Hi,
I don't know what it's like to have ptsd, but I do work with dogs and know quite a bit about them and what they mean for their people. A dog can be incredibly helpful in so many situations. The one thing I would point out is that you have to think about what you can offer the dog, not just what the dog can do for you. It's a long term commitment, a heart-break when it's their time. None of them live long enough. Can you handle that? If so, then absolutely talk to a trainer before heading for the shelter to get more of an idea about what kind of temperament/breed would suit your lifestyle. I see too many families who get the wrong dog for them, and it's hard for the dog who relies on them for everything. I'm absolutely not wanting to discourage you. A dog could be your best friend, your reason to get up in the morning, your way to meet people and go to new places, keep you grounded and in the here and now. Healing a rescue dog could help you heal in ways you might not even have considered. I'm simply saying, make sure you are willing to offer the same for the dog. I've taken on rescue animals for decades now, and it's what makes me happy. Everyone deserves a second chance at a happy ending. A dog could do that for you, but for me the starting point is, can I do it for them?
I don't know what it's like to have ptsd, but I do work with dogs and know quite a bit about them and what they mean for their people. A dog can be incredibly helpful in so many situations. The one thing I would point out is that you have to think about what you can offer the dog, not just what the dog can do for you. It's a long term commitment, a heart-break when it's their time. None of them live long enough. Can you handle that? If so, then absolutely talk to a trainer before heading for the shelter to get more of an idea about what kind of temperament/breed would suit your lifestyle. I see too many families who get the wrong dog for them, and it's hard for the dog who relies on them for everything. I'm absolutely not wanting to discourage you. A dog could be your best friend, your reason to get up in the morning, your way to meet people and go to new places, keep you grounded and in the here and now. Healing a rescue dog could help you heal in ways you might not even have considered. I'm simply saying, make sure you are willing to offer the same for the dog. I've taken on rescue animals for decades now, and it's what makes me happy. Everyone deserves a second chance at a happy ending. A dog could do that for you, but for me the starting point is, can I do it for them?
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