I was in a very dark place a year ago. I had been already struggling with PTSD for several years,when my husband unexpectedly died last June, at 41 years old. I got very depressed...really had a hard time seeing beyond each breath, each hour, each day. I isolated myself, sometimes did not go out for a week or two,and even then it was only to see my therapist, or to do needed shopping with my daughter. It was a very dark time.
Then, after reading an article about vets with PTSD, and their service dogs…I suddenly knew...I needed a dog. Really needed a dog. I talked to my doctor,who agreed....and a few weeks later I got a puppy to slowly train as a service dog.
That was in December…she is now nine months old. She has helped me so much. I take her out for walks, each day. She is good company, my constant shadow. She sleeps with me at night, and my nightmares have lessened. My depression has gotten much better. And she helps me to be a little more social. I have also begun to train her to assist with specific needs….greatly helpful. A dog...or any pet....can be so positive.They take some of the focus off yourself, they give you someone to care for, they require exercise and time outside....not to mention that they can help alleviate PTSD symptoms, or be trained to help with specific issues.
@hodge ...it certainly sounds like having Gunner around is a good thing! Have you thought of getting a dog of your own?
