A services animal is defined as dogs trained to do work or perform a specific task for people with disabilities. In 1975, Bonita Bergin invented and introduced the concept of the service dog after traveling to Asia and seeing people use donkeys to assist with transportation and other life needs.
A psychiatric service dog can signal or interrupt repetitive or injurious behaviors. They can remind the handler to take medications or guide the handler from a stressful situation. They can also wake the handler from a nightmare or turn on the lights to help the handler get orientated.
Having a service dog gives you a sense of purpose. They allow you to regain some independence and freedom by supporting you with a partnership that becomes a connection beyond words. They make you respond to them, instead of hiding behind a social mask. They understand your body language, facial expressions and tones of our voices better than any human can.
Submitted by a Veteran Consumer of PDBHS
Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services 