Thread: Ppl ask Mom all the time how I help her. I am a big, fluffy dog. But my job is very important. Mom has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), mobility limitations & PTSD. My job as a Service Dog is to keep her independent and healthy. I am ALWAYS watching her! #Dog #WorkingDog

I watch for changes in her body language, voice tone, or I also am trained to watch for "tells" when symptoms are starting; she taps her finger or wrings her hands. Her voice also changes. No one would notice but me. When this happens I can alert her so she can minimize symptoms.

My immediate actions help her take inventory of her surroundings and decide if she can safely stay. I listen to her breathing, I can smell changes in her body chemicals and I can hear her heartbeat. I know when things have shifted before she does. I need to stay focused on her.

I also give her something real that she knows 100% she can trust. I almost always have my body touching hers in public. I have my eyes on her. She can also touch me and synch her breathing to mine. If she needs to leave quickly, I can find an exit and get her outside to regroup.

This proactive intervention minimizes her recovery time. This helps keep her working or enjoying life. She can have a career, give talks, go to social events, do everyday things like grocery shop without worrying that her hyperactive nervous system or TBI will get out of control.

Ppl are surprised when they see me in action and working because I am just this big white fluffy dog with a huge grin. Mom says I am far from just a pretty face. I am her partner, and the reason she can safely maneuver the world independently, happy, and healthy.

Services dogs may not look like they're working, ppl only see a cute dog. I am happy & go-lucky, but when I'm working, I'm very serious about my job. Many times ppl don't even notice when I do my job, they don't notice Mom had a moment that was difficult. That is b/c I did my job

This is why I need to stay focused at all times when we are in public. It might not look like I am working or doing anything important. But, I am. Every second, of every day I am watching Mom, and I am there if she needs me. I am her partner. I make sure she is safe. I love her.