Aiden and Amanda

Hi, my name is Amanda. I was diagnosed as an adult with autism, an anxiety disorder, and slight memory problems. After my diagnoses, I immediately went on the hunt for a dog to be my ESA. I didn't think much of it at the time. I know I had an anxiety disorder and I had heard that an ESA could help me. However, I barely knew what an ESA was, and judging by the abundance of contradicting information online, I feel like many other people don't know either. Once getting my letter of prescription from my doctor, I went to work learning and educating myself about ESAs. Especially after seeing so many videos and Tiktoks online of real Service Dogs being harassed by fake ESAs/Service Dogs and the strife it brought their handlers. I unfortunately found a lot of scam websites promoting misinformation that focused on lying to costumers about the rights ESAs have in order to make a quick buck so people can  "register" their untrained pet to be an "ESA". These sites directly contradict real laws associated with ESAs and cause nothing but problems for those with real disorders and disabilities.

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My research grew into an obsession. I was reading through laws, government websites, and court cases in order to learn all that I could about ESAs. I also became obsessed with finding scam websites and learning to pinpoint how to identify their lies. Despite not sharing the direct frustrations that a handler of a Service Dog would have, I grew passionate about educating others about the difference between ESAs and Service Dogs. I started my journey with a brochure that I handed out to friends and family. I also displayed it at the veterinarian clinic I worked at. I then started a blog on Tumblr, until I eventually moved here.

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Although I am not qualified to train dogs, I have worked with them closely for quite a few years now. I worked 4 years in animal shelters until becoming a Vet Tech (my current position). I also took a collage course with ABC (Animal Behavior Collage) to become certified as a Cat Behaviorist.

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As for my dog Aiden, he is a 4yr old Chocolate Labrador mix. I adopted him from one of the shelters I used to work at. Because I was on the hunt for a good ESA candidate, I mainly picked Aiden based on personality. Although it worked out, because I love labs! Aiden was a year old when I adopted him. His original name was Speck, but I felt it didn't suit him at all. He's always been a very laid back and quiet dog, which suited my needs as someone who gets overstimulated easily by loud and hyper dogs. He enjoys swimming, learning tricks, and going on walks. Aiden has helped me a lot with my anxiety and depression. Especially when going to the doctor's (whom I always call ahead of time to ask if I can bring him). I have been told by trainers he seems like he'd be a good fit as a Therapy dog as well. However, I haven't decided yet if I want to go down that route. Besides, Aiden already does wonders for all who meet him. Especially at our favorite Kava bar we frequent. I have caught people using Aiden as a good shoulder to cry on more than once, haha.