So I have come to the terrible conclusion that if I am not more stable by the middle to end of next year, I will have to apply for disability. And if I do get it then I want to have a service dog ready from the get-go. My dog, Amari, the first out of three, has an amazing temperament and has been progressing well in learning his tasks. He was already trained the basics very intensely from a young age, so now we are adding in tasks. To me, a well-behaved dog is one that can be taken, close to anywhere, off leash and for them to stay in a military-style heel position. I am very strict. Anyway, today we have been working on teaching him to wake me up in the morning. So far he has the idea. We are going to do it 15-20 times a day. I hope that my bipolar gets better and I don't need him that much but I am glad to have such an awesome dog if I do.

So far he has learned:

• Stand behind me to keep people from approaching behind
• Deep pressure therapy when I am having a high anxiety or paranoia
• Face the opposite way from me to watch for people (used when severely paranoid)
• Nudge my chin to get me out of dissociation
• Plays with me when manic to get energy out
• Pick up things off the floor

He is the one to the right
Attachment 6195

Attachment 6196

Attachment 6197
And no, I will not neuter him (or any dog)