Pictures: From Karin’s private collection
When I contacted Karin via Facebook, I was a bit nervous, as I really wanted to tell the story about her and her dog Alma and their unmistakably bond. Luckily Karin (and Alma) was happy to share their story and an afternoon in April we picked up the phone and had a chat about their journey.
Inseparable companions
Alma is five years old and it was a bit of a blessing in disguise that she ended up with Karin: “To start of with I really wanted a chihuahua, but one day, when I met a Pomeranian I was sold! Not long after I found a breeder, but after several complications with two litters, I had to find different one. This, however, turned out to be in my advantage as this was when Alma, the only one in the litter with beautiful white markings on the body, chose me – and we have been inseparable ever since.” Karin tells me and even through the phone I feel their unique connection, which many people also comment on when they are out doing dog shows.
Karin, who has anxiety, did not get Alma as a psychiatric service dog, but Alma has always been able to feel when Karin is feeling bad, sometimes even before Karin knows. When a friend introduced Karin to the opportunity of educating Alma, it became the perfect path for them both.
Karin contacted Trinitas and because Alma has been trained all her life, she was ready for the “exam” after only 45 min. “However, it took about 4 months to get the final certification as the test costs 1500 kr. I applied for economic support but was declined because of the many rules. I did not have the budget for it myself so Alma’s dreams of becoming a service dog was put on hold. Luckily one of my amazing followers on Facebook offered to help. At first, I did not want to accept the money, but when she kept insisting I eventually accepted and gave her some sponsor presents as a thank you. Despite me being very nervous and the rain pouring from the sky which Alma hates, she passed the test with flying colors.”
Life as a service dog
Alma’s main task is to be attentive towards Karin and calm her the second she feels something is wrong. When Alma feels this, she marks at Karins ankle: “…and when I am feeling bad in longer periods of time, she is practically attached to my chest and whenever I move, sniffles, or dry my eyes she is immediately there.” Karin tells me and continuous with a smile: “Also when I just have cold.”
It is very important that a service dog can come along everywhere, meaning Alma is with Karin when shopping, visiting, cafés, in the cinema and everything in between. However, it is not everywhere Karin feels they are welcome, especially in supermarkets and cafés people have strong opinions about Alma being there: “It is important to me, to have Alma with me when shopping or visiting a café. According to the law, the shops cannot reject us, but for good measure I always ask if it is okay to bring her in. Many welcomes us, but some definitely more than others.”
A service dog needs to be trained and understand how to behave in public places, which can be crowded, noisy with e.g. many children and people. Therefor there is no reason to fear that the service dog will steal candy from a child or run around confused in the store. It is important for Karin to underline this point as she often meets judgmental looks and is greeted by negative comments, when she takes Alma inside – this also despite Alma being calm in her small bag, specific marked that she is a service dog. When other customers looks disaproving at Karin it creates small obstacles for Karin in her development with her anxiety. Therefor she hopes to spread the word and loving message about service dogs via her blog and Facebook-page, making people more aware of why it is so important that the service dog can follow everywhere.
A loving dog with a huge heart
Alma is indeed an unique little dog, with a great heart, but Karin explains that Alma is not quite aware that she is a Pomeranian: “She has an appetite like a Labrador and at 6-7 o’clock her eyes are locked on food.” The independent nature of the Pomeranian breed has also passed Alma’s nose as she only thrives when near Karin, she loves to cuddle and meet new pets and people.
All dogs – and cats for that matter – is different and has their own unique personality. Alma is no exception, she is a small loving superhero dog, who makes everyday better for everyone she meets and especially her mom Karin.
Read more about Alma and Karin on their (Danish) Facebook-page and blog.
