December 7, 2013 | SharkAdmin [image 1]Service dogs are no longer just to help people with visual impairments. They also help people to detect seizures, open doors, assist with balancing and help people with anxiety-related issues. Service dogs have been especially helpful to people with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). At NVC, the number of service dogs on campus has nearly doubled over the last few years, in part to more veteran students using them to cope with PTSD. To date, 13 service dogs have helped their owners attend NVC, more than any other campus in the Alamo Colleges. NVC student Anthony “Pottsy” Pottebaum says instead of calling it PTSD, he likes to say he uses his service dog, Tucker, for “military issues.” [image 2]Pottsy is a part of the Wounded Warriors’ TRACK program that helps disabled vets with pursuing education and joining the workforce. NVC is the main campus where the Track program has most students enrolled. Pottsy served seven years in the Army, which included going to Iraq. Sharon Dresser, senior coordinator in the NVC Access office, said there’s been a dramatic difference in Pottsy when he first came to NVC with no service dog and now that he has been using his Labrador-mix service dog for a little over two months. Prior to getting Tucker, Sharon added, Pottsy had an anxiety level of 20 – and that’s using a scale of 1 to 10. “(Pottsy) would prefer to sit next to the door or wanted it locked,” Sharon said. “Now, he’s much more relaxed. Our office can help accommodate students who have disabilities, but when you add in a service dog for those students who need it, our assistance and the dog provides great support.” Pottsy and Tucker are actually a popular duo around campus. With the help of Tucker making friends with students, it helps Pottsy overcome some of his anxiety. When entering crowded hallways with students standing and sitting on the floors, Pottsy says he takes his mind off of the hallway and focuses on Tucker. Tucker also makes it a point to sit facing opposite Pottsy. This way Tucker serves as his owner’s eyes in order to see anything coming through the door. [image 3]The Alamo Colleges has a Service Animal policy that allows for certain animals to be used to help individuals with disabilities. Sharon said this policy has been improved to align with the ADA and the ADA Restoration Act. Sharon reminds employees and students to never attempt to pet a service dog without asking for permission first. “Petting a service dog can distract it from doing its duties for its owner. And you shouldn’t ask the person why they have a dog.” Sharon added. Pottsy, who hopes to one day help cancer patients, says if you see the service dog wearing patriotic colors, the dog is typically for “military issues.”
