Miracles do happen! i'm getting a service dog!

[HëllaBubz]

I've been wanting a service dog for a while, I can see the benefits, and I hate being stuck at home because dealing with the public in general is unpleasant and usually puts me back in bed as soon as I get home.

Otherwise, I become snappy, shaky, lose concentration and really, really irritable.

About 4 days ago, I met with a breeder who turned out to be someone I used to work with, and when he heard my story he felt for me, and was going to offer me a pup for about a third or less of the going rate for a purebred Standard Schnauzer.

When I met him, and explained what I needed, my tentative joy turned to despair because he thought the breed wouldn't work for me, and so I needed to look elsewhere.

Two days ago, I rang Guide Dogs to see if they had any failed dogs, and they told me a few other places to look.

Long story short, I rang an organization to ask them if they had a failed dog that I could take and train, and the lady laughed and said that she had just the dog for me!

He's a jet black curly haired retriever, 12 months old who had to be retrained because the family he went to didn't treat him properly.

The best part is, he's a purebred, with papers, and the only thing they are asking of me is the shipping fees to bring him to Melbourne!

I can't say the name of the organization because they don't do things like this very often, but they said that something about my story touched them, and there was a clear need for me to have a dog!

So long as I can scrape together the shipping fees for him, I should have him within a month!

The only downside is that I think I'll have to cancel the engagement party / baby shower I had planned for September, but honestly, it's a long term investment that is going to help me recover as well as keep our baby safe and socialized!

It also means that my other half who has REALLY bad experiences with big and small dogs won't have to deal with an ill trained dog, and he knows that I'm safe at home or out and about.

Now to raise the funds for him - but I have another step towards recovery!

Maybe I can do this after all.

 

[nimkekaa]

I'm so happy for you! Retriever's are very sweet dogs.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'm confused as to why someone as highly functioning as you needs a service dog? Dare I say most of us would live to be where you're at? Gainfully employed, partner/fiancé, child on the way, and travels. Sorry if I missed some, this is what I've gleamed from the few posts I've read.

 

[p-no]

Congratulations, Bubzilla! That is great news! I hope you'll get the funds together soon and that you'll have a good time together!

 

[The Albatross]

Have you met the dog? The bond is important and should not be overlooked. Personalities should compliment each other.

 

[HëllaBubz]

someone as highly functioning as you

Gainfully employed, partner/fiancé, child on the way, and travels.

I tend to be positive about my recovery, and don't really talk too much about the parts which bring my life to a crashing heap.

All that glitters is not gold ScaredOfLonely.

I feel like I have to defend myself here, but honestly, I just deleted the huge response I was going to write to you, because it was too depressing for me, and brought up too much pain, anxiety and grief.


I will say this though.

I was forced off medication on the 2nd of April, I had 2 days to decrease my dose, then it was ceased.

I will be off medication for AT LEAST 2 years, and I am at a very serious risk of post natal depression.

All the benefits I had of being stable on medication are now GONE.

My body is now dealing with the stress of being pregnant, going through withdrawal, and coping without the chemical balancing.

I cannot work, have not been able to since February.

I have tried, and am in the process of failing miserably, to return to study.

I cannot leave the house due to anxiety, if I do I spend the next day in bed, battling anxiety.

Our house has had 6 attempted break-in's in the past year, the most recent was a week ago, being off medications is bad enough, but I am constantly battling with not feeling safe.

The smallest sound wakes me when I am alone, and my heart starts to race, my breathing speeds up, and I spend at least an hour trying to bring it back down.

My partner skimped on the basics for over a year, and got help from my parents and brother to fund the first holiday I've had in 4 years, a cruise is actually cheaper than flying and accommodation.

Just because I have a child on the way and am trying to be positive about it does not mean that I am ready, nor should be having a child.

I've nearly been hit by cars, buses and other vehicles because the amount of dissociation has increased since I was forced, *cold turkey* off medication.

I am not high functioning, I cannot even clean my own house or remember to fold my clothes.

Just because things were going well a few months ago doesn't mean that things are going well now.


And last but not least, this dog is also trained to make sure that my baby will be safe, and to alert me when I am have a 'lack of brain' day.


Now.....Alby!

I'm actually quite familiar with the breed, as my parents have the flat coated breed of this dog.
There will be time for me to bond with the dog, the months leading up to the birth are what we are using for the bonding process.

I'm looking forward to the freedom that having a service dog will afford me, and that I'll be able to function outside of the house like a normal person (somewhat) again.

 

[JustBe]

I am SO happy Bubzy! I am dancing inside! :D:joyful:

Wonderful news! Enjoy your new adventure :happy:

 

[The Albatross]

I wasn't being snarky, I know that in litters, not all pups are suited for service animals. That's all.

 

[HëllaBubz]

All good Alby, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come across as defensive!

Fortunately, he actually is 12 months old, and has already been used as a service dog, so he has demonstrated his ability and suitability.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness though, it is sweet (like you) and I appreciate it.

xo

 

[DharmaGirl]

Oh, Bubs, I am so happy for you! I have Nugget, my service dog in training, and she helped me so much. I am so glad you were able to get one. I know how hard it is to be off the meds when you are pregnant, and pregnancy brings its own kind of weirdness. Its great that you got a big dog too. I find my big girls make me feel safe since so many people are afraid of them because of their size. I hope you get him/her soon!

 

[amethist]

Good luck with the service dog, I hope it turns out to be the life safer you so deserve.

 

[StarChild]

I am SO happy Bubzy! I am dancing inside!

I feel really the same as Movin'On does, and I would like to join in the dance, (if it's o.k. for you, Movin'On) :) :D:) :)

Dear Bubz, my heart is so happy for you - You really went through a lot the last weeks! A dog is a really wonderful friend! Alone his presence will bring joy and calmness into your heart.

May I ask, and I don't want to attack you or be disrespectful: Last time, when you wanted a foster dog, your fiance wasn't very helpful with his behavior.... Well, what about your new service dog? I don't want you to be hurt, sad and disappointed deep to your heart, like the last time.

You don't have to answer me, if it makes you sad... It is o.k. for me. Just know, you're in my heart. I'm looking forward to the first pictures of you and your new friend, your service dog. :)