NAME: Bindi (Aboriginal word meaning “little girl”)
BREED: Australian Cattle Dog
AGE: 8
OCCUPATION: Working Service Animal
SPECIALTY: Black-Out Assist & Seizure Alert.
HOBBIES: Frisbee, Swimming & Exploring
Sitting at my desk, head down and buried in the computer. When was the last time I ate, or even looked away from my work? Not a moment after that thought comes into my mind, I feel the slightest little nudge of a cold nose on my elbow. That is my soft reminder to take a moment and evaluate myself and how I feel in my body. That cold nose I feel is Bindi, my black-out & seizure alert service dog.
Bindi’s day begins at 6:30am when we go for an hour long walk around our neighborhood. After she’s ready for breakfast which usually consists of oatmeal, eggs (with shell) and some veggies like kale or collard greens.
Once Bindi’s vest goes on, she’s in full work mode. This means she is trained to focus on me and ignore everyone else. This way, she’s not distracted looking for attention from strangers. Her job is to monitor me and alert me of any changes thats aren’t favorable.
When Bindi gets to the office, she’s happy and ready to lay down for little while. She takes up her post right next to my desk and she is officially on the clock. Minus a few trips over to Dawn to say hello or stretching out on the cold floor, Bindi is constantly by my side.
On the drive home, you can hear Bindi’s excited breathing as she senses her work day coming to a close. As soon as we get home, her vest comes off so she knows to relax. She gets a treat and a full bowl of water. Even though Bindi is now off the clock, it doesn’t mean she’s forgotten to keep track of the time. At exactly 7:30 every night, Bindi gets out of her bed and finds me. No matter what I’m involved in she will walk over to me, sit right in front of me and lick her lips incessantly until I remember it’s her dinner time.
Once dinner is over, you’d think she was good for the rest of the night, and for a few hours she’s her own dog doing her own dog things. Because Bindi is a working dog, she also has her own bed time. At 10pm every night, Bindi comes to find me to remind me it’s her time for bed and a good night treat.
Even though Bindi is in bed, I know her focus is never 100% off me. Bindi doesn’t know this but to me, her job is always complete. More than anything, she reminds me to take care of myself so that I can take care of her. Her needs have become my needs and vice versa. I find myself going to bed not shortly after her because I have to wake up at 6:30am and take my best friend for a walk.
