Dogs truly are such great creatures. Not only do they provide company and compassion to their human owners, they can be super helpful. Think of all the trained service dogs in this world — they do not receive enough recognition. Some help nurse humans back to health while others are trained to medically assist to make sure their humans stay healthy. Percie, for example, is a special service dog that has grown inseparable to Claire. She’s trained to sense whenever Claire’s cortisol levels are heightened to intervene a potential episode. And if it weren’t for Percie, Claire might have not been able to attend prom at all.She’s trained to help out Claire with her disability by sensing any potential problems before it becomes a real issue.
“Percie can detect my cortisol levels and lets me know when an episode is about to happen based on my levels. This gives me the advantage of knowing before the episode occurs so I can take measures to lessen its severity.”
She was ready to spend a night out with her boyfriend and friends. Percie, however, never leaves her guard down.
Percie stayed by Claire’s side throughout the prom night and was able to sense out all of them.
“She helped me during prom by alerting me several times, which she does by excessively pawing or nudging me with her nose,” says Claire.
“She performed ‘blocks’ or ‘covers’ by moving her body into positions that prevent people from getting too close while I recovered from less severe, short episodes.”
A more intense episode came on a hour after Claire entered, causing her to have to depart the dance a little early.
While they waited, Percie was able to assist in keeping things under control.
She would “[shift] her weight onto pressure points on my lower body when I am sitting down, which can alleviate some symptoms,” said Claire.
“Without Percie, I would not have had the courage to go to prom in the first place.”
Her entire experience with Percie has made her motivated to spread the word about how essential and important dogs like Percie are for those who need them.
“I hope to educate the public about service dogs and invisible disabilities, but I also want to help others feel less alone and more valid in their battle.”
