Alec, a native of Concord, NC, currently resides in Wilmington, NC, with her Assistance Dog Type II, ANDRETTI. She was first introduced to paws4people through volunteering and was matched with ANDRETTI in 2023. Alec lives with anxiety, depression, and OCD, including excoriation disorder, as well as symptoms related to post-concussive syndrome. These conditions can impact her ability to regulate emotions, manage overwhelming situations, and navigate everyday life independently. She can be particularly sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, and being approached or having people directly behind her can be especially difficult as a result of past experiences that have shaped her sense of emotional and physical safety. Through her partnership with PERDUE, Alec hopes to gain greater independence and confidence while having a partner who can help her manage her symptoms and be more present in the activities and environments that are important to her.
PERDUE will be there to anchor Alec’s anxiety and will provide deep pressure therapy to help lower cortisol levels, which will allow Alec to focus on each day as it comes! PERDUE will also interrupt negative behaviors. Together with PERDUE, there is nothing this team cannot accomplish!