Autistic, disabled, Sunshine Coast woman, Grace Garrahy, says service dog saved her from suicide

A brave Queensland woman living with autism and a disability says her loyal service dog saved her from self harm and relentless suicidal thoughts when she was a teen. TRIGGER WARNING.

Autistic, disabled, Sunshine Coast woman, Grace Garrahy, says service dog saved her from suicide. Picture - contributed.

A brave Sunshine Coast woman, living with autism and a disability, says her loyal service dog saved her from ongoing self harm and relentless suicidal thoughts when she was a young teen.

Grace Garrahy, 25, of Eumundi, owes her life to her eight-year-old service dog Sebastian.

At just 16 years old, Ms Garrahy spent so much time in hospital for her mental health she was unable to attend school.

She was depressed, suicidal and lived with anxiety.

Her life was a nightmare that’s tragically all too common for Australian teenagers.

“I was in and out of hospital struggling a lot with depression, anxiety, and just not wanting to be here,” Ms Garrahy said.

“I was struggling with self harm too.

“Seb came into my life and was able to pull me out of it.

“He helped calm me when I was having panic attacks.

“He gave me a reason to get out of bed each day. My life had purpose again and I didn’t feel alone.”

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Sebastian. Picture - contributed.

Sebastian, a brown cavoodle, changed Ms Garrahy’s life forever.

“Nothing was helping until friends and family suggested a support dog and my doctors agreed,” she said.

“I am autistic and live with multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities that impact my life significantly.

“I have been so blessed to have my beautiful assistance dog Sebastian to help me with my mental health and disabilities...all thanks to generous donations all those years.”

Sunshine Coast woman Grace Garrahy says service dog saved her from suicide. Picture - contributed.

With Seb by her side Ms Garrahy was able to become independent, live out of home, go to Sunshine Coast University where she’s halfway through studying to be an occupational therapist, and work casually as a disability advocate.

“He has opened up my world and allowed me to do things that I never thought I would be able to do,” she said.

“Without him by my side, my life would be very different right now and I honestly owe it to him for being here today. He is a very important part of my support team.”

Grace Garrahy with Sebastian as a puppy. Picture - contributed.

While no longer suicidal and able to manage her chronic depression, anxiety and autism – by 2019 Ms Garrahy’s physical health and mobility was on the decline.

Eventually she was diagnosed with a connective tissue disease, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, an autoinflammatory disease, and POTS.

Now, after eight years of dedicated service and unwavering loyalty, Seb is ready to retire.

Grace Garrahy with her service dog Sebastian. Picture - contributed.

“He’s getting tired and a bit older,” Ms Garrahy said.

“It’s time for him to retire and just be my companion.

“It’s a really big adjustment to come to terms with. He’s been a big part of my life.

“People often aren’t sure what happens when service dogs retire but he’s going to stay with me and live out the rest of his life here.

“It’s going to be another six months to a year before Seb retires and Brinkley takes over.”

Grace Garrahy. Picture - contributed.

Brinkley, a spritely two-year-old golden retriever from the same organisation as Seb, is currently in training to take over the job.

“As a larger breed, she will be able to support me with multiple things such as my autism, mental health and anxiety, just like Seb does, but also my mobility and health issues,” Ms Garrahy said.

“This would be doing tasks to help me like retrieval of dropped items or medication, deep pressure therapy, anxiety tasks, bracing, opening and closing doors or cupboards, medical alerts and mobility support, and plus so much more.

“She will be able to help me continue to keep my independence and navigate the world with my disability ongoing even once Seb is ready to retire and be a normal dog.”

Grace Garrahy and Brinkley. Picture - contributed.

Ms Garrahy said although emotional support technically isn’t part of a service dog’s role – Seb was always providing it.

“It’s isolating and lonely being a young person going through mental health and struggling with self harm,” she said.

“I struggled with feeling different.

“Life can be so hard and overwhelming. My advice for young (Australians) going through the same thing is to remember you’re not alone.

“But sadly there’s no quick fix.”

You can support Ms Garrahy to train and raise Brinkley here.

Brinkley. Picture - contributed.

Originally published as Autistic, disabled, Sunshine Coast woman, Grace Garrahy, says service dog saved her from suicide