Category Archives: Texas

Austin, Experience, General, Texas

Public Access Test Session

From our wonderful trainer in Austin, who has been working with client Lucia and her SDIT, Lily!
“Hi Laurie!

Lucia and Lily did a mock Public Access Test session yesterday at Target! We went through everything according to ADI standards, and Lily did phenomenal!

We have set a date for next Sunday to do the official PAT at a shopping center that has a Starbucks, Petsmart and other shops. We will plan to do this for a couple of hours and go into different environments.

Here are some pictures!”


CONGRATULATIONS, DEAR LUCIA AND LILY!!!! YOU WILL DO WONDERFULLY ON SUNDAY! JUST REMEMBER NOT TO BE NERVOUS – THERE IS NO NEED TO BE, AND IF YOU ARE NERVOUS, LILY WILL KNOW IT!

 

Autism, Houston, Texas

Congrats to JT and SD Maggie

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO J.T. AND MAGGIE, IN HOUSTON, WHO PASSED THEIR P.A.T! I had the wonderful fortune of meeting 4 year-old J.T., who has autism, and his amazingly brilliant, dedicated, and kind parents in Houston to give J.T. and his now SD Maggie their final test. It was an incredible experience watching how much they have taught Maggie, how receptive she is to J.T., and how much of a difference their lives have changed as a result of being together! We went to Petsmart, and J.T. and Maggie were perfect – J.T. holds onto Maggie’s handle on her vest, and if J.T. starts to wander off, J.T.’s parents (always one of them present) give the command to hold on to Maggie, and J.T. does! Maggie herself knows all the dog commands beautifully, and is not distracted by anything. Her focus is always on J.T. If J.T. wanders off a bit, the parents just have to tell Maggie to “find the boy” and Maggie will lead them right to J.T. We also trained at Kohl’s, and it was just as wonderful. J.T. would walk next to Maggie, and if J.T. started to wander a bit, Maggie would instantly be by his side. We played some hide and seek games in the toy department of Kohl’s, and had so much fun. J.T. was enthralled by some of the toys at Kohl’s, and Maggie never left his side – no matter how long he looked! When J.T. has a bit of a meltdown, (which have decreased since having Maggie), J.T. tends to curl up in a ball on the floor – and Maggie will just step over him with her body covering him and J.T. calms down so much more. I am so proud of all the hard work this family has done, and feel absolutely confident that things will just get better and better for VERY smart J.T. and VERY smart SD Maggie! Again, congratulations!!!!!

 

Austin, Texas

Another Great Session With Lucia & Lily

From our wonderful trainer in Austin, doing a continuous great job training sweet Lucia, who suffers from PTSD and anxiety, and her soon to be SD, Lily!

“Hi Laurie!

I had a another great session with Lucia and Lily on Saturday afternoon! We met at Petsmart again and worked on certain behaviors for the PAT. Lily did awesome in her down/stays and sit/stays as I walked by with a shopping cart! She has this down!
We also worked on Lily heeling down the toy aisle, getting her desensitized to it, and then Lucia wanted to challenge her by leaving a toy while on the ground. At first, Lucia had to keep Lily away from it with a “leave it” command, but after a few rounds of passing by it, she was able to walk over the toy and tell Lily to leave it and Lily did!!!

It was one of the greatest sessions they have had and she did awesome heeling with no leash as well!!!!

I told Lucia I want to do two Mock PAT sessions, and then she can do the official PAT! So just a couple more weeks – but she will finally be an “official” Service Dog by middle of August!!!!!

So excited!!!!!”

LUCIA AND LILY – YOUR CONSISTENT DEDICATION TO THIS PROCESS AND YOUR COURAGE AND DETERMINATION TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN HAS TRULY PAID OFF. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL OF US! WONDERFUL WORK BY OUR TRAINER!!!!

Autism, San Antonio, Texas

SUPERB training – Veronica, Isaiah & SDIT, Shaggy!

From our dear trainer, April, who is working with Veronica and her son, Isaiah, who has autism.

“We had a SUPERB training with team Veronica, Isaiah and SDIT, Shaggy! Isaiah stayed home with his dad while Veronica and I took Shaggy out for our first training in a store. We needed to get Shaggy used to going out in public before introducing Isaiah and Shaggy so Veronica could get a feel for how it should work and not be nervous. Shaggy AND Veronica were pro’s! Shaggy walked next to the shopping cart, heeled very nicely, did a few meet and greets, and loved working. We worked on Shaggy turning with the cart and keeping from getting under foot. We also worked on “leave it”, loud noise distractions, “sit and stay”, “down”, “load and unload” and getting used to the smells of the groceries, sights, sounds, distractions, etc. Nothing fazed this team! We also worked on “under” at the Subway restaurant inside the restaurant. This team is MAGNIFICENT!

Next session, I will bring along my daughter’s SD, Gretta, so Shaggy can socialize and interact with other dogs (he’s an only dog and it is hard for the family to get to the dog parks) – and we will take both SD’s out in public and build on our training and getting ready for the PAT test.

Veronica reports Isaiah and Shaggy are bonding more and more every day. Shaggy has even helped Isaiah minimize a few meltdowns!”

WHAT A WONDERFUL UPDATE AND TRAINING SESSION, VERONICA, SHAGGY, AND APRIL!!! SO EXCITED FOR DEAR ISAIAH!!

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Tourette's Syndrome

She’s “A Beagle Scout.”

A wonderful update from Jennifer, mom to 11 year-old Trenton, who has Tourette’s Syndrome. They have been training with Candace in Dallas. Jennifer writes:

“Trenton’s life is enriched beyond all expectations because of Priddy. They went to Boy Scout camp for a week in Oklahoma. Trent ended up outside the tent somehow one morning, and Priddy stayed right there. Trent made sure Priddy saluted for the evening taking down of the flag because she’s “a beagle scout.”

SO HAPPY FOR YOU, TRENTON AND PRIDDY! AMAZING PICTURES! WONDERFUL TRAINING, CANDACE!

 

Anxiety, Austin, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas

In Meghan’s Words

From our trainer in Austin, who is working with Meghan, who suffers from PTSD, severe anxiety/depression, and fibromyalgia. Meghan had eloquently described her condition, and I thought I would share it (with her permission) because I think a lot of us can relate to it. Meghan wrote:

“Most nights when I sleep, I have severe nightmares and wake up every few hours. The anxiety from the PTSD, nightmares, flashbacks causes severe panic attacks. The anxiety leads to depression, which makes leaving the house difficult. At times, the fibromyalgia leaves me exhausted, affecting my ability to stand and my general ability to function or concentrate. I’ll collapse or have to sit down wherever I’m at. My speech can even become slurred. I also am in constant pain. I am disabled and have a part time job but only work 16 hours (4 hours days) due to a doctor recommendation. This at times leaves me with little or no energy. My boyfriend has had to assist me in writing this because of my Fibromyalgia impeding my concentration.

My psychiatrist recommended that a Service Dog might help me with panic attacks, PTSD, and even the depression. Recently, my physician suggested a Service Dog for both my PTSD (panic attacks) and fibromyalgia.

A Service Dog would be a constant companion I could rely on – helping me realize when the PTSD is causing me to hallucinate and have flashbacks. My companion would help me focus my thoughts in these moments. He would also help me to keep from becoming overwhelmed by my surroundings. A companion will be able to give me more confidence when I step out because he would be able to notify me if I am having a panic attack or starting to disassociate with my surroundings, forcing me to focus on him instead of my fear. He would also allow me to exercise and function better outside of the house. Part of my fear is if I become tired or have a fibro spell, I will have no help. Most days I will not leave the house without my boyfriend. A Service Dog could also help for when the fibromyalgia leaves me with no energy and I start to collapse, by giving me someone to lean on physically and emotionally. I have also heard that they can help comfort you when the PTSD causes nightmares and can help with the nightmares. This would be wonderful as I sleep very little, especially at one time. I wake up some nights and am even afraid to go to the bathroom or I lay awake afraid to go to sleep. Having someone there to remind me what is and isn’t real, that will stand by my side will be an immense relief. He would help me function better when I go out and perform daily activities.”

I was just so impressed with this detailed, well-thought out description of what someone with these particular issues deals with on a day-to-day basis, that I knew others could relate. The fact that both Meghan’s psychiatrist AND physician prescribed a Service Dog gives me hope that the medical community is starting to realize the value of these dogs in our lives.

Our trainer writes:

“I just finished a session with Meghan and Precious. We did our first public training outing at Petsmart!

I let Precious go in the store and explore first before we began our training, just to desensitize him and make sure we got his full engagement after he had smelled the store. We worked on loose-leash walking before we started on heeling. I had Meghan focus on rewarding Precious for not pulling and for checking back in with Meghan to make sure she was ok. We also worked on down/stays and sit/stays. Precious is strong in sit/stays. His down/stays need more work, but overall, he did great! His heeling was wonderful after after we got into the rhythm! He needs to work a bit on his self-control when out in public. Precious loves other dogs and people, so this is something we will be constantly working on so that his focus remains on Meghan and away from his surroundings.”

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY, MEGHAN – YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB WITH PRECIOUS AND OUR TRAINER!

Depression, Fibromyalgia, Military, Mobility, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Sonya and SDIT, Rottweiler Princess

From trainer Beverly, who is working with Sonya and SDIT, Rottweiler Princess. Sonya, a Wounded Warrior, suffers from PTSD, Fibromyalgia, Depression, and stability issues.

“Sonya, Princess and I really worked on engaging Princess to “Want” to train and get excited about the sessions. Using high value (good smelling hot dogs) and the “touch” game to keep engaging her when she started losing interest, we had a great session! We started with a short walk and had Princess “sit” at each shady spot to begin making it her “habit” that when Sonya stops, Princess automatically “sits”. Princess heels beautifully.

Next, we went inside and learned the “leave it” game, “watch me” and “touch”. Princess was excited and remained engaged for the full hour (a first for us with her.) Princess caught on very quickly and really seemed to enjoy the games and engaging with Sonya (who also enjoyed the games.)

They will continue the “sit” ritual on each of her walks and playing the “leave it” game (with increasing temptation), “watch me”, and “touch” to keep Princess engaged and excited about her sessions and time with Sonya.”

YEP, IT’S WORK BEING A WORKING DOG, PRINCESS, BUT YOU CAN DO IT WITH SONYA, BEVERLY, AND HOT DOGS BY YOUR SIDE!

Cerebral Palsy, Mobility, Psychiatric, San Antonio, Texas

Difficult training day with Brayton and SD Midas

From trainer Letty, who is working with 16 year-old Brayton. Brayton is intellectually disabled, legally blind, has ataxic cerebral palsy, speech language delay and tends to become anxious with new environments and/or people, causing him to be slightly angry. He is extremely loving and affectionate and seeks physical input to ensure security.

“Today was a difficult training day with Brayton and SD Midas. Brayton was having a very off day, and really wasn’t in the mood to train. We pushed through for about thirty minutes before Brayton’s mood got the better of him. The good thing that came out of all of this is that Brayton turned to Midas for comfort! He laid down on the floor next to him and hugged and loved all over his best friend/ SD. It was truly a beautiful sight!”

IT’S OK, SWEET BRAYTON. WE ALL HAVE OUR “OFF” DAYS! SO GLAD YOU WENT TO MIDAS FOR COMFORT!

PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Rachel and SDIT Nova

From trainer Beverly, who is working with Rachel and her SDIT, Nova. Rachel has PTSD.

“Rachel, Nova and I started at my home discussing some of the smaller issues/new tasks and how to work on them, since Nova already knows the basics such as “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “heel”, “load”, and “unload”. One of these is to get Nova to put “pressure” on Rachel by laying on her when she is feeling particularly anxious. Since Nova likes to be where she can see Rachel, we discussed incorporating the “watch me” command with having Nova lay on Rachel with her head on her stomach or chest and her body on top of Rachel. She will use high value treats to coax Nova into position and use the “watch me” command to engage the eye contact.

We also worked on front and back “cover” more, having Nova use deep touch when she covers. Nova did very well. We then went to the D&D feed store, where they were having a couple major events to include a doggy costume contest and adoption event. Since crowds are one of Rachel’s triggers, this was a great experience for desensitization. We had Rachel use the cover (with more pressure on her legs from Nova) several times with good results. We also taught Nova “up” to put her paws and chest on Rachel’s legs when Rachel is sitting and needs to have Nova even closer. The session went very well and both Nova and Rachel handled all the many distractions and people perfectly.

Rachel will work on these skills and return within 6 months for another session (skill review) or sooner if needed.”

WONDERFUL SESSION, RACHEL, NOVA, AND BEVERLY!

Army, Military, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Training With A Wonderful Wounded Warrior – Jesse

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It’s been so long since I’ve posted about training with a wonderful Wounded Warrior – Jesse, who suffers from extreme PTSD. When I first met Jesse, he was so anxious just talking that he had a towel with him at all times to wipe away the sweat from his panic – just meeting a stranger. But he was so nice, kind, gentle-hearted, and eager beyond belief to start his journey with a Service Dog. Jesse is young, and served with the military for 4 years – but, as is often the story, he was immediately thrown into battle and now, he was a different man. He could barely be around any new people without actually just having to leave – always apologizing profusely – but he would have such severe panic attacks that he had no choice. Jesse met Sasha, who had been fostered by Barbara – and his whole world has changed.

Jesse met Sasha, lovingly donated by Barbara who felt Sasha had a higher calling – and she was right. Since Jesse adopted Sasha, his world has changed. I noticed each time I met with him, he seemed happier, so much more hopeful – and was completely committed to taking the best care of Sasha. He literally doted on her like she was a queen – buying her the best of toys, food, and all things doggie. They had an instant bond, and from day one, they have been inseparable – sleeping together, playing, and week by week, starting to go out into public places that otherwise Jesse would have never dreamed of going to. I have watched their progression, and Jesse followed the training manual to a tee, training Sasha to perform as many commands as possible. Sasha is brilliant, and picked up commands easily. But Jesse had finally found his best friend, and life has changed so much for him.

Now, Jesse has a girlfriend. Now, Jesse has had the courage to get a job. Now, Jesse can go into places in public with Sasha and last longer and longer without the anxiety being so bad that he only lasts a few minutes. He looks forward to his future, has regained hope, and has found joy in a world that formerly looked hopeless to him.

Jesse, Sasha, and I have trained in several public places, and you can just see how much they love each other. Sasha can “sit”, “down”, “watch me”, “heel”, “load and unload”, “cover”, and does one thing that really helps Jesse – Jesse has extreme anxiety reactions to loud, unexpected noises – but Sasha is not bothered by them at all – and so Jesse sees Sasha’s reaction and knows “it’s ok”. I am so proud of Jesse, and they will soon be passing the PAT.

One thing I noticed instantly is how Sasha’s coat is changing. It is so shiny, soft, and always smells dreamy! That’s because Jesse love giving her a bath every week! He gets up every morning and makes Sasha eggs to go with her regular food!