Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Dog Saves Owner With Asperger’s Syndrome From Violent Meltdown
User submission
40.3K
203.8K

Dog Saves Owner With Asperger’s Syndrome From Violent Meltdown

ADVERTISEMENT

A Tempe woman recorded a video of her dog interrupting her violent Asperger’s meltdown and posted it online. Arizona resident Danielle Jacobs, 24, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2013. She trained her 4-year-old Rottweiler Samson to stop her from self-harming, and he’s subsequently passed his CGC, CGCA, and PAT. Jacobs posted the video to raise awareness about her disorder.

“This is what having aspergers is like,” Jacobs writes on YouTube. “This is what’s considered a meltdown…I trained him to alert to depressive episodes and self harm not both but he alerted.” Elsewhere she recounts an analogy, “people with Asperger’s or autism are like a computer. There’s too much input not enough output – [you] lose power and crash.”

Asperger’s is an autism spectrum disorder according to the DSM-5. Sanson was adopted from the HALO animal rescue in Phoenix.

More info: YouTube (h/t: aplus)

Danielle Jacobs was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2013

She sometimes suffers anxiety and panic attacks like this one

Jacob’s dog Samson calmed her down during a violent meltdown that she caught on camera

Here’s the full video:

She got Samson from the HALO animal rescue in Phoenix and began training him immediately

ADVERTISEMENT

Samson has passed his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and CGCA (Canine Community) tests and PAT (Public Access Test)

204Kviews

Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Write comments
Add photo comments
POST
MrTree1779 avatar
MrTree1779
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a person WITH Asperger's, and with friends who HAVE Asperger's, to see an article labeled with the words "Asperger's", "violent" and "meltdown" is horrible, and puts the idea in people's heads that those of us with it are prone to either violence or meltdowns. Why not just say "Dog Therapeutically Stops Owner From Having Meltdown"? Why the loaded words? ...because it's click bait. And people who doesn't know much or anything about Asperger's Syndrome will click this thinking it as some form of Schizophrenia or Psychosis. Yeah...thanks. Thanks for posting something which puts into people's minds that those of us with A.S. might be prone to violence, or need an animal to keep us sane. Way to misinform the public. THAT is what I have a problem with. The article suggests that people with A.S. are mentally unstable freaks. Good job, B******t Panda.

cybersuebee avatar
SueWeatherby
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "violent" part was simply grandstanding as so many news sources do to get the attention of the reading public. A horrible practice that does an injustice to so many people who are actually LIVING the situation. And I'd say the same thing happens to people with schizophrenia or psychosis. I'm sorry you had to face this this - especially when the article could have done some good by showing what a therapeutic dog can do for something other than a physical disability.

Load More Replies...
bernotemilie avatar
EmilieBernot
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really great that Samson can help her like this. Pets can bring so much love and comfort sometimes.

rijka_dime avatar
PorSelinKittie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have an anxiety disorder..and let me tell you..it makes me do crazy s**t sometimes...and that includes self harm

anuszzka avatar
AnnaJei
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the same plus agoraphobia since 3 years. I tried many drugs and therapies but I really recommend you cognitive behavioural therapy. It works ! After 6 months attending I'm almost free of this s**t, and I'm not taking drugs anymore.

Load More Replies...
chelseyhavekes avatar
ChelseyHavekes
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't know everyone here is an expert on Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorder. How great it must be to know everything! I'm so glad you can diagnose a person you've never even met by watching a short video. (I hope I don't need to point out the blatant sarcasm) Not everyone with a certain disorder or mental illness acts the same way. As someone who has dealt with various mental disorders within in her family, I resent they way people try make everyone fit into a certain box. Like they've labeled you in their mind and when you do something different from their misconceptions they just add or subtract different labels. People are so fixated on the illness that they no longer see the person.

bangonrick avatar
RichardBoucher
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son has Asperger and never ever had that kind of meltdown so I agree with what you say

Load More Replies...
commentary.fortytwo avatar
CommentaryFortytwo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This actually made me cry. Service dogs and truly life savers and can provide an amazing range of support actions. Not to mention that all important loving snuggle when things just seem so hard.

spide3401 avatar
DanaWilson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cried too...it was hard to watch. I really feel for her but am so glad that she has Samson to help her through that. Not to mention that he's a Rottie and a true ambassador for the breed!

Load More Replies...
aecates avatar
AngieCates
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh honey I'm so sorry you have these attacks, they are not fun cause I know how it feels. I'm so glad you got your buddy to help you through the rough times. Stay strong, you will get thru it.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This dog is awesome. I have a brother with Autism and Retardation. I think I'm going to get him a service dog. He's been have more and more aggressive outbreaks. I hope a furbaby helps him.

helen.mazzer.1 avatar
HelenMazzer
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good idea. Even if the dog is just a pet, it will give him something to focus on. (Not a mental health expert, just my opinion).

Load More Replies...
barbg70 avatar
JuliaGrant
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What I do t understand is that why isn't the person taking the video helping him?

diana.covell.5 avatar
DianaCovell
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I AGREE WITH Mr, Tree1779. A compassionate video and a wonderful thing that the dog was trained to help this person. Having a disability myself I HATE when we get painted with the same brush. I am a person first and my disability is only a small part of who I am.

diane.niehaus.7 avatar
DianeNiehaus
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. So happy Danielle found her "Angel" helper.

guthrie6480 avatar
guthrie6480
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome, animals can help in so many ways, my animals keep me happy and makes me get up everyday and do something for them, everyone should have an animal in their lives, they help in so many ways! And there would be less shelters...

captaingrumpy avatar
captaingrumpy
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A Dog's role on this earth is to aid man. This can take many forms but they do connect with disabled people very , very , well. They have the Compassion and the ability to calm the situation down and assist those that are hurt emotionally.

barb.braun1 avatar
BarbBraun
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That poor woman. Thank goodness she has Samson to be with her now and to help her through the worst moments.

romanycloud9 avatar
RomanyLatham
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His name was Kayden Clarke. He was not a woman. He was a trans man. Your use of "she/her" when he used "he/him" pronouns, as he mentions in his videos (clearly the only research done was on the videos that could sensationalise his murder) and your use of Kaydens birth assigned name is wrong and harmful. So is your depiction of autistic people, on that note. (I am autistic myself, and a trans person.)

tewcute avatar
AmySmith
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This beautiful person was shot and killed by police in Mesa AZ. RIP Danielle Jacobs <3

preciousleslee avatar
LesleeCowling
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have a sweet dog. I see it says you trained but I bet love was there first. You just help the dog were to put love and thank you for saving me to be!

Dashelamet avatar
ValleyGirl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe the woman who posted the video used the word meltdown, and violent, while strong, does describe someone hurting themselves. For me, I didn't think anything negative about this post or about the woman with Asperger's. I only saw an individual who took charge of her circumstance by training a dog to help her, and doing it so well that her pet did his job. I found it remarkable and inspiring. Coming from a family with more than its share of anxiety and panic disorders, it's good information to have that you can train a pet to assist you with behavioral issues.

lynne_findley_1 avatar
LynneFindley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There really is nothing a Rottweiler would like more than making people "calm the eff down".

benny_gauci avatar
BenGee
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kids is not an aspie. We don't act like that... No aspie I know would do that s**t. This article is just insulting and misinforming.

MrTree1779 avatar
MrTree1779
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never known *anyone* with Asperger's to have 'violent meltdowns' or to 'self-harm'. Self-harm is related to depression, suicidal tendencies, and possibly low-functioning Autism. The title of this post is incredibly inaccurate and misinformed.

jessica_bowers avatar
JessicaBowers
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aspergers is a high functioning form of autism, and like all forms of autism occurs on a spectrum of behaviors. While there are some commonalities among people with high functioning autism, and autism in general, it is impossible to say that all individuals will behave the same. The title is not where the misinformation occurs here.

Load More Replies...
galadrieltlotr avatar
DuyguAytav
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

STop Yulin - Dog Meat Festival in China!!! https://www.change.org/p/mr-chen-wu-yulin-governor-please-shut-down-the-yulin-dog-meat-festival-in-guangxi-china

MrTree1779 avatar
MrTree1779
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a person WITH Asperger's, and with friends who HAVE Asperger's, to see an article labeled with the words "Asperger's", "violent" and "meltdown" is horrible, and puts the idea in people's heads that those of us with it are prone to either violence or meltdowns. Why not just say "Dog Therapeutically Stops Owner From Having Meltdown"? Why the loaded words? ...because it's click bait. And people who doesn't know much or anything about Asperger's Syndrome will click this thinking it as some form of Schizophrenia or Psychosis. Yeah...thanks. Thanks for posting something which puts into people's minds that those of us with A.S. might be prone to violence, or need an animal to keep us sane. Way to misinform the public. THAT is what I have a problem with. The article suggests that people with A.S. are mentally unstable freaks. Good job, B******t Panda.

cybersuebee avatar
SueWeatherby
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "violent" part was simply grandstanding as so many news sources do to get the attention of the reading public. A horrible practice that does an injustice to so many people who are actually LIVING the situation. And I'd say the same thing happens to people with schizophrenia or psychosis. I'm sorry you had to face this this - especially when the article could have done some good by showing what a therapeutic dog can do for something other than a physical disability.

Load More Replies...
bernotemilie avatar
EmilieBernot
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really great that Samson can help her like this. Pets can bring so much love and comfort sometimes.

rijka_dime avatar
PorSelinKittie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have an anxiety disorder..and let me tell you..it makes me do crazy s**t sometimes...and that includes self harm

anuszzka avatar
AnnaJei
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the same plus agoraphobia since 3 years. I tried many drugs and therapies but I really recommend you cognitive behavioural therapy. It works ! After 6 months attending I'm almost free of this s**t, and I'm not taking drugs anymore.

Load More Replies...
chelseyhavekes avatar
ChelseyHavekes
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't know everyone here is an expert on Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorder. How great it must be to know everything! I'm so glad you can diagnose a person you've never even met by watching a short video. (I hope I don't need to point out the blatant sarcasm) Not everyone with a certain disorder or mental illness acts the same way. As someone who has dealt with various mental disorders within in her family, I resent they way people try make everyone fit into a certain box. Like they've labeled you in their mind and when you do something different from their misconceptions they just add or subtract different labels. People are so fixated on the illness that they no longer see the person.

bangonrick avatar
RichardBoucher
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son has Asperger and never ever had that kind of meltdown so I agree with what you say

Load More Replies...
commentary.fortytwo avatar
CommentaryFortytwo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This actually made me cry. Service dogs and truly life savers and can provide an amazing range of support actions. Not to mention that all important loving snuggle when things just seem so hard.

spide3401 avatar
DanaWilson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cried too...it was hard to watch. I really feel for her but am so glad that she has Samson to help her through that. Not to mention that he's a Rottie and a true ambassador for the breed!

Load More Replies...
aecates avatar
AngieCates
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh honey I'm so sorry you have these attacks, they are not fun cause I know how it feels. I'm so glad you got your buddy to help you through the rough times. Stay strong, you will get thru it.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This dog is awesome. I have a brother with Autism and Retardation. I think I'm going to get him a service dog. He's been have more and more aggressive outbreaks. I hope a furbaby helps him.

helen.mazzer.1 avatar
HelenMazzer
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good idea. Even if the dog is just a pet, it will give him something to focus on. (Not a mental health expert, just my opinion).

Load More Replies...
barbg70 avatar
JuliaGrant
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What I do t understand is that why isn't the person taking the video helping him?

diana.covell.5 avatar
DianaCovell
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I AGREE WITH Mr, Tree1779. A compassionate video and a wonderful thing that the dog was trained to help this person. Having a disability myself I HATE when we get painted with the same brush. I am a person first and my disability is only a small part of who I am.

diane.niehaus.7 avatar
DianeNiehaus
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. So happy Danielle found her "Angel" helper.

guthrie6480 avatar
guthrie6480
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome, animals can help in so many ways, my animals keep me happy and makes me get up everyday and do something for them, everyone should have an animal in their lives, they help in so many ways! And there would be less shelters...

captaingrumpy avatar
captaingrumpy
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A Dog's role on this earth is to aid man. This can take many forms but they do connect with disabled people very , very , well. They have the Compassion and the ability to calm the situation down and assist those that are hurt emotionally.

barb.braun1 avatar
BarbBraun
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That poor woman. Thank goodness she has Samson to be with her now and to help her through the worst moments.

romanycloud9 avatar
RomanyLatham
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His name was Kayden Clarke. He was not a woman. He was a trans man. Your use of "she/her" when he used "he/him" pronouns, as he mentions in his videos (clearly the only research done was on the videos that could sensationalise his murder) and your use of Kaydens birth assigned name is wrong and harmful. So is your depiction of autistic people, on that note. (I am autistic myself, and a trans person.)

tewcute avatar
AmySmith
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This beautiful person was shot and killed by police in Mesa AZ. RIP Danielle Jacobs <3

preciousleslee avatar
LesleeCowling
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You have a sweet dog. I see it says you trained but I bet love was there first. You just help the dog were to put love and thank you for saving me to be!

Dashelamet avatar
ValleyGirl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe the woman who posted the video used the word meltdown, and violent, while strong, does describe someone hurting themselves. For me, I didn't think anything negative about this post or about the woman with Asperger's. I only saw an individual who took charge of her circumstance by training a dog to help her, and doing it so well that her pet did his job. I found it remarkable and inspiring. Coming from a family with more than its share of anxiety and panic disorders, it's good information to have that you can train a pet to assist you with behavioral issues.

lynne_findley_1 avatar
LynneFindley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There really is nothing a Rottweiler would like more than making people "calm the eff down".

benny_gauci avatar
BenGee
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kids is not an aspie. We don't act like that... No aspie I know would do that s**t. This article is just insulting and misinforming.

MrTree1779 avatar
MrTree1779
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never known *anyone* with Asperger's to have 'violent meltdowns' or to 'self-harm'. Self-harm is related to depression, suicidal tendencies, and possibly low-functioning Autism. The title of this post is incredibly inaccurate and misinformed.

jessica_bowers avatar
JessicaBowers
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aspergers is a high functioning form of autism, and like all forms of autism occurs on a spectrum of behaviors. While there are some commonalities among people with high functioning autism, and autism in general, it is impossible to say that all individuals will behave the same. The title is not where the misinformation occurs here.

Load More Replies...
galadrieltlotr avatar
DuyguAytav
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

STop Yulin - Dog Meat Festival in China!!! https://www.change.org/p/mr-chen-wu-yulin-governor-please-shut-down-the-yulin-dog-meat-festival-in-guangxi-china

Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda