#servicedogblog

[wildpupofthesea]

Welcome to the journey of my life! 

But first, an introduction:

My name is Andrea, a 22 year old Network Engineer & a Marine Corps reservist who loves long walks on the beach & going out & seeking adventure. I am a major nerd, & proud of it. I love to read, write & draw. I love anime (My Hero Academia, anyone?) & I spend a lot of time binge watching a lot of shows (currently finishing up all 16 seasons of Crime Scene Investigators Las Vegas). I also suffer from stress induced anxiety, depression & panic attacks. More on that later. 

This is Poseidon, my lifeline, my companion & my best friend. He’s an almost 2 year old Siberian husky who is the complete opposite of most of his breed. He loves to relax & would sleep all day if he could. He truly loves to go out & work, & you can tell by the way he wags his tail. He’s not a vocal husky but rather expresses himself using the markings on his face. I’ve been told many times by others that they can just see the love that he has for me by the way he looks at me. He’s very food driven & loves to please. He’s everything I could ever ask for. He’s a medical alert & response service dog with some light mobility in the mix. He takes his job very seriously & I’m super proud of him for it. I’ve had Poseidon since he was only 10 weeks old & we’ve come a long way from then. 

We’ve had such a journey so far, & there’s still more ahead of us. The relationship & bond between a Handler & their Service Dog is something you can’t find anywhere else. It is something truly special. Even though our relationship is strong, there are struggles that we face in our daily lives. As an outlet, I’ve decided to create this blog & share some of my story as well as share some insight on service dog teams & the laws that there are & why it’s so important to follow them. I hope you’ll follow us on this path as we take it day by day. 

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Marvel and I love the bandana from @give_drop_leaveit ! Much love!❤😙 Can't wait to wear it on our outings! Go check them out! . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup #superhero #superpup #superdog

[thestarlightfox]

Workin with my boots on. Mum didn't want my feet to freeze to the ground . Today is a work day and I have been doing aweaome! Check out our Pawtners and their Pawsome accounts! Fellow Service Dog Pawtners! Check them out @althea.alert @TeamingWithLife @candied.duo @ServiceDog_SiriusBlack @JupiterSDiT @Gryffindogs @Xena_Sbt @Samson.Pomsky @GSD_servicedogBently @FletchtheServiceDog @Assistance_Dog_Yuki @assistance_dog_adventures @thedrewlynch @Service.Flower.Pup @Shiloh_Service_Pup @Servicedogblog @Balieybluesdit @Nona.the.Husky @thelifeofLunaGrace @ServiceShepherd @Sadie_Grace_ServiceDog @ServiceDogSophie @AbsolatyourService @it_is_i_dog Other Pawtners! Check them out too @GonetotheSnowdogs @SnowDogsVlogs @CopperfieldsGoldens @Sampson.Pomsky @LandoandLeia @FluffyChewyMonsterAllie @Juno_theHusky @LandotheHusky @llallallana @Toby_theHusky_Wolf @Fenris_the_VikingDog @HuskiesFenrirandFreyja #depression #chronicdepression #copingwithaservicedog #servicedog #workingdog #mentalillness #anxiety #PTSD #PTDawareness #EndtheStigma #BipolarDisorder #MedicalAlert #MedicalAlertDog #spoonie #CardiacAlert #ProlongedQTSyndrome #Autism #Aspbergers #TotallyAutistic #MyIllnessDoesntdefineme #KittheHusky #KittheServiceDog #KittheServiceHusky #KittheWonderdog #KittheHuskyHero #ServiceDogsofInstagram #HuskiesofInstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs8dglGFmOS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19l5vy0qmibx7

[wildpupofthesea]

What is it like living with an “invisible disability”?

Let’s start out with a rather difficult topic for me. But first, let me explain what a disability is & what makes it “invisible”?

According to the Miriam-Webster dictionary the definition of the word “disability” is “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions”. Some examples of a disability are those that are blind or deaf, have missing limbs or suffer from physical impairments. Those that suffer from a disability often can’t function or live a “normal” life like most do. This is why they use tools such as a wheelchair, or a hearing aide or even a cane as a way to make it easier to navigate the world. However, just because a person has a disability, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are disabled. Many who live with a disability live full active lives. They work, have hobbies, participate in sports, get together with friends & have families. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those with disabilities are people who “has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment”.

What’s an “invisible” disability then? Individuals that suffer from the term “invisible disabilities” are those that suffer from mental impairments such as panic attacks, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc. These are all disabilities that are neurological & are something that goes on inside the body such as the brain. These are disabilities that cannot be seen from the outside, hence considered “invisible”. It’s extremely common for the term “disability” to be referred to those in wheelchairs, something physical that can be seen. Unfortunately, others judge someone from what they can see & decide on what they can do by the way they look. Yet those with these invisible disabilities struggle with fatigue, dizziness, debilitating pain, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences & mental health disorders. 

So then how is it to live with a disability that someone can’t physically see? Honestly, it’s a constant struggle, but for everyone it’s different. I grew up not understanding what was wrong with me. I learned things in school differently than others, fascinated by things that maybe other kids wouldn’t necessarily enjoy, & I acted differently than other kids. I spent years hiding this from others because I did not want to be looked at as different, I did not know how to explain why I was feeling a certain way or having the thoughts that I was having. Mainly, I did not want to be looked at as weak. My friends & family look at me & they think nothing is wrong. When I finally started talking about what really was going on, some of my family members thought I was lying, making all of this up. It honestly broke my heart & did not make the situation any better. Even k=now after countless of doctors visits, my significant other still struggles to understand something such as my disabilities because they are things that he’s never gone through so he does not know how to relate to it. The hardest part was when I introduced the idea of a service dog. Poseidon is my service dog; he helps mitigate my disabilities & helps me complete day-to-day tasks that normally would cause me extreme fatigue if I did them on my own. Even with having him with me, others still don’t understand. I bring Poseidon everywhere with me because a lot of my symptoms happen when I am out in public, especially large gatherings of people. I have been told by family members & those close to me that they believe that Poseidon is more of a “burden” (to them, not to me) to have to bring him everywhere we go. Some think that I just “put a vest on him so that I can bring him everywhere” (fake service dogs is a huge issue, but I will talk about that another time). Poseidon is not my “pet” that I “bring everywhere”. & when I’m out in public, I get stared at, not only because I am walking through a store with a dog, but also because there are individuals that are trying to figure out what is wrong with me. 

The constant silent judgment can be hard to bare sometimes, especially when you’re having a horrible mental health day; those are days in which your symptoms, such as any pain or emotions may be stronger than most days. Unfortunately it’s not something we can easily “get used to” even though we try. This is why we try to raise awareness of not to “judge a book by its cover”. My mother always said that you never know what is going on in the lives of others. Since being a service dog handler, I’ve noticed more & more criticism occurring towards us. This is why it’s important to understand & raise awareness about these topics. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment!

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

My poor girl is currently at the vet to get spayed, some shots, a heartworm test, and microchipped. I miss her, even though we get to pick her up around 4. . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup #vet #spay #shots #microchip

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Regrettably I haven't been on top of Marvel's training the past week😞 we went down to the bus stop with my little brother yesterday and she did AMAZING. Her heel was great AND while we were sitting at the bus stop Marvel sat and gave me her attention without me asking for it! I got o excited and gave her lots of treats. We're back though guys! Marvel and I both have our costumes ready for tonight and there will be pictures! . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup #halloween #howloween #spoopy #happyhalloween #happyhowloween

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Marvel got to model in the pumpkins, but only cooperated for a couple pictures😅😂 she is scheduled to be spayed Nov. 15th though, kinda nervous about that😕 . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup #pumpkins #fall #howloween #halloween

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Here's Marvel looking dramatic, but she's actually watching TV😂 sorry I didn't post much the past like 2 days, but it was hectic and my anxiety has been shit. Last night at work I got threatened and got (somewhat) unintentionally spit on. I'm back though! Here's a plus though: more of Marvel's gear should be in today or tomorrow! I'm hoping her new vest ships tomorrow😕 . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup #gear #work #servicedoggear

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Training Log Day 1: Morning bus stop trip-Walked to the bus stop with the little siblings, Marvel was a little too excited for a good "heel", but she kept her sit-stay the entire time(~10mins) and was less distracted by both buses this morning. I was even able to get her to "focus" on me more while the buses sat there/drove away. When we stopped at the door she sat immedietly, she tried to follow without my permission, but she quickly amended that. Great little session!😊 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow our pack!(DM if you want to be a pawtner): @servicedogholly @akioservice ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #psychiatricservicedog #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #captainmarvel #dogtraining #traininglog #pawtner #pack

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

There were lots of funny looking monster hoomans out tonight, but even though it was raining we still went for a walk to let stranger's put yummy smelling things in my little hooman's bag!🐶~Marvel . Marvel got to take my little siblings out trick-or-treating with me(even though it was raining) lol she did AMAZING! She kept a great heel for the majority of the time, there were a few hiccups when a car/motorcycle would drive by. I was kind of thinking she'd be scared of all the kids in costumes, but she was actually just curious! I think the rain might have helped keep the numbers at bay though. Either way I'm super proud of her😊 expect some pics of Marvel in her new bandana tomorrow! . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup #howloween #halloween #happyhalloween #happyhowloween

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Lol she hasn't left my side since I got home and we get to do some public access at Pet Supermarket for a short while!😊😄 . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita . . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #publicaccess

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

This evening Marvel and I went up to the park with my dad and siblings. I had her headcollar on, but not her vest so we mostly worked on some socializing. One of my friends and her friends happened to be there practicing cymbals so she got some loud noise exposure also😊 while we were eating Marvel randomly ended up going under my seat so she did work on "under" a little but too😊 overall it was a good little outing😄 . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie @korra.the.service.doodle @puppersmupper . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #anxiety #depression #bipolar #bipolardisorder #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarness #sdcommunity #servicedogcommunity #happypup

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

She's been glued to my side since I got home❤ I love her so much❤❤❤😘 . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

❤🕵IMPORTANT🕵❤ (Marvel being cute ft. the blur of Moxie and Marvel's back leg being awkward😂) can I just mention how much I love my followers for a second? Like there have been several of you who have helped me so much and have just generally been so incredibly kind/generous to me❤ I just want you to know that I appreciate you VERY MUCH❤❤❤ . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

(pay no attention to her scary eyes😅😂) . We just had the absolute MOST AMAZING training session, like I'm over the moon. Her heel was great and she even started kind of checking in(glancing at me) while we were walking ON HER OWN😍😄 after I noticed her doing that I kept a close eye on her then whenever she would do it I would click and reward, eventually building up to where she was looking up at my face every once in awhile. About 20mins into training we met a guy walking down the street with an 8m/o Rottweiler pup who he was also trying to socialize. He asked if I would mind, then after I told him we were also trying to he slowly approached. We held the dogs a couple inches from each other then gradually let them get closer until the pup even licked Marvel's cheeks a couple times. SHE NEVER GROWLED EITHER😍😄 After a little while he got bored so we continued on. After about 10mins more walking we went back to the front yard and worked on sit/down-stays. I had her sit-stay then casually walked around the truck(unsure she would stay) BUT SHE DID AND IM SOOOOO PROUD OF HER BEYOND BELIEF!!!!!!!❤😍 Like guys, my heart is soaring with pride and love and affection right now. I'm so proud of her❤😍😘🐶 . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice @service_unicorn_nakita @psd_annie_marie . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. . #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #myhero #mymarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #traininglog #mentalhealth #pride #love #affection #soproud #pride #mybaby #greatsession #trainingsession

[captainmarvelsdit-blog]

Made a lil Captain Marvel pawprint keychain to put on Marvel's vest! Just gotta figure out how to keep it from flipping to the wrong side😕😂 .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. Follow our PawtnerPack! . @servicedogmolly @akiosdit @absolatyourservice . . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~. #servicedogblog #servicedogintraining #CaptainMarvel #PSDiT #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftumblr #psychiatricservicedog #intraining #gear