A quick bit about me. I am an OIF/OEF vet with PTSD. I stumbled upon service dogs as a joke at first, but that quickly became a reality. When I was looking for organizations to train a dog for me, I couldn't find one that would work for my needs and truly make me feel better. After some consideration and talking to my mother in law at the time, we decided to try and train our own service dogs above and beyond what the others were producing. The first thing we did differently was use a different breed. We chose to work with ISSR Shiloh Shepherds because they offer a size and noble presence that no other dog could. If the whole point of these dogs is to keep people away from me while I cope with life, that presence is golden. They are also larger and smarter than their German counterparts. All three of the dogs I have trained or am training have been this same breed, and have been given the same problems to solve, but each has solved them their own way. I have not told any of them how to help me. They learn much needed commands, but I allow them to use their human like intelligence. Each dog has done it their own way and not for treats or praise like a traditional training method. They all do it out of a genuine desire to help me.
My first service dog was Shelby (Story's daughter) and she was great. She showed me how dogs can overcome my obstacles for me. I started learning how to watch her and trust her. If my own senses were going hay wire, I could put my life into her paws, and her senses wouldn't fail me. For the first time I could lay in the grass and just enjoy the sun. I could walk down Main Street and not have to worry. I had her about 90% trained, and passed her back to her rightful owner (my mother in law) who needed her more than I did.
I then started working with Story. Instantly, I could fly with her by my side. My PTSD couldn't hurt me anymore, she wouldn't let it. My loved ones describe that period of time as me being free. We went for trips to new places, and ran on the beach with new friends. With her help I was able to rejoin the work force, and even do my own shopping. It was as if I wasn't sick, and just had an amazing friend that never left my side. Sadly, due to reasons bigger than her and me combined (she weighed about 125lbs), I had to give her back to the breeder for re-homing. I was devastated. Since then I have slipped into a deeper hole than I have ever been in. It has cost me my marriage and left me with nothing.... but a new puppy.
There have been times I had checked out of this life and just needed to pull the trigger. That puppy is the one and only reason I am able to type this. Boss is 5 months now and progressing wonderfully. He isn’t ready for work yet, but already helps more than I can explain. Boss now fits in his (formerly Story and Shelby's) service dog vest. I have it adjusted to the same spot Shelby had when she was 13 months or so. His withers come to the crotch of my pants when he blocks in front of me, and he is strong as a mule as well. I was playing tug with him and he literally pulled the two legs of the chair off the ground.
He is also well beyond his age in wisdom. I went to the airport to pick someone up yesterday. That's a huge deal for me, and I almost didn't take him because I didn't want him to see me freak out and then think that's what he should do. I did anyway because there is SOOOOO much at an airport for him to see. So we get there and I suit him up. We walk in and this airport has a mall right as we walk in. No matter, that's why we are here. So I go to the men's room and use the urinal. Sounds weird but that's one of the main places for him to be working. He automatically stood right behind me and let me know when someone else walked in. Perfect execution! The entire time we were there, my little man was spot on! I bought a soda from the store and had to wait in line. He watched and listened to the entire goings on of the store, and turned around and took a half step forward (to my rear) when someone else got in line. PERFECT!!!! We were sitting on some benches set up for people waiting on loved ones. He laid at my feet watching the hall of sorts where the mall and restaurants are. A person came running down the way to the security check that we were 50 feet from and he popped his ears and head up in full alert. Any time he goes into alert, I know. It's the human training side of things. When that person turned, he resumed his position lying at my feet. The entire trip was filled with perfection from him. I know he is still young and has WAYS to grow, but I am so proud of the little guy.
Fitting in the vest is a far cry from filling it like the two before him, but he assures me that he can fill it and then some. I'm just holding the leash and letting them shine in their own ways.
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