I wasn't quite sure where to put this so I decided on General.
The main question is, do any of you have therapy dogs or emotional support dogs to help with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and/or disdociation? If so, what have your experiences been.. Good, bad, learning curve, etc. Do you have any suggestions?
I have 3 cats. They're my children and can easily pick up when I'm feeling off, try to comfort me when I'm anxious or panicking, and will just snuggle with me at all times.
Long story short, I was introduced at workwor a dog that was about to be to up for adoption. Our employer arranged it so once a week we take a dog from the humane society on a "doggy field trip" to get public exposure and socialize. I'm not a big dog person, especially larger dogs, but they asked me to be in their pics to post. I fell in love with her immediately and we clicked! She thinks she's a lap dog and then fell asleep on me! I think she's considered a plump medium size. You'd never think she's 2 with how calm she is!
I went to the shelter the next day to apply for her. They said my application looked great but I won't know a final answer until Monday. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but it's like a special bond already. Co-workers never saw me light up that much ever and are putting in a good word for me. In the shelters' field she followed me around, ran with me, which I never do (she's faster haha) and she'd chase the ball and come back to me (without the ball lol). I still have not heard her bark, nor has she jumped up at all in excitement, both things that shy me away from dogs. She never pulled on her leash either. The only "issue" is she'll walk between your legs haha. I bought her basic supplies IF I get her so she won't come home to nothing.
If I get her my goal is to get get certified as a trama and emotional support therapy dog... Not just for me, but to take to hospitals, nursing homes, and my work to assist in certain situations there as well...I guess it'll bring it full circle. This is just the beginning of a long term plan I have with my life to help others using therapy pets...
Fingers crossed I'm approved and that my cats accept her once introductions are done properly! I brought home two wash cloths with the dogs scent so the cats can start to get used to it.
Wish me luck and I'll let you all know!
The main question is, do any of you have therapy dogs or emotional support dogs to help with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and/or disdociation? If so, what have your experiences been.. Good, bad, learning curve, etc. Do you have any suggestions?
I have 3 cats. They're my children and can easily pick up when I'm feeling off, try to comfort me when I'm anxious or panicking, and will just snuggle with me at all times.
Long story short, I was introduced at workwor a dog that was about to be to up for adoption. Our employer arranged it so once a week we take a dog from the humane society on a "doggy field trip" to get public exposure and socialize. I'm not a big dog person, especially larger dogs, but they asked me to be in their pics to post. I fell in love with her immediately and we clicked! She thinks she's a lap dog and then fell asleep on me! I think she's considered a plump medium size. You'd never think she's 2 with how calm she is!
I went to the shelter the next day to apply for her. They said my application looked great but I won't know a final answer until Monday. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but it's like a special bond already. Co-workers never saw me light up that much ever and are putting in a good word for me. In the shelters' field she followed me around, ran with me, which I never do (she's faster haha) and she'd chase the ball and come back to me (without the ball lol). I still have not heard her bark, nor has she jumped up at all in excitement, both things that shy me away from dogs. She never pulled on her leash either. The only "issue" is she'll walk between your legs haha. I bought her basic supplies IF I get her so she won't come home to nothing.
If I get her my goal is to get get certified as a trama and emotional support therapy dog... Not just for me, but to take to hospitals, nursing homes, and my work to assist in certain situations there as well...I guess it'll bring it full circle. This is just the beginning of a long term plan I have with my life to help others using therapy pets...
Fingers crossed I'm approved and that my cats accept her once introductions are done properly! I brought home two wash cloths with the dogs scent so the cats can start to get used to it.
Wish me luck and I'll let you all know!