When I returned home, I was no longer able to do a lot of things that we all take for granted: I couldn’t go to the movies or other crowded spots. At restaurants, I would make sure my back was to the wall and that I was in full view of the door. I was always on full alert.

But soon after I got Rocky things started to change. The first change I noticed was that Rocky forced me up every morning to take him out. I now had a reason to be up and out of bed.  That in itself was a huge factor for me because before, I felt I had no reason to get out of bed and start my day. I now feel motivated in the morning knowing I get to train my own service dog.

I now can go out in public feeling a little more relaxed because, being able to train my service dog, I learned to read Rocky’s body language. I don’t have to be so vigilant now knowing Rocky is watching and sensing everything around me. In public, I can have conversations with strangers, something I couldn’t do before. If I start to feel uncomfortable, I give the “block ” command and Rocky will step in front of me and make a barrier between me and the person I’m talking to.

Having a service dog has helped me in so many different ways from making me feel calm to just being a best friend when I need one.