Originally
known as National Guide Dog Month, "National
Service Dog Month" was first established in 2008 by actor and animal activist, Dick Van Patten.
Inspired by what was a life-changing
visit to The Guide Dogs of the Desert in California,
Van Patten launched a fundraising drive to benefit guide and service dog
training schools throughout the country - and create an awareness month for the campaign.
Service dogs provide companionship, inspire confidence, and live to
serve, protect, and assist their handlers. There are different kinds of
trained animals, including guide dogs, emotional support pets and assistance animals. Many help
children and adults perform daily living skills, overcome physical limitations, accomplish lifelong goals, embark on adventures and cope with mental illnesses.
Service
dogs, and other service animals, have a long and rich history in the mental
health field. One type of highly trained service dogs are specifically called Psychiatric
Service Dogs (PSD). These canines help their humans who struggle with psychiatric
disabilities including PTSD, bipolar disorder,
anxiety and severe depression.
PSD's are
trained to assist in medical crises and provide treatment and security for their
owners, including reducing anxiety, interrupting depressive episodes and
preventing their handlers from reacting unfavorably in stressful situations.
PSD’s can assist with "deep pressure therapy" to minimize anxiety or self-harm by applying
weight and pressure to an owner's body. Thus, calming the owner or helping the owner ground themselves in a more positive moment.
Animals
are amazing creatures. And those that offer these highly trained services are
worthy of celebration not just this month – but every month.
