Real People 

Psychiatric Service Dogs - how Destry, the Belgian sheepdog changed Elaine's life.

Elaine Jordan’s history with psychiatric illness has been a difficult one. Having been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression, she had major episodes in 2000 and 2005 that left her unable to leave the house for months at a time. Due to the effects of her illness and medication,  Elaine would sleep as long as 20 hours a day. Her ability to participate fully in activities with family and friends had been taken from her.

While surfing the web in 2006, Elaine became aware of psychiatric service dogs. This discovery has proven to be life-changing for her. She and her Belgian sheepdog, Destry, trained for 2 years. Though Elaine occasionally had second thoughts about using a service dog due to fears of being seen as disabled, she persisted. Now, among his many commendations, Destry is certified as a “good canine citizen” by the American Kennel Club. His pleasant disposition has made Destry very popular, but the quality that Elaine most appreciates is his uncanny ability to read her emotions. 

Destry is able to sense an impending anxiety attack and alerts Elaine by engaging in “intelligent disobedience.” Normally, Destry will lay at her feet, but prior to an anxiety attack, he will lay his head in her lap. Due to Elaine’s trust in Destry, she will take medication to lessen the effects of the attack before it actually occurs. Having a service dog has also made it possible for Elaine to benefit from breathing exercises. Before Destry came into her life, Elaine had great difficulty focusing and was unable to do the exercises. Destry provides her with a focal point. Elaine concentrates on his breathing pattern and the beating of his heart, which enables her to adjust her own breathing pattern. His gentle nature has a calming influence on Elaine. 

When Elaine dissociates (enters into a dreamlike state), Destry is there to bring her back to herself. He does this by repeatedly butting his nose into her head until she returns to awareness. Elaine, who suffers from agoraphobia, now finds it easier to leave the security of her home. Because Destry provides a buffer against people crowding her in public, Elaine has more confidence in herself. Indeed, Destry has become more than a service dog or a pet to Elaine. Through his devotion, he has become her friend, offering unconditional love in the good times and the bad.

Elaine credits Destry with giving her life back to her. She is once again able to enjoy camping, swimming, and horseback riding.  With Destry as her companion,  Elaine is able to fly and has visited places such as the Grand Canyon and Washington, DC. On a daily basis, she holds a part-time job and finds it much easier to do household errands and tasks. Of Destry, Elaine says, “He allows me to be me again.”

When asked what advice she has for those considering having a psychiatric service dog, Elaine had three recommendations. First, consider whether or not you are capable of taking care of the dog. According to Elaine, “Taking care of your service dog is as important as having one. It is part of the bonding that needs to take place and part of the therapy….” Second, be aware that there are few schools available to assist with training a psychiatric service dog. The training is time consuming and can involve considerable expense  for the owner. Finally, be prepared to answer questions. People are curious  about service dogs and may ask what you consider to be rude questions regarding the nature of your disability.

For a more complete understanding of the relationship between Elaine and Destry from Destry’s point of view, you can read his journal at www.dogster.com/dogs/309209. If you would like to learn more about psychiatric service dogs, you may visit www.psychdog.org.

Submit stories about people with disabilities, their accomplishments and contributions to our community at info@disabilitysa.org.