ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — At North Rowan Elementary School, student counselor Michelle McKay is making a difference, both for herself and for the students she serves—with the help of her service dog, Gigi.
What You Need To Know
- Michelle McKay, an elementary school counselor in Rowan County, lives with post-traumatic stress disorder
- Gigi, a service dog, helps manage her PTSD, and recognized how Gigi also helped students who were struggling after returning back to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic
- McKay and Gigi visited Buncombe County Schools following Helene to offer comfort and service to students, faculty and staff who were struggling
McKay, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), said Gigi has been instrumental in helping her navigate the challenges of her condition.
“The PTSD was caused because of an abusive relationship that I had been in,” McKay said. “There was a lot of mental abuse and threats of physical abuse.”
Gigi helps McKay manage anxiety and recognize early signs of stress.
“She has helped me become more self-aware of my body and recognize when I’m starting to feel more anxious,” McKay explained.
Gigi has overcome her own physical challenge. As a newborn, she suffered a slight cut on her paw. When the breeder applied ointment as directed by a veterinarian, Gigi’s mother began licking and nibbling at the wound. The repeated irritation caused Gigi to lose her paw.
Despite this, Gigi has become a dedicated service dog, working alongside McKay to support both her and the students at North Rowan Elementary.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, McKay noticed that Gigi naturally gravitated toward students in distress.
“She really wanted to stay with certain kids that she thought were showing signs to her,” McKay said. “Then I was able to follow up with the student and say, ‘Okay, what’s going on? How can I help?’”
In October, McKay and Gigi extended their outreach beyond Rowan County. In the wake of Helene, they traveled to Buncombe County to offer emotional support to teachers and students affected by the storm.
“Yes, it did cause wounds, and yes, I have PTSD,” McKay said. “But I also have her. I’ve learned how to deal with some of my own trauma, and my hope is now I’ll be able to help those people who have lost so very much.”
McKay and Gigi arrived in Buncombe County on October 23 and met with teachers and faculty the following day. They welcomed students back to classroom, providing comfort to those who need it most.
