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Some of you already know I'm disabled, for others this may be news to you because my disabilities are invisible. In a way this is sort of a "coming out" of my disabilities. I need to raise funds for a service dog to help me live a functional life.
I suffer from long term PTSD and Major Depression which I have had since 2003. It has had a major impact on my ability to keep employment, go to school or perform every-day activities. Since I have attempted to go back to school it has become more apparent that I need extra help to accomplish this goal. With the support of my doctors, service dog trainer and my loved ones I am starting a fundraiser to make this possible. I deal with recurrent treatment resistant major depression, episodes of dissociation, agoraphobia, flashbacks, panic attacks and constant hypervigilance. My service dog will be trained to alert me to the onset of symptoms in time to get to safety, take my medication, and ground me back in reality during dissociation. Those tasks alone will make it possible for me to go to school and rejoin the workforce.
My service dog will also be trained to alert me to the presence of people and search my house for intruders should I wake in the night from a nightmare or strange noise. Part of my PTSD is due to a home invasion in 2008 where a man tried to get into my bedroom at 3am. The door was locked and I woke in time to call the police before he fled. The man is now in jail on several sex offenses, but the experience has left me deeply traumatized. I also have an extremely exaggerated startle response. It doesn't matter how well I know someone or how carefully they approach me, if I do not see them first I jump, scream and get a surge of adrenaline sometimes so bad it turns into a panic attack.
As I go through this long and expensive process I will be keeping a video diary of progress and updates for my supporters as well as anyone who is curious about service dogs. You will see from start to finish over the course of 2 years, my personal journey, challenges and accomplishments with my service dog.
In addition to the video diary I am offering what I can in exchange for your help and donations. As an artist I can offer a few bonuses to those who help me out which are listed above.
Once I reach my goal I will do a special thank you video and offer a free raffle for a full color commission to your specifications that may include up to 3 characters and a complex background. This offer is open to anyone who donated during my fundraiser even if it's only $1.
If you would like to donate please send to SpaceCadetArt[at]gmail.com and include the message "Service Dog" and your FA username. If you donate $50+ please include a shipping address so I may send my thanks and art gift. Please send me a note with a ref to what you'd like me to draw for you.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ART WITH YOUR DONATION PLEASE NOTE ME YOUR REF WITH YOUR PAYPAL EMAIL. :)
My tumblr: http://servicepawsforemmy.tumblr.com/
Youtube (soon to include an intro video): http://youtube.com/servicepawsforemmy
EMAIL/PAYPAL: SPACECADETART[at]GMAIL.COM
Thank you so much.
I suffer from long term PTSD and Major Depression which I have had since 2003. It has had a major impact on my ability to keep employment, go to school or perform every-day activities. Since I have attempted to go back to school it has become more apparent that I need extra help to accomplish this goal. With the support of my doctors, service dog trainer and my loved ones I am starting a fundraiser to make this possible. I deal with recurrent treatment resistant major depression, episodes of dissociation, agoraphobia, flashbacks, panic attacks and constant hypervigilance. My service dog will be trained to alert me to the onset of symptoms in time to get to safety, take my medication, and ground me back in reality during dissociation. Those tasks alone will make it possible for me to go to school and rejoin the workforce.
My service dog will also be trained to alert me to the presence of people and search my house for intruders should I wake in the night from a nightmare or strange noise. Part of my PTSD is due to a home invasion in 2008 where a man tried to get into my bedroom at 3am. The door was locked and I woke in time to call the police before he fled. The man is now in jail on several sex offenses, but the experience has left me deeply traumatized. I also have an extremely exaggerated startle response. It doesn't matter how well I know someone or how carefully they approach me, if I do not see them first I jump, scream and get a surge of adrenaline sometimes so bad it turns into a panic attack.
As I go through this long and expensive process I will be keeping a video diary of progress and updates for my supporters as well as anyone who is curious about service dogs. You will see from start to finish over the course of 2 years, my personal journey, challenges and accomplishments with my service dog.
In addition to the video diary I am offering what I can in exchange for your help and donations. As an artist I can offer a few bonuses to those who help me out which are listed above.
Once I reach my goal I will do a special thank you video and offer a free raffle for a full color commission to your specifications that may include up to 3 characters and a complex background. This offer is open to anyone who donated during my fundraiser even if it's only $1.
If you would like to donate please send to SpaceCadetArt[at]gmail.com and include the message "Service Dog" and your FA username. If you donate $50+ please include a shipping address so I may send my thanks and art gift. Please send me a note with a ref to what you'd like me to draw for you.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ART WITH YOUR DONATION PLEASE NOTE ME YOUR REF WITH YOUR PAYPAL EMAIL. :)
My tumblr: http://servicepawsforemmy.tumblr.com/
Youtube (soon to include an intro video): http://youtube.com/servicepawsforemmy
EMAIL/PAYPAL: SPACECADETART[at]GMAIL.COM
Thank you so much.
Category Artwork (Digital) / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1200 x 900px
File Size 681 kB
My that's wonderful! :D I've heard of a few Draught/Spitz type dogs (Mostly Kuvasz) doing mobility assistance work but this is the first emotional support I've heard~
Have you thought about getting a backpack for him/her? I know a few people that have mobility assistance animals (One a GSD and the other a Patterdale) and it's great that they can carry every they need themselves instead of having there owners carry there things. They all swear by Ruffwear and so do I, but they can run pretty expensive. Never would wear out though. Ollywear tends to be the next choice because it's cheaper but still really nice.
Have you thought about getting a backpack for him/her? I know a few people that have mobility assistance animals (One a GSD and the other a Patterdale) and it's great that they can carry every they need themselves instead of having there owners carry there things. They all swear by Ruffwear and so do I, but they can run pretty expensive. Never would wear out though. Ollywear tends to be the next choice because it's cheaper but still really nice.
I have to retract my last comment because I met with my trainer today to discuss breeds again...and we actually had to move away from the Samoyed. It was disappointing, but she consulted service dog training organizations and other breeders and everyone concluded it wasn't the best idea. They said it's possible to work, but we're going to go with something with a higher chance of success.
The runners up are:
1.) Belgian Tervuren
2.) Belgian Sheepdog
3.) Collie
4.) English Labrador
Right now we are researching reputable breeders. We have a couple in mind, but I will most likely end up with one of those 4.
The runners up are:
1.) Belgian Tervuren
2.) Belgian Sheepdog
3.) Collie
4.) English Labrador
Right now we are researching reputable breeders. We have a couple in mind, but I will most likely end up with one of those 4.
I was really gunning for the Sammy, but success is more important. We are looking at English Labradors. I am most interested in the Tervuren at this point, but I will announce the breed and breeder as soon as we settle on one. Funds need to be raised first in the meantime though. :)
I love GSDs. That was my first dog, but I have to start from a puppy and finding a good breeder is very hard. A well bred shep would be 2k+ there is also the risk of getting a "spooky" shep and they tend to be high strung. With my PTSD I am learning a shepherd type dog would react from my anxiety and become protective. I have to go with a breed that's very people-oriented and not too protective. Labs are sort of bullet proof in that way, but I'm still researching and talking to breeders.
Yeah, protectiveness is a pretty prominent feature of most German Shepherds. I've been pretty lucky, I have a mildly protective one that is really good at reading people and body language, and I have one that is friendly by nature, unless you start coming at me, where he turns very dangerous.
Most service dogs I've seen are Labradors and Golden Retrievers - which was another really good dog. As a child I had a female golden retriever, she was decently intelligent, but very laid back. She wasn't very vocal though. So there's trade-offs with every breed, and each has a different personality within the breed so all we can do is hope you get the right one.
Most service dogs I've seen are Labradors and Golden Retrievers - which was another really good dog. As a child I had a female golden retriever, she was decently intelligent, but very laid back. She wasn't very vocal though. So there's trade-offs with every breed, and each has a different personality within the breed so all we can do is hope you get the right one.
I also suffer from severe depression and panic attacks, so I can sympathize with some of your pain. I know that these two alone can be a living hell to cope with, and I truly wish I could offer more than moral support. I hope and pray you can get your needed friend, and that they can help you with your recovery.
I'm pleased to know that he never got to you, and that he was caught. I'll do what I can and signal boost this to the few followers I have, and I'll also offer this: If you ever need an ear to bend, someone to listen to your rant, or want some advise on how I've come to deal with some of my issues, Just send me a note, and we can work out the rest.
Take care and know that not everyone is out to get you, some want to help pick you up.
I'm pleased to know that he never got to you, and that he was caught. I'll do what I can and signal boost this to the few followers I have, and I'll also offer this: If you ever need an ear to bend, someone to listen to your rant, or want some advise on how I've come to deal with some of my issues, Just send me a note, and we can work out the rest.
Take care and know that not everyone is out to get you, some want to help pick you up.
Thank you for the kind words. I hope that you too are coping with the effects of these disorders. I have come a long way in the past 3 years especially with my depression for the most part being under control. I'm not sure if it's any help, but I would talk to your doctor about Pristiq. Out of the 20+ medications I've tried that has been the only one that worked for depression for me. Maybe it can help you too.
I am also extremely grateful that man didn't get to me. I know a couple of his other victims who weren't so lucky and my heart goes out to them especially. The scary part is he planned the break-in when I would be home alone and I don't know if I'd still be alive if I hadn't locked the door. I am afraid for when he gets out of prison, but with a service dog I'll never have to worry about being alone.
I am also extremely grateful that man didn't get to me. I know a couple of his other victims who weren't so lucky and my heart goes out to them especially. The scary part is he planned the break-in when I would be home alone and I don't know if I'd still be alive if I hadn't locked the door. I am afraid for when he gets out of prison, but with a service dog I'll never have to worry about being alone.
Pristiq sounds familiar, may have been on it already...or my insurance wouldn't cover it, hard to remember, been through soo many different scripts I don't remember them all and neither do my DRs. currently back to Celexa, again, most others make me loose sleep after being on them a while. Wellbutrin really worked for me, but I'm allergic to it--go figure.
I've been working on my depression and panic for about 8 years now. At first I couldn't walk into a grocery store without freaking out. while i got over that in the first couple years, (with the help of medication) I couldn't handle working(lost my job), and to some point still can't handle stressful situations, or large crowds. Breathing exercises help me control them, when I notice one's starting. Other times, if I don't catch it quickly enough, I have to step outside (or somewhere quiet and secluded) close my eyes and really focus on my breathing.
I hope you get your dog. There's just something about the blind compassion of a pet that will help calm you. Having cats and dogs myself, I know just how much they can help.
I've been working on my depression and panic for about 8 years now. At first I couldn't walk into a grocery store without freaking out. while i got over that in the first couple years, (with the help of medication) I couldn't handle working(lost my job), and to some point still can't handle stressful situations, or large crowds. Breathing exercises help me control them, when I notice one's starting. Other times, if I don't catch it quickly enough, I have to step outside (or somewhere quiet and secluded) close my eyes and really focus on my breathing.
I hope you get your dog. There's just something about the blind compassion of a pet that will help calm you. Having cats and dogs myself, I know just how much they can help.
While I won't be able to donate but I will give you a signal boost on here. And Using the link to your tumblr to spread the word on FB to try to get all the help I can help you get, hun.
I know what it is like to have an invisible disability. I have severe depression, social anxiety and mostly deaf. I currently work but I do have good days.. bad days and HELLISH days. When I can't hear or can't see the lips, I get nervous. If there is alot of people and too many voices, I get nervous and want to bolt out. I had forced myself to climb inside myself to try to hide everything I can as long as I can.. but there are days where I can't even do that. Those walls have been slowly breaking down. People have suggested over time that I should get a service dog for the hearing impaired to see if it would help. Goddess knows I would love to but money and counseling would be needed which the place I go to don't help. I can't even get insurance for my health problems.
But anyway.. I will do my damnest to help you out. I will spread the word for you. <3 I do hope that you can get your dog asap.
I know what it is like to have an invisible disability. I have severe depression, social anxiety and mostly deaf. I currently work but I do have good days.. bad days and HELLISH days. When I can't hear or can't see the lips, I get nervous. If there is alot of people and too many voices, I get nervous and want to bolt out. I had forced myself to climb inside myself to try to hide everything I can as long as I can.. but there are days where I can't even do that. Those walls have been slowly breaking down. People have suggested over time that I should get a service dog for the hearing impaired to see if it would help. Goddess knows I would love to but money and counseling would be needed which the place I go to don't help. I can't even get insurance for my health problems.
But anyway.. I will do my damnest to help you out. I will spread the word for you. <3 I do hope that you can get your dog asap.
Ugh, no minimum on donation and there's still those people who have to comment, but claim they can't even spare $1. Maybe they shouldn't be spending so much time on the internet in the first place if they're that impoverished. First-world hypocrites if ya ask me.
... well don't worry, I chipped in. I think the sticker price is a bit nuts, (and might only happen if there's a government program to help out, looked into that by chance?) but I atleast have some very vague rough idea of the JUSTIFIED Overactive imagination and hyperactivity you've been dealing with these years since you first started letting us in on it. I had my huge timber wolf to give me all those .... mental immunizations against the vulnerability, crushing regret, & lack of controllable challenges glaring us in the face whenever it's time to get in or out of bed. Even though 14 years was a good run for such a large canine, Every day and night I still wish I had 'er back and I'd a payed whatever it took if it was an option .... but they can only live so long. I can't get another wolf, not even a husky, the damn place I live in won't allow anything of the kind. But I can help someone else who's cooler than me get something like it in the mean time. (& don't worry about a drawing... maybe we can do a Collab sometime instead? I'd like that more)
... well don't worry, I chipped in. I think the sticker price is a bit nuts, (and might only happen if there's a government program to help out, looked into that by chance?) but I atleast have some very vague rough idea of the JUSTIFIED Overactive imagination and hyperactivity you've been dealing with these years since you first started letting us in on it. I had my huge timber wolf to give me all those .... mental immunizations against the vulnerability, crushing regret, & lack of controllable challenges glaring us in the face whenever it's time to get in or out of bed. Even though 14 years was a good run for such a large canine, Every day and night I still wish I had 'er back and I'd a payed whatever it took if it was an option .... but they can only live so long. I can't get another wolf, not even a husky, the damn place I live in won't allow anything of the kind. But I can help someone else who's cooler than me get something like it in the mean time. (& don't worry about a drawing... maybe we can do a Collab sometime instead? I'd like that more)
Well, consider this...I have no job, because no only do I have severe depression, panic attacks, vertigo, and arthritis in my joints, but three heartened disks in my back that my neurologist refuses to fix. Seriously, I would spar a dollar (or a hundred) if I had it, the problem is, I just don't.
Offering to support in ways we can is nothing to laugh, or sneer, at. Please don't ridicule someone's lack of financial support when you have no idea of reason why they're not doing it. signal boosting/spreading the word that she needs help could bring in more donations that would have otherwise not happened.
Emotional support can be just as, if not more valuable, than money. Remember the old adage: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
Offering to support in ways we can is nothing to laugh, or sneer, at. Please don't ridicule someone's lack of financial support when you have no idea of reason why they're not doing it. signal boosting/spreading the word that she needs help could bring in more donations that would have otherwise not happened.
Emotional support can be just as, if not more valuable, than money. Remember the old adage: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
I dont' have a job either. But I did "beat" my ADHD problem, completed counseling, and "graduated" from needing medication.
How? I accepted what was really holding me back, and then got over it because actions speak louder than words. If the next words from you aren't "I guess I could go find a dollar SOMEWHERE", then I don't wanna hear it anymore. You can obviously afford Internet Service. Infact I I'm willing to bet $1 that it's broadband or atleast DSL... You probably have a Mobile Phone too.
How? I accepted what was really holding me back, and then got over it because actions speak louder than words. If the next words from you aren't "I guess I could go find a dollar SOMEWHERE", then I don't wanna hear it anymore. You can obviously afford Internet Service. Infact I I'm willing to bet $1 that it's broadband or atleast DSL... You probably have a Mobile Phone too.
Truthfully, i'm back to living with my parents, who are supporting me until, A. i can find a job that i'm able to do with my conditions, (because of my panic, i still don't handle crowds and pressure well, so this is not likely possible) or B. My Dr.s can find the rest of my medical records so i can get on disability like they all tell me i should (they're missing about 2 years of my treatment history.)
Herniated disks, on the other hand, limit my ability to move. no lifting over 15 lbs, definitely not from the floor. I can't walk too far, or sit still for too long. very few chairs are actually comfortable. Pain meds (vicodin) help a little, but they make me semi coherent.
I'm basically living in limbo.
Herniated disks, on the other hand, limit my ability to move. no lifting over 15 lbs, definitely not from the floor. I can't walk too far, or sit still for too long. very few chairs are actually comfortable. Pain meds (vicodin) help a little, but they make me semi coherent.
I'm basically living in limbo.
I am sadly quite financially crippled right now, but I'm going to post this on twitter to spread the word. It's rather unlucky that you had such a drastic negative reaction to what, in retrospect was a very lucky outcome. What could have happened would have been so much worse.
There's certainly no rhyme nor reason to it: different folks just do respond differently. And my entirely-subjective opinion is that the motive of the violence is a huge factor. I had mild PTSD (which is quite bad enough) for nearly a decade after being gay-bashed; if I'd taken the same injuries in a car crash then I doubt I'd have had any problem once I got over the consequences (or at least got used to the permanent ones).
By the way: please be wary of discussing the event itself in this journal. The term triggering may be losing its potency due to over- and misuse, but I can assure you that it's a real and unpleasant phenomenon.
By the way: please be wary of discussing the event itself in this journal. The term triggering may be losing its potency due to over- and misuse, but I can assure you that it's a real and unpleasant phenomenon.
As a close friend if hers, allow me I simply let you know, the story she gave is a brief version, she's told me the detailed story, and it made me worried for her, she doesn't mention some of the other things she's lived through, so it wasn't that one single event that lead to where she is. But it most certainly made it worse.
If you ask most people who have ever had their home broken into, even if nothing major value was stolen and nobody was hurt. The mental damage of having your home invaded, your sanctuary breached, can be incredibly unsettling for many many people. And that's just someone after physical goods. Imagine if you know that person who was in your safe place was out to cause you physical or sexual harm. I'm a big guy, mentally, that would be incredibly unsettling to me. Or knowing that, heaven forbid, someone was after a family member. I'd turn my house into a bunker.
It's always hard to see from the outside looking in how things will effect you, without living it, it's impossible to know how you'd truly react and be effected by certain events.
If you ask most people who have ever had their home broken into, even if nothing major value was stolen and nobody was hurt. The mental damage of having your home invaded, your sanctuary breached, can be incredibly unsettling for many many people. And that's just someone after physical goods. Imagine if you know that person who was in your safe place was out to cause you physical or sexual harm. I'm a big guy, mentally, that would be incredibly unsettling to me. Or knowing that, heaven forbid, someone was after a family member. I'd turn my house into a bunker.
It's always hard to see from the outside looking in how things will effect you, without living it, it's impossible to know how you'd truly react and be effected by certain events.
I was merely being optimistic, glass half full kind of guy, or try to be. I don't know the damage of home invasion to be honest, but to be fair I do own two German Shepherds, which pretty much deters home invasion entirely.
I've also not known anyone suffering PTSD unfortunately, so I don't know if my choice of direction will be triggering or negative. Lack of experience.
I've also not known anyone suffering PTSD unfortunately, so I don't know if my choice of direction will be triggering or negative. Lack of experience.
Thank you for the support. The example I made about the break in is only one. I've survived a lifetime of violence. I won't go into detail but for the sake of transparency it's included domestic violence, forcable rape, homelessness, home destroying hurricanes and multiple hospitalizations. The result of trauma changes brain function and formation so while I know my fears are irrational I can not control them. I react before I can think. A service dog will help ground me in reality.
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