When I adopted Pharaby in 2019, I knew that she was going to be more than just a pet. As someone recently diagnosed with PTSD, I wanted a service dog to assist me with my emotional and mental health needs, and I was confident that Pharaby had the potential to do just that. As an owner-trainer, my journey with Pharaby has been both challenging and rewarding, but with her by my side, I know that anything is possible.
Pharaby was just 10.5 weeks old when I brought her home, and from the beginning, I knew that she was a special pup. She was eager to learn, and basic obedience training came naturally to her. As we progressed, I realized that she had the potential to do so much more than what I had planned for us.
Training a service dog for PTSD is a long and challenging process, and I knew that I needed to be diligent in my approach. My goal was to ensure that Pharaby was well-trained and well-behaved in any situation, from being able to interrupt my anxiety or panic attacks to providing deep pressure therapy during moments of distress. This required a lot of effort and patience, but Pharaby was always up for the challenge.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was keeping track of Pharaby's progress and making sure that I was covering all aspects of the training. That's when I came up with the idea of designing my Service Dog Training Planners. These planners made it easier for me to document Pharaby's progress and ensured that I was thoroughly training her. What started as a personal tool soon turned into something that could help other owner trainers as well.
As Pharaby and I progressed through our training journey, we formed a bond that is indescribable. She is not just my service dog but also my best friend, and we share a special connection that words cannot express. Pharaby has helped me in countless ways, from providing me with the support I need to being a constant source of comfort during difficult times.
Owning and training a service dog for my PTSD has been a life-changing experience, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Pharaby has been my constant companion, and our journey together has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. She has taught me patience, perseverance, and so much more! And while our journey is far from over, I know that with Pharaby by my side, anything is possible.
