Kelsey Slaughter

Serving a Purpose

This is about my service dogs and myself with a little advice. Luna is pictured by the lake. Luna is the mother of Arlo, both dogs are a mix breed and they both serve a purpose for me, their owner and dog trainer. They are my Service dogs. Now how ridiculous is it that you just heard a dog trainer has a service dog. I am sure you are thinking about something along the lines of "now that is just not fair", well if it makes you feel any better it was not planned that I have one. Luna has a knack for being there when I have my panic attacks or anxiety issues, she has interrupted me many a times in stressful situations trying to ground me, she is really one of the key reasons I am able to do what I do without losing my composure. An example was a dog fight at the dog park that I helped break up, my nerves were shot and the fact that the other dog had an arterial bleed just made it worse. I was holding one of the dogs while the owner held hers and with shaky hands tried to stop the bleeding. Luna dropped playing with a ball, her favorite thing to do, and came right to my side, the same side the dog I was holding was on; I felt her head against my leg and then felt a sense of calmness, called the vet for the owner and went along with the day. On a side note the dog that had the arterial bleed is fine and back playing at the park. Luna really is an amazing dog. Yet she is not only in tune with me, she also loves to help and comfort others which makes her a wonderful candidate for animal assisted activities dog also known as a therapy dog.