PTSD Service Dog for Lyndsay

Hi, my name is Lyndsay. In 2017, I was diagnosed with PTSD. While no aspect of this is easy, my anxiety is crippling.

I need to go to the grocery store. For most of you, this easy. You put on a jacket, hop in your car, and off you go. For me, it’s like preparing for battle. I make sure I’ve taken my medicine. I practice deep breathing as I gather my things. While the walk to my car should be easy, I am hypervigilant and terrified. I pray I don’t have a panic attack, but the fear of having one often makes them happen. I start to freeze as if plunged into icy water, it is hard to breathe and a fist tightens around my heart. The panic overwhelms me.

I don’t make it to the store. Or the gas station. Or anywhere outside of my home.

This is life with PTSD. I work hard to stay in control of my symptoms. I have a psychiatrist and a psychologist. I take my medication and practice my coping skills. Still, it’s nearly impossible for me to leave the house alone.

I do have Merritt, a wonderful puppy we had hoped would be my service dog. He helped me get to the store and to visit friends. Unfortunately, he developed severe health issues that prevent him from taking on this role. I love him and he is a comfort to me, but he cannot help me regain my independence.

Like everyone else, I have dreams for my future. I want to finish college and pursue a career using my science and computer technology skills. But first, I need to leave the house.

A PTSD service dog would be able to provide a safe distance between me and the rest of the world. If my anxiety or my hyper-vigilance start increasing, it can be interrupted by my service dog. Then I can practice some of my coping skills to gain control of my symptoms.

I am currently permanently disabled, with a minimal disability check each month, so I cannot afford another PTSD service dog on my own.

Expenses for the first year for a PTSD service Dog include:

• Cost of the dog

• Training by Dog Training Elite—in home and group classes.

• Dog Food and Supplements

• Pet Insurance

• Regular veterinarian visits, vaccinations, neutering, medical upkeep

including preventative treatments such as heartworm

• Service dog equipment—harness, collar, leashes, vest

• Crate, bed, puppy pen, car harness

• Grooming

• Other miscellaneous expenses

I appreciate the time you have taken to read my story. I have to be more independent, earn my way, and live life to the fullest.