SERVICE DOGS ~ ANGELS IN THE SHADOWS

There was a time when I found myself pleading for my life, wondering if the pain of unknown origin would ever end.  After years of self work, I have discovered that in my imperfections, I am perfect.  As are we all. 

 

During those days that I was living through hell, the first and only thing I wanted was to be treated like a person first.  I would not, could not, tolerate being defined by my limitations. It only made things worse.  I knew what my limitations were, but they were not who I was deep inside. It just made me angry!

 

All of our stories are unique glimpses into how we cope and struggle and work through the days of our lives as best we can.  There have been many days when I have needed to be carried, when I just couldn't do it anymore.  Who was there for me?  In whose presence did I feel safe and comfortable?  I know I have, and I imagine many of you have, lived in places and spaces where we felt excluded. 

 

It is in times like this when we all need someone willing to go looking for us when we're lost.

 

We all want to find our way home again.  The bottom line is how do we deal with the rough stuff?  I love this anonymous quote, "What saves a man is to take a step and then another step."  How simple that sounds.  And belief me it is true. Even if it is solely leaving the isolation of your house and taking a step into the front yard.  Next time take two steps.  With each step the journey will become easier, because you are beginning to find that faith and trust in yourself.  Soon you will find it in others. The ones that have been there for you.  The ones who come to your rescue and won't let you get lost. 

You may rant and rave when they try to help you and drag you screaming and yelling from the torture and darkness you are in, but they don't know any other way. 

Healing is where your story begins. 

 

So how do you help a person struggling from the effects and torment of Post Traumatic Stress emerge from the darkness?  Perhaps a single act of kindness is a starting place.  Give them hope that they won't be stuck forever.  Just as our therapy and service dogs do for us, make a bridge that conveys comfort, peace, encouragement, affection, and strength.  With my dogs, I like to call it 'the laying on of paws.' For if more of us would spend the time and carefully observe what our dogs do for us when we are feeling lost, they would know how to help us. They don't tell us to 'get over it' as so many humans do.  They are simply close by, waiting and being.

 

My dogs are soft and close by, but not too close.  They are a presence that doesn't leave me, a presence that I can trust, a presence that is sincere and real. A presence in whose company I feel safe and peaceful and comfortable. They don't have an agenda.  They don't say one thing and mean another.  They are what I have always called 'a gift of presence.'  People struggling with PTSD become absorbed in their own problems, causing emotional distress and demanding, constantly demanding vigilance.  But with dogs the attention is shifted, if only for a little while, thus reducing anxiety and depression, as they convey support, empathy, affection, humor, as they elicit it to their human!

 

A service or therapy dog can increase self esteem, confidence and control.  They increase interaction with others, brighten your mood, address your grief and loss in a very loving patient way.  They improve reality and orientation.  Eye contact with people is encouraged, as the dog becomes the focal point, not the person struggling out of the nightmare.  Dogs improve the ability to express thoughts and feelings.  They do not judge nor complain.  They are quite simply there for us. 

 

A dog has the ability to allow things to happen that wouldn't happen without the dog. The abilities of both are enhanced by the presence of the other.

 

The touches of a soft muzzle, or a tail wag all lift spirits, bring a smile, change an outlook and give hope. They, as well as those people who don't abandon you, will help you focus on a time when the problem no longer exists.

 

Small steps lead to large changes.  If something is working, do it more.  The simplest approach is often the best medicine.  If you look closely you will be able to see that there are indeed angels in the shadows just waiting for you to begin to emerge. 

 

This is the first in a series of dealing with Post Traumatic Stress. Please tell me if you like it, if you agree, what has helped you, how do you deal with it, how do people treat you.  This can be your forum!