training, and didn’t let Trenton have his way – and the results show for themselves.
At first, Trenton refused to walk next to the shopping cart, this is very natural for many dogs.. I mean who wants to walk along with this big wire thing in their face? But I showed Candice the importance of keeping a short leash; the less leash the less room he has to move out from position. Trenton soon got the hang of it and was walking next to the cart like a pro!

Trenton’s off-leash work was very good as seen here in the pictures. He wasn’t tempted to walk away and kept by Candice. The gap needs shortening, as we’re looking for a neater heel off-leash – but Candice says she’s going to work on that. Trenton’s “sits”, “downs”, and “stays” were flawless!

ADA Rights, Anxiety, Denied Service, Depression, Experience, Medical Alert, San Antonio, Texas

Rita and SD Serene Denied Access

The below was sent to local news networks:  (See the news stories at the end of this blog)

“My name is Laurie Gawelko, M.S., and I am the CEO and Founder of Service Dog Express, LLC, in San Antonio. We train rescue dogs to become Service Dogs for Wounded Warriors and civilians with all disabilities except for the blind. We opened in 2011, and have 21 trainers. We have paired over 300 clients with Service Dogs through professional training since our inception.

I am writing with the hope that you will follow up on this very important news about a restaurant that denied access to one of our clients with several severe disabilities. I have called the restaurant several times to try and get their side of the story, but they have not returned my call. My client actually had to go to Emergency Room after the incident because her blood pressure was raised to extremely dangerous levels.

Ms. Rita Abrego and her Service Dog, Selene, went to Herradero Mexican Restaurant with her daughter and a friend and were ordered immediately to leave by the owner because the owner claimed he is “allergic to dogs and dogs are not allowed in the restaurant”. They actually told her to put the dog in the car. Ms. Abrego attempted to explain that Selena (wearing her clearly marked Service Dog vest) is allowed at any public place according to ADA law, to no avail. The owner also instructed her servers not to serve her.

Ms. Abrego then called the police and filed a report, but the police said there was nothing they could do because it was private property. Police report # 20150164772. The police, who usually know ADA law, did not know this law. The restaurant is not considered private property. Service Dogs are allowed ANYWHERE except military installations and places of worship unless they agree to have them there.

The police did see that Ms. Abrego was getting extremely red in the face and sweating profusely and shaking, and offered to escort her to the ER. She had her friend take her instead, because she was so appalled by the police’s lack of awareness of ADA law regarding Service Dogs.

I would TRULY appreciate it if you would consider doing an investigative story on this, which would include mentioning the restaurant that refused my client.

With my assistance, Ms. Abrego is also going to follow through with trying to sue the restaurant.

Thank you.

KSAT: Woman denied service at restaurant because of Service Dog

WOAI: Woman denied service for bringing Service Dog to restaurant

 

Anxiety, Army, Experience, Military, San Antonio, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

SO HAPPY FOR JAMES AND SADIE

The meet and greet with Wounded Warrior, James, and Sadie, the fully-trained Service Dog generously donated by her former owner, Kendra, in New Jersey, couldn’t have gone any better! There was an absolutely instant bond between James and Sadie. James was at home with his wife, Gina, and their son. They were so impressed with Sadie’s beauty, and I showed them a bunch of commands that Sadie knew, then had James repeat them. Sadie was perfect! She even loved playing with their puppy, “Colby”, and Sadie wasn’t fazed by their three cats. James was SO happy! Much thanks to Jill, who fostered and worked with Sadie to get over her separation anxiety from Kendra, and took Sadie all over – even to the rodeo – where Sadie just sat there cool as can be! The whole family was overcome with joy at this gift for James, who is just now seeking treatment for his TBI resulting from 25 years in the military (he is still active duty) and his over a dozen major concussions. We wrote down all commands so that he always has something to refer to, went over feeding and potty schedules, brought some extra bags of Sadie’s hypoallergenic food, toys, bed, etc. We took a walk outside with Sadie, and she heeled wonderfully with James. He couldn’t be happier! I think his favorite (well, certainly my favorite) command is “Sadie – LOVE” – where Sadie would go up to James and put her paws on him, wrap her arms around his neck, and slather his face with kisses!

James has already taken Sadie to work at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where everyone has fallen in love with her. He said his anxiety levels are already so decreased with Sadie by his side! And, since he works on one of the floors as a case manager, he will be able to share that love with all his patients!

Kendra, Sadie’s former owner, and her mother, Lori, who flew Sadie in from New Jersey, are so happy that we found just the perfect person for Sadie. I have no doubt Sadie will continue to have the very best life possible – a huge backyard to run and play in, and a loving, supportive family that will do anything for her. Since Kendra had a TBI and anxiety, Sadie’s knowledge of when symptoms start to come on will easily transfer over.

James and I will continue training together out in public until they are comfortable – but it won’t take long! The first night, when it was time for bed, Sadie was already cuddled up in James’ sleeping spot! That’s something his wonderful wife, Gina, will have to adapt to!! I have no doubt that Sadie will alert to James’ almost nightly night terrors, and will take wonderful care of him – she was already doing covers from the front and back by the time we left about 3 hours later.

THANK YOU DEAR KENDRA FOR THIS LIFE-ALTERING GIFT YOU HAVE GIVEN ANOTHER AS YOU CONTINUE TO HEAL, KNOWING THAT SADIE’S LOVE OF WORK IS MORE THAN YOU NEED NOW THAT YOU ARE GETTING BETTER!!!

SO HAPPY FOR YOU JAMES AND SADIE

Anxiety, New Mexico, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), PTSD

Barbara and her beloved Beast

From our wonderful trainer in New Mexico, Michelle, who had her first session with Barbara, who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and severe PTSD, and her SDIT, “Beast”.

Michelle writes:

I met with Barbara today for an assessment of “Beast”, who is a beautiful blue American Bully. Beast is a gorgeous, stout 1 year and 3 months old boy.

Commands: Beast had been taught his commands in the following languages: German, Russian, and English. It is outstanding. He tends to watch for Barbara when she walks away from him, will move to a “sit”, then lay back down upon her return. They have an amazing bond. Beast is definitely not in a hurry; he wanders the yard checking on the safety of his people and dog family.

Temperament: mellow, loving, gentle, and has been carefully raised around Barbara’s 4-month old son, her female Rottweiler, and her 4 year-old blonde American Bully.

Outings: Barbara’s family takes Beast everywhere they can. At church, he lays down on the floor and does not draw attention to himself, and interaction with the children is a treat only if mom says it is OK. He absolutely loves children. He is welcome at Walmart without his vest, and does spectacularly.

Medical: When Barbara has an episode of anxiety, all 69 lbs of this Beast sits on her chest immediately, making her relax and come out of her panic attack.

Confrontation: When out, Barbara gives commands when being approached by other dogs, causing Beast to submit and lay down. However, if her sister is in accompaniment, then he will back up and protect the younger of the daughters.

I know that Barbara is lucky to have Beast as her companion. He is the epitome of a perfect dog!!!! I know this team will be an asset to the world of Service Dogs and education that any breed, if trained well from a young age and with careful precision, can become a Service Dog.

Anxiety, Army, Epilepsy, Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Ryan and Blue

From our trainer, Beverly, who met for the first time with Wounded Warrior, Ryan, who suffers from severe anxiety and epilepsy. She writes:

Attached is a picture of Ryan and his dog “Blue”. I went to evaluate Blue and discussed the process with Ryan on our first visit to see if Blue would be suitable for Service Dog work.

Blue is young and quite energetic, but we had decided, since he already has a bond with Blue, to do a few sessions and see how regular training impacts her focus and ability to work with Ryan. Ryan described that on walks she did very well, with minimal pulling and seemed attentive (not losing focus due to her young age.) However, a couple nights after that session, Ryan texted and asked for assistance to find another dog. He said that unfortunately, he realized that Blue’s energy level was too much for him, and he’d like an “older more established dog.” I will work with Ryan to try and find the right dog for his needs.

Anxiety, Austin, Experience, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Update from beloved client, Emmett

A meaningful, short update from beloved client, Emmett, who suffers from severe PTSD and anxiety. He and his Service Dog, Daphne, have a bond that is truly unbelievable.

“Hey Laurie, just wanted to send you an update. Going to work and class has been difficult lately. I’ve been having some neurological issues and small seizures. Daphne hasn’t left my side though. Normally, she will get up and lay elsewhere when she gets hot, but after I seize up she lays with me until I want to move around again. She’s been a big support.”

Anxiety, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Elizabeth and Zoe

Laurie writes:

I had a WONDERFUL session with Elizabeth, who suffers from PTSD and anxiety, and her SDIT, Zoe!  Elizabeth already takes Zoe to work with her every day, and Zoe has a wonderful little “nesting” spot with blankets and chew toys and water and everything she needs so she is happy and calm – and never leaves Elizabeth’s side.  Elizabeth takes her out to the park area near her office where they take walks and potty breaks as often as needed, and they spend their lunch hour together walking or frolicking.  There are deer in the park, and Zoe just wants to PLAY with them!!!  The deer look at her like, “What the heck ARE you?”

Anyway, today we went to HEB.  It was crowded, but not too badly.  Zoe was perfect.  Elizabeth still needs to work on maintaining her confidence in Zoe’s amazing abilities – but that is something that comes with time.  I explained to Elizabeth that Zoe was doing exactly what she needed to do – avoiding distractions, smells, loud noises, doing perfect meet and greets, and that it was OK that Zoe often walks with her nose to the ground sniffing – she’s got quite a good nose on her!  We even practiced sit/stays and down/stays in the middle of semi-busy aisles – and Zoe was great.  I did the first few rounds, and Zoe stayed the length of the aisle – then as soon as I said “Come”, she scampered right to me and went into a sit.  When Elizabeth tried it, I know it was a bit frustrating for her, because Zoe is SO bonded to Elizabeth that it is more difficult to understand that if Elizabeth puts her in a sit/stay and walks away facing her, repeating the word “stay” with her hand up and maintaining eye contact, that Elizabeth is not “leaving” her.  But after a few intense practice sessions, Zoe started to understand that Elizabeth was just going a short distance, and she started to feel more comfortable with staying until Elizabeth told Zoe to “come”.

Even though this type of occurrence is not something that one would usually expect to happen in a public place, I explained to Elizabeth the reasoning behind the necessity of learning this behavior.  If, for some reason, Elizabeth were to drop the leash accidentally in any public place – especially a busy one – and Elizabeth walked away without realizing it, it would be very important for Zoe’s safety to have Elizabeth be able to immediately turn and tell Zoe to stay, for Zoe’s safety – especially at a distance.

I also reiterated that Elizabeth should only be carrying specialized training treats that are easily accessible to her when we are doing training or when she is out with Zoe.  Overall, Zoe and Elizabeth did a wonderful job.  We just need to work on Elizabeth’s confidence that Zoe is doing just fine!!

Anxiety, Military, MST, Psychiatric, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Vietnam Era Veteran and her SD

From our loving trainer, Brenda, who is working with Denise, who is a Vietnam Era Veteran with PTSD due to MST while on active duty, and her SDIT, Sandy.  She is currently in a wheelchair, and sometimes can walk with a cane.  Brenda writes:

At this session, Denise and Sandy nailed down all the basic commands! Sandy was a bit stubborn with learning “down” at first,  but was doing great by the end. We worked a lot on directions working with the wheelchair –right, left, back up, and turn around, so that Sandy knows where to go or be carefully situation when we go out in public for training.

At our next session, we met near the bus stop and took a bus to HEB. We walked around practicing Sandy’s ability to adjust to heeling in next to the wheelchair in all different directions. I am so impressed with how much Sandy has learned since our last session! Denise has been doing great work with her!  Sandy was very patient while Denise and I browsed around HEB, and caught on quickly not to sniff food or people. We went to Jack In the Box to restaurant train. Once we got Sandy under the table, she stayed under and laid down to take a nap while we ate. Sandy does not ever beg for food. When the bus was too tight of a squeeze for Denise to turn around in with the wheelchair on the way home, we discovered that the perfect way for them to board was Denise going in backward, and Sandy following her onto the bus!