Some days, my body and mind don’t cooperate. Today was one of those days. I was dissociating—feeling like I was floating, disconnected from everything around me. I could tell what was happening, but I couldn’t pull myself out of it. Pharaby noticed before I could fully spiral.
I was in the kitchen when she came up to me, jumping up on me insistently. She tried to get me to lay down, making it clear that I needed her help. I wasn’t having a panic attack; this wasn’t about breathing fast or racing thoughts. It was that hollow, floaty feeling that makes it hard to focus, move, or even exist.
Pharaby laid on top of me, applying her weight for deep pressure therapy. It’s something she’s trained to do, and it works like magic. After a few minutes, I started to feel grounded again, like I was back in my body. When I tried to get up, she wouldn’t let me. She knew I needed more time, & I trust her.
Of course, life doesn’t stop for dissociation, and I had food in the oven. I had to fight her off to get up, but as soon as I was done, she was back at my side, guiding me back to the floor for round two.
I caught her actions on my home security camera. Watching it back later was a powerful reminder of how much Pharaby helps me every day. She doesn’t just make life easier; she makes it possible.
Sharing this is important because service dogs like Pharaby aren’t just helpers; they’re lifelines. Today, she kept me safe, grounded, and reminded me that I’m not in this alone.
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