Unleashed - The Service Dog Gals

 Courtroom facility dogs are specially trained working dogs that provide quiet emotional support to individuals involved in legal proceedings. Often handled by a professional such as a victim advocate, these dogs help reduce stress and anxiety for vulnerable witnesses while they give testimony or participate in interviews. Their calm presence can make it easier for people to communicate clearly and feel safe in what can otherwise be an intimidating environment, without interfering with the legal process. Follow us on instagram for additional facts and support. @theservicedoggals

In this episode, we explore what service dogs actually do for trauma. And what they don’t. We unpack the difference between task-trained psychiatric service dogs and emotional support, look at how dogs may help with grounding, regulation, safety, and day-to-day functioning, and talk honestly about the limits of this work. We also discuss the realities of public access, including the attention and questions that can come with bringing a dog into public, and why animal welfare has to remain part of the conversation. Rather than treating service dogs as a cure-all, this episode offers a more grounded look at how they can become one meaningful part of trauma support, recovery, and daily life.Follow us on instagram for additional facts and support. @theservicedoggals

PTSD isn't one story-and it's time we start acting like it.In this episode of Unleashed: The Service Dog Gals, Megan and Bridget unpack the dominant narrative around PTSD, who gets seen and supported, and who is still being left out-especially survivors of violenceFrom funding gaps to service dog access, this is an honest, unsanitized conversation about trauma, systems and the real cost of being overlookedContent note: This episode includes discussions of trauma, violence, and PTSD. Listener discretion advised._____________________________________________________________________________IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT (24/7)9-8-8 Suicide Crisis HelplineCall or text 988Available 24/7, bilingual supportKids Help Phone (Youth)Call 1-800-668-6868Text CONNECT to 686868Online Lifelineyourlifecounts.orgUse this website to find a crisis line near you. Information is specific to country and province/state.Mental Health Linewww.mentalhealthline.org/?n=87728254221-(888) 703-4554Free 24/7 Mental Health Line The National Domestic Violence Hotlinehttps://www.thehotline.org 1-(800) 799-7233The hotline staff offer safety planning and crisis help. They can connect you to shelters and services in your area.Canadian Mental Health AssociationMental health services for people 16 years and uphttps://cmha.ca/find-your-cmha Use this website to find a location near you.Ending Violence https://endingviolencecanada.org/getting-help/Use this website to find help near you. Information is specific to provinceHope for Wellness HelplineThe Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the website to connect with a counsellor on-line Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in:• Cree• Ojibway• Inuktituthttps://www.hopeforwellness.ca/MENTAL HEALTH & PTSD SUPPORTSAnxiety CanadaTools, education, and apps like MindShift CBT and My Anxiety Plan (MAP)ConnexOntarioCall 1-866-531-2600Visit: connexontario.caFree, confidential help finding mental health & trauma services in OntarioTRAUMA & VIOLENCE SUPPORTAssaulted Women’s HelplineCall 1-866-863-0511TTY: 1-866-863-786824/7 confidential supportIf your internet use may be monitored, consider calling from a safe device.Canadian Human Trafficking HotlineCall 1-833-900-101024/7 confidential supportCanadian Resource Centre for Victims of CrimeCall 1-877-232-2610Support for victims and familiesGENERAL SUPPORT211 CanadaDial 2-1-124/7 help connecting to community and social servicesFor more resources click here Music Credit Ben soundLunar YearsAngels by my side Follow us on instagram for additional facts and support. @theservicedoggals

Come and be part of the conversation. Music Credit Ben Sound Angels by my SideLunar YearsFollow us on instagram for additional facts and support. @theservicedoggals

Something brought them together, it wasn’t by accident.Two paths shaped by trauma work, crisis response, and a deep understanding of what people carry behind closed doors or direction on the front lines… crossing in a way that felt almost inevitable. But this isn’t just about how they met.It’s about what they’ve seen. What’s missing.These long conversations they were having needed to be more than just that,  and why they can’t ignore it anymore.If you’ve ever wondered who falls through the cracks, and what it takes to change that.... this is where it starts.Music Credit Ben Sound Angels by my SideLunar YearsFollow us on instagram for additional facts and support. @theservicedoggals