Poll Do You Have Pets / Animal Companions?

[coolgirl]

I was just watching dog tricks on a site today and it really made me want a pet. I read somewhere that they can actually help us get well by our focusing our attention on their needs instead of our own.

 

[anthony]

I read somewhere that they can actually help us get well by our focusing our attention on their needs instead of our own.

That is not getting well by using distraction techniques for avoidance, that will only harness PTSD to come back bigger and better within a week or two. I believe animals could have an impact though during the management phase, that I will say. Many see animals as a way to relax, so I am agreeing with you and disagreeing coolgirl, more the disagreement aspect in relation to anything that you use and knowingly do to avoid.

 

[Deleted member 93]

Maybe cool worded it wrong, for you as what you took it as I did not. Only cool can clarify. Pets do make us look beyond our own needs and to theirs... Like the world does not solely revolve around us and our needs. I think a pet even before management does wonders for us there. Then the ability to center us when we lose it. I would have been lost way longer than I was without my critters to pet and return nurture. I do not see them as distracting but a taste of enjoying moments for what they are like the rest of the population does daily and takes for granted.

 

[Miles]

I had a dog and a cat at home, I have a cat here at college for that sole purpose.

 

[morgan]

Anthony,
I pet my dog when I need to ground myself and that is a technique I learned in the hospital. I find this to be one of my most effective grounding techniques and so consider it part of my recovery. Focusing on something outside yourself is part of the healing process. JMHO
Take care, Morgan

 

[LostInTheFog]

My horse is the greatest part of my world. Just looking into the big brown knowing eyes is like a tranquilizer! He is a black Thoroughbred named Zevon. The close and healing relationship between horses and humans is an enchanting, wondrous, thing, but hard to explain. You become one, and you can fly. You learn trust, because he has to trust YOU. I do go through a lot of guilt due to the fact that many times I cannot leave the house to go see him where I keep him. I will want to go so bad, but do not move. Knowing, that when I get there, it is so wonderful, I am in my element! I do not understand that and it drives me crazy trying. Dr said there is no rhyme or reason sometimes.

I also have a fabulous dog, a blue merle Australian Shepherd/Border collie, named Silver. He keeps me laughing and feeling very loved. I think he really thinks I am his mom. Guilt too about not giving him the attention I wanted to over this last yr.

I think animals are wonderful therapy. There is even a therapy now using horses, I think EAGALA is the acronym if you want to look it up.

"Thou shalt fly without wings"~

 

[Chissi]

I have a beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat named Bailey. She is the love of my life.

Chissi

 

[sweetface]

Abandonment is my PTSD issue. Since I would not put myself in relationships for 12 years I bought my doggie Katie. I needed to love something, so she was the perfect thing. I have had relationships in the last 4 years but her devotion is more fulfilling.

 

[judyandsus]

I have a mini red smooth dachshund by the name of SusieQ. Named from the CCR song. She just turned ten on Sunday. I don't go many places with out her. If she isn't welcome then neither am I. She is the light of my life!

 

[Dylan]

We currently have 4 dogs and 2 cats. I would love more, but the expense makes it difficult.

I take my "hiker dog" on all my hikes with me and love to be alone with just him and me.

Animals are the only beings that I can be really present around, without constant, straining effort. Trying to stay present around people is, for me, rather like trying to keep two opposing magnets together....I can do it to a degree, but it takes constant tension to hold myself there. The minute I quit paying attention, I'm gone.

In fact, it's even usually easier for me to be present alone with my animals than when alone with just myself! My default around people is to be removed, pulled in/back. It would be a cross between dissociated and hypervigilant I guess....I'm not really present because I have one foot out the door....but watching everything....hard to explain, but I bet I don't need to, eh?

-Dylan

 

[Seychelle]

I have a cat. We've had her nearly a year. It was extremely triggering when we first got her. My stress levels were through the roof for the first month or so. She had needs and wanted to be patted and that triggered so much childhood stuff. I'm a lot better with her now, but I still sometimes get triggered by her asking for attention or if she's scratching the furniture. I don't really relate to what others have written in this thread.

 

[wildfirewildone]

I have an 11 yr. old cat named Hayley..She's a Grey Tiger with 4 white feet and underbelly which comes up her chest over her face and nose and then ends just above her cute pink nose..I got her 10 years ago at the county animal shelter....She's my best bud and is quite talkative especially when I'm on the phone!! She's very sensitive to how I'm feeling and very comforting when I'm at my worst..I truly can't imagine life without her!!