Curiosity Comes at a Cost: The Hidden Exhaustion of Being a Service Dog Handler

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Curiosity Comes at a Cost: The Hidden Exhaustion of Being a Service Dog Handler

For the last few weeks, I’ve been caring for my child’s service dog while they’re in hospital. I’ve taken over the handler duties – taking him for walks, having him stay with me at a home for families near the hospital and bringing him to visit her each day (with his service dog vest on).

What I’ve discovered is the significant amount of public interest, and even interference, service handlers face each and every time they leave the house. It is exhausting!

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Unleashing Confidence: Our Journey with a Service Dog

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Unleashing Confidence: Our Journey with a Service Dog

Since she little, my daughter has gravitated towards animals. Over the years, she’s ridden horses, had dogs, raised ducks and helped at barns. While I knew the important role animals play in her life, I had no idea how transformative getting a service dog would be to her confidence and independence.

Our service dog journey began with a panic attack. Having panic attacks wasn’t new. But the location of the panic attack, touring a university campus on a high school field trip, was the catalyst our service dog journey.

This panic attack made our daughter realize she couldn’t go to university without a support animal. The campus environment is just too overwhelming – lots of people, different buildings and lots to process.

We had no idea how difficult it is to get a service dog.

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