Hello everyone, I’m Toye 😃

This is a blog about how a service dog named Bake is helping me get my life back.

Bake is a rescued homeless dog from San Antonio Texas. He was so wonderful when he was rescued that an organization called K9s for Warriors decided he would be an excellent dog for their rescue program. K9s for Warriors rescues dogs and trains them to be service dogs for military veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Bake is just one of hundreds of dogs they have rescued and trained. But I’m telling you he’s the best, of course I’m a bit partial to him! 😉

Why did I decide to do this?

• Because many of my family and friends have asked questions about Bake and how he has been working out for me?
• I also wanted to document how service dogs can help those who suffer from invisible wounds such as PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression. Many do not understand these invisible wounds and some don’t even believe they truly exist.
• I have been in psychotherapy for over 20 years and have greatly benefited from it. I only wish to document what service dogs for PTSD and MST can help with in conjunction with psychotherapy.
• I also wish to say that I know and accept that there are certain things that I am not sure I will ever be able to do again, and I am okay with that. Therapy has taught me that I need to set healthy boundaries in my life. Without providing too much detail, I will simply leave it at that.
• Many of us who experience trauma feel responsible. While I do not blame myself for my trauma, there are still feelings of guilt and shame that I am still trying to overcome.

I used to be a very outgoing and active person. One who loved to socialize and craved to be outdoors. Due to events beyond my control, I am no longer that person. I long for the days when I can be that person again. Some days will be awesome and some will be not so awesome. Either way, I intend to guide you through the life of someone who suffers greatly from PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression and is using her awesome service dog to help regain control of her life.

This blog will show how a homeless rescue dog helped me gain the confidence to take on the world.

I’m sure there are many who have questions. Here are the answers to a few that I expect that you may have:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
  • Because I have suffered in silence for entirely too long and want to help those who suffer as I do.
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
  • I intend to write about topics about PTSD, MST, anxiety and depression specifically but leave the door open to discuss all mental health conditions.
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
  • I would love to connect with those, or some who knows of those, who currently suffer from PTSD, MST, anxiety and/or depression. I want to connect with military members who are suffering specifically, but ALL are welcome.
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?
  • I hope to be able open a dialogue where people feel more comfortable talking about mental health issues. To reduce the stigma of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression. Hopefully my blog will help those who suffer in silence gain even a little confidence and control back into their lives.

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