Meet Fay!
Meet Brytnee and her service dog Fay, a Tucson local celebrity known for her loving personality and star quality. Brytnee adopted Fay nearly five years ago. The pair first started with therapy dog training, but Brytnee’s therapist suggested that Fay could become a service dog—and the rest is history. Fay has now been working alongside Brytnee for about four years.
Fay is known for her friendly and outgoing personality. Brytnee jokes that Fay loves greeting people on cue and will happily walk up to someone, sit beside them, and patiently wait for attention—or a treat.
Around Tucson, Fay has become something of a familiar face, with honorary mascot status at a few local spots including Crepe ‘n Dip AZ at the Tucson Mall.
One of the first tasks Fay learned was deep pressure therapy, which she calls “hugs.”
“Sometimes she can be an extra excited hugger,” Brytnee laughs, “but during a panic attack the extra umph in her jump and hug is really helpful to ground me during those stressful moments.”
Fay is also particularly skilled at helping Brytnee transition out of overwhelming moments.
“She’s really good at ‘find the outside’ and sensing when it’s time for me get up and moving during a depressive episode—even when I don’t want to.”
“The most rewarding part has been learning how to work through my own fears and triggers,” Brytnee says. “There were so many times I gained confidence just by being patient with Fay.”
No matter what new skills Fay learns next, one thing is certain: she’ll continue bringing comfort, confidence, and a little bit of star power everywhere she goes.
