October, 2006, I met with New Hope Assistance Dogs, for a meeting to discuss my needs. I walked in, desperately trying to conceal how anxious I felt. We discussed the struggles I’d had for years, and how I needed to find a way to overcome them. I described putting off grocery shopping until my cupboards were empty, because I would panic when trying to go shopping. During these times, I ended up rushing out of the store, leaving my cart where ever I was when I reached the point where I had to get out now. While describing this, tears began flowing out of frustration, embarrassment, and desperation.
I had read about Psychiatric Service Dogs, and I knew that shopping with someone was easier then going alone, but not always practical, so I thought maybe a Service Dog that could assist me if I panic might be a solution. There were other things going on as well, like forgetting to take my medication which caused instability.
Towards the end of the meeting, I met Tippy for the first time, but the question of how to pay for a Service Dog was huge. I was assured that they would work with me, and that evening, Tippy came home with me, we turned out to be a good match and over the past year, I have worked to pay for Tippy, while learning to trust her and finding confidence in myself through Tippy that I had only dreamed of. I often answer questions about Tippy to help people understand that some disabilities are invisible, and that a Service Dog can open doors to someone who is disabled. I use to hide from life, but now with Tippy’s help, and everyone behind the scenes that helped with her rescue, training, and funding, I can now experience life. I still panic sometimes, but it’s been months since I left a cart in the store, and because of the United Way, Tippy was recently “paid in full”.
Jenn
10/27/2007
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