How a Service Dog Changed This MS Patient’s Life

We’ve heard from many members of the MS community that service or therapy dogs can provide incredible comfort to patients and their families. From helping with mobility to reducing anxiety, these magical animals are sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered.
Here, we talk to 45-year-old Karin, who’s been living with MS for three years. She lives in a little town of 5,000 about 20 minutes from Winterthur in SwitzerlandĀ with her husband, her service dog Pantin (French for “little puppet”) and herĀ three wonderful children.
Karin and Pantin are inseparable. The service dog helps Karin in her daily routine assisting his owner in everything she needs, from walking to getting dressed.
MORE:Ā 10 benefits of having a service or therapy dog when you have MS
What type of MS do you have?
I was diagnosed with a relapsing form of MS.
When were you diagnosed?
My MSĀ symptoms went mostlyĀ unnoticed until I had a conflict with a former friend. This particular conflict had a very negative impact on me, and causedĀ me to fall into a depressed state thatĀ lasted two years.Ā When I initially had an onset of noticeable symptoms, I went to my doctor who failed to take themĀ seriously.Ā Thanks to a friend whose motherĀ had also suffered with MS, she encouraged meĀ to get a second opinion. This doctor luckily took me seriously enough to arrange a referral to a neurologist.Ā I was finally diagnosed in 2014 after an MRI.
How have your symptoms changed over time?
My relapsesĀ have always coincidedĀ with my stress levels, and would occur every two to threeĀ months. I’ve decided not to take any MSĀ medicationĀ choosing instead to work on stress management. This has proved successful, and my relapses are now every two-and-a-half years. One of the most difficult parts of MS is how oftenĀ itĀ changes. You can never know ifĀ what you can do today, you’ll be able to do tomorrow. It’s not knowing ifĀ your body willĀ work tomorrow that I find the most difficult symptom to handle. Other than that, some of my most challenging symptoms include numb hands, spasms,Ā pain, weak legs (so I can no longer walk long distances), andĀ mood swings.
MORE:Ā FourĀ things to consider before getting a service dog
Pantin is showing how he takes a few steps at the time when going down stairs. This is incredibly helpful if youāre on crutches or unstable on your feet. ā Karin
When did you start thinking about getting a service dog and why?
I’ve had dogs my whole life and because of my reduced physical capacity and my unsteadiness, I decided to apply for an assistance dog. Even just applying for a service dog filled me with hope and gave me the feeling that I would be able to cope with daily life.
This shows how Pantin opens a drawer. He gets out my ānappysā and shuts the drawer. He does this all while I sit on the toilet which is quite a long way from the drawer, but for ease, we filmed his behaviour from a shorter distance. ā Karin
How did you find Pantin?
I found Pantin through an organization called Le Copain. They train assistance dogs and find them appropriate owners. After an initial interview and being given a resounding nod of approval by Pantin and the staff. I was invited to the dog training centre.
It’s important forĀ the trainer to make sure that the dog and potential owner are a good match. In fact, I was introduced to two different dogs just to see how I fared with each one. Though it was clear quite quickly that Pantin had chosen me! Ā After working with him, he became reluctant to leave my side, and followedĀ me everywhere. We “fell in love” with each other.Ā This contact was just what I needed to renew myĀ self-worth. His devotion and affection was evident.
Later I discoverd PantinĀ had been introduced to four people, who also loved his dashing good looks and appreciated his devotion. But Pantin was waiting for meĀ āĀ as far as he was concerned, I was the one!
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What kind of training hasĀ Pantin had?
Le Copain buys puppies from selected breeders. At eight weeks of age, they’re fostered to a family who is given the task of teaching basic commands and introducing them to all sorts of different surroundings. These “foster families” are given support and guidance by Le Copain.Ā Before being admitted to training school, the puppies areĀ all checked for good health and wellness.Ā At 18 months of age, the dogs enter the vital school program, with professional trainers. Once they have learned all they need to help a disabled person, the dogs are then matched with a disabled partner when they are around two years of age. Once the match is made, the service dog andĀ disabled partner take part in a two-week training program.
Pantin is pushing my āparalyzedā arm back on my lap with his nose, as itās not good for a paralyzed arm to be hanging down for a long period of time. ā Karin
What do you think the biggest benefit of having a service dog is?
His help has been more than justĀ opening and closingĀ doors, getting the phone, calling for help, pulling off clothes and socks, and pressing buttons. PantinĀ is a bridge builder. When people are uncertain as to how they should react towards disabled people, he works as an icebreaker. People ask questions about him when they initially talk to me.
He is also a great spastic pain reliever. Having a higher body temperature, he seems to sense when I have spasms and tries to comfort me by snuggling up to me and sharing his body warmth. His sensitivity is incredible. He intuitively interrupts me mid-sentence when he feels thatĀ whatever I’m saying is getting me workedĀ up and upsetting me. He’s always trying toĀ protect me from things Ā that could worsen my condition or behaviour that couldĀ harm me.
MORE: Four ways to help multipleĀ sclerosis patients stay mobile
Pantin showing different ways of opening/shutting doors. This is especially handy when youāre in a wheelchair. ā Karin
Would you recommend getting a service dog to other MS patients? Why?
Yes. Le Copain sees the benefit of fairly mobile people recieving an assistance dog. Dogs keep people with MSĀ more physically active. Not only does a service dogĀ help MS patients get out of the house, but youĀ have someone there in good and bad times, including relapses. With a service dog, you continue to grow as a team and adapt to circumstances as they occur.
ServiceĀ dogs make such a positive difference to daily life. There areĀ many reasons to feel sad about having MS, but having such a wonderful companion and assistant makes it much better. I have acquired a best friend for life.
Pantin unloading the tumble dryer. He does the same with the washing machine.
What else do you want people to know about service dogs?
You never should stroke an assistance dog even if it’s lying quietly next to its master, as the dog is still alert and working. He or she is watching for any important signals that his master may need help.Ā Petting a service dogĀ can distract him/her from their very important job.
How has Pantin changed your life?
PantinĀ gives me unconditional love regardless of my mood. Once during a relapse,Ā I startedĀ to drop things quite often, and Pantin was suddenly next to me holding the spoon I droppedĀ without me even saying anything, just standing thereĀ looking up at me. It’s as if he was trying to remind meĀ that things weren’tĀ so bad and that he was there for me.
MORE: Could muscle twitches be a symptom of MS?
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