Spirit and Jen are the first service dog team in London On, for Mental Illness. We had the opportunity to meet with Jen and ask her a few questions. Her story was informative and inspiring. Jen was able to make us feel a part of her life by providing us with many touching stories. While listening to these stories and shared emotions we felt empathetically linked to Jen. The powerful emotions were contagious. Jen allowed us to gain some perspective on how difficult it can be to live with a mental illness. Everyone struggles differently with mental illness and Jen was able to tell us of her personal experience and how she coped. Jen is a remarkable advocate for mental health and by sharing her experiences, goals and aspirations she is creating such an awareness.

One thing that stood out for us during this interview was learning what Spirit is capable of. Spirit seems to be a guiding light in dark and difficult times for Jen, by helping her keep focused and safe. Spirit is able to wake Jen up to an unheard alarm clock, and lick away her tears of despair. Spirit knows her so well that he can sense her emotions and signs and symptoms of her mental illness.

Jen’s use of resources and getting a service dog will hopefully encourage others to reach out and get help. By listening to stories and lived experiences of people with mental illnesses we will be able to have a better understanding of the difficulties others can be faced with in life. Understanding how an individual’s life as a whole is affected, we may be able to better meet his or her needs as a nurse or friend and help deal with what is most important to the individual.

An impacting favourite quote of Jen’s: “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” This quote can be a source of motivation for people not to give up when times are tough. Jen made the best of her situation and we can all learn from her achievements. We never fathomed that a dog would be able to help people with mental illnesses. Jen has inspired us that nothing is impossible.

Candace and Sarah are nursing students completing placements at mindyourmind

Read full article or listen to audio about Jennifer’s experience with Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder here:
Spirit to the Rescue: