Ptsd And Animals

[Never_falter2]

What has your experience with PTSD and animals been like? My husband rides and we own dogs and both has contributed to his health.

 

[Bristol]

I love my animals, i have a rescue dog and two rescue rabbits. Looking after them and keeping then safe and spoiling them rotten gives me a feeling of being useful and the unconditional love from my dog makes me feel alot better :)

 

[Crow]

At times, my animals are the only things that have kept me on this earth. Overall, caring for them has taught me self care. Still a struggle both with them and me but I'm getting better by degrees.

 

[Gs172003]

I have chickens and I freaking love them.

 

[Sophie's Daddy]

One major symptom of my ptsd is that I have difficulty meeting people and maintaining social relationships.

I'm not always coming from a good place inside and, quite frankly, often just want to run and hide from people. It's the shame I carry, I suppose.

But my 8 year old Belgian Malinois Sophie has been my service dog nearly all her life and she's my saving grace.

She's a strikingly beautiful dog and draws attention from people we meet, leaving me out of their spotlight until I can warm up to the idea of meeting someone new.

The compliments I always-not just sometimes-get somehow restore my confidence.

And the smiling responses she draws from people opens up my mind to interact, for any fears of hostility from anyone evaporate just like that.

She's my angel, yes, but my social lifeline, too. I'm grateful, and proud to call her my friend.

 

[Never_falter2]

She is very beautiful.

 

[Gs172003]

I spent 10 minutes this am chasing a hen down to wrap her in a blanket to treat a torn comb by myself. And I'd do it again.

 

[Gs172003]

My friends

 

[The Albatross]

At my worst times I can do for them what I can't or won't even do for myself. Through my animal companions, I learned that my brain was a liar and I could function and provide and care for living things. Then it just became a question of how to apply that ability to my own self care.

 

[Gs172003]

You know what I think it is?? Having something fully trust you and some animals love you the in the way you wish it was done for you. You care for them and take care of their needs AND YOU SUCCEED.

 

[Gs172003]

I hate this phone

 

[EveHarrington]

Well yeah, I know my dog isn't going to f*ck me over.

I can't say that about any human.

Animals are awesome.