My Healing Puppy!!

[pandora]

I swear my dog knows when I am having a bad day. She is not a trained PTsD dog but I swear she knows..today ( I am experiencing some huge withdrawals right now) She has been curled up and at my side all day. She is just the best thing I could have done for myself a few months back. She sleeps cuddled up to me every night too and I love that. The other day when I was crying she was licking and licking my face. I just love her.

I bought her a shirt and put in on her..every time I look at her I read the phrase....I am so worth it! That is what the little shirt says. My own little cbt..I tell myself these words. I find that it is helping me to beleive that I AM worth it and worth so much more that I thought. Now to just get over the next couple of weeks. I know I am a cheezeball and I can be hokey but I honestly think my puppy is helping me to think more clearly. I just wanted to share this with anyone that thinks that like I did..I really was lonely but I did not want anymore people company. I like being alone for the time being and she filled the void for now. Maybe when I am stronger I will seek out more interpersonal relationships...right now..she is just what I need.

 

[2quilt]

That sounds lovely! Love her and tell her what she does for you!

 

[Pam]

Many therapy dogs are born, not made. Dogs and cats know when someone is upset. They are very tuned to stress noises and can be quite maternal. Even if they are males or have been fixed. Believe it or not, birds are also tuned to stress noise. Parrots are especially capable of providing care when stress noises are made. Many of the corvids (crows, magpies, ravens, etc) can be very comforting as well.

 

[a3a2]

I want one!!!!! :)

 

[Grama-Herc]

Pan

You have been sent a "Special Gift" at just the right time in your life. Love her. Treasure her. Be thankful for her.

I missed her name...... She should be called Grace, because it is by the grace of god she came to live with you when you needed her most.

She knows your soul inside and out. She feels your pain, senses your sadness, and knows just what to do for you and when to do it.

I smile just thinking of the bond the 2 of you are forming. You are beginning to learn just how close 2 separate souls can become, kinda like Hercules and I

.

 

[shiraz]

aaawwww! A little angel sent to watch over you ... precious!

I have my own angels too and I feel the same way about them as you do about yours :)

 

[Deleted member 541]

Pand,

Yup, love that little fur ball to bits.......She deserves it, and so do you.....I had a cat once, that did the same for me. If I was down with a migraine, it never left my side, and sometime my stomach/chest......If i slept on my back, the cat was on my chest or stomach... If I rolled over, it just kind of slid off me, and stayed by my side.....

Hang in there hon...This too shall pass......

 

[pandora]

Thank you everyone for the much needed support....

Herc..her name is Ella..I call her Ellbella..because I think she is beautiful! I started to cry in a good way when I read your post Herc..and needless to say I am typing with a puppy head bobbing up and down on my forearm because she is resting her head on me. Sometimes she chases the mouse on the computer screen too. She was brought to me when I needed her the most!!!

 

[Paloma]

I hear ya. My three dogs, cat and parrot are my reason for getting out of a fetal position right now as I struggle with depression. Hoping I get the meds squared away soon. They make me feel safe when barking at strangers outside...when they verify sounds I hear are a flashback or real...when cuddling on me or next to me when the nights are long and my soul hurts... nudging me to feed or walk them...bring me their toys and show me life in the present moment can be joyful and silly. They remind me I am worthy because they love and trust me.
Paloma

 

[UConnclar]

Hi Pandora,
There is a real healing power in our pets, as you know. I actually left public school teaching to go be a dog trainer because of the sense of fulfillment I got from being around the dogs.

I have a rescued labrador named Gracie who is so tuned into me it can be scary sometimes.

Enjoy every moment you have with Ella; I know your bond is a very special one!

-Meg

 

[Ursa]

This story makes me want a dog too. And I am really a cat person rather than a dog person.

I was wondering what would a PTSD service dog do? I am curious.

 

[pandora]

I think they can sense when you are feeling anxious and unwell and just give us the support of not being left alone..there is a thread here somewhere about trained service dogs but I honsely do not know exactly how or what they train them to do I just know that there is such a program available. It is just not very well recognized.