Operation Freedom Paws added 2 new photos.

4 hours ago

Mentoring Monday: Building trust is at the core of what we do. All OFP applicants, regardless of why they want a service dog, have lack of trust in common. They feel betrayed by their own bodies. They push through psychological and physical pain to get to the end of every day; then sleep eludes them. Doctors prescribe medications that have debilitating side-effects. Loved ones avoid them because they don’t know how to help. Everyone else seems to want something from them, but they can’t even take care of themselves. Over time their worlds become small and threatening. In each applicant's interview, we first explain what they are experiencing is not unique, then describe how we’ve been able to help others. Next, we try to understand how THEY visualize a service dog assisting them, then establish realistic expectations. (Some people have so many issues there’s no way a dog could help with all of them.) We need to discuss what their most disabling challenge is and decide if and how a dog could help. What we never do is give false hope or minimize the amount of work clients are expected to do in this program, as that would further erode their ability to trust. After they are accepted, we teach them to recognize, rely on and acknowledge their dogs’ alerts. Gradually we see the belief in their dogs and OFP’s program begin to carry over into other aspects of their lives; then true healing can begin. It all starts with trust. (photos by Vicki Topaz) ... See MoreSee Less