A woman with POTS showed how her service dog helps her manage her condition.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a blood circulation disorder where standing can cause the heart rate to increase rapidly. According to John Hopkins Medicine, it can lead to brain fog, lightheadedness, headaches, tremors, blurry vision and palpitations.
TikToker Katie, @serviceaussiebaileyatie, has POTS and her service dog, an Australian shepherd named Bailey, helps make living alone possible. Bailey is owner-trained to know how to handle Katie’s flare-ups. She shared just how essential Bailey is to her when she captured a pretty harrowing moment.
The owner did her best to translate Bailey’s process when her heart rate sped up dangerously quickly.
“You heart. It’s beating too fast,” the caption read as Bailey jumped up to get Katie’s attention. “You need to get down before you get hurt.”
Katie fell to the ground. Then Bailey ran and got her medication. When she didn’t take the pills, he rushed and got her a bottle of water. The dog then stayed with her to keep her awake.
“Living alone can be so scary with a disability. I am so grateful for Bailey,” Katie said.
The video received over 12.2 million views and 2.6 million likes on TikTok.
“We do not deserve dogs. Unbelievable and unconditional love,” a user said.
“I once fainted with the door open and my dog just left,” someone joked.
“I have POTS as well and seeing this makes me so happy,” another wrote.
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