Service dogs have long helped visually impaired people live more active lives. In recent years, dogs have been trained to help people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or physically challenged. What most people don't realize is that service dogs can also be trained to help people with emotional challenges, including depression and severe anxiety disorders.

Anyone who has experienced panic attacks knows how disabling they can be. Often panic attacks come on suddenly, feel extremely frightening, and leave the sufferer exhausted. It is not uncommon for people who experience attacks to avoid situations that may cause panic. In severe cases, the person may become completely homebound.

People with anxiety disorders may be able to face more fears with the companionship of service dogs, reports Mary Pemberton of the Associated Press. According to Pemberton, service dogs can sense an impending panic attack, sometimes even before the person can. Additionally, the dogs provide comfort and a sense of safety during an attack as well as in anxiety-provoking situations. The dogs have allowed anxious people to live fuller lives.

Although having a pet of any kind can contribute to a recovering person's emotional wellbeing, a service dog is different from a regular pet. Theoretically, a service dog should be able to go most anywhere with its companion person. Unfortunately, as Pemberton mentions, people using service dogs for emotional challenges may face problems when attempting to bring the dogs into certain places. This may change as people come to understand anxiety disorders and the like, but people with service dogs should be ready to face denied access. The main advice in such circumstances is to plan ahead.

Is a service dog for you? No one can answer that question but you really. Research the topic (resources provided below), contact related organizations in your area, and talk to your therapist about it. If you're wondering how a dog can give you the courage you need to live well in the world, please do read more about it. At the very least, dogs provide comfort, companionship, and safety. You may come to see that they seem to sense a person's distress, perhaps even more quickly than another person can. A service dog just may be your key to independence.

Helpful Resources on Service Dogs

• "Dog Helps Woman Cope With Panic," Associated Press, May 1999
• Delta Society
  • Service Dog Frequently Asked Questions
  • List of Service Dog Trainers/Programs
• Assistance Dog Information
• Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business