Service dogs

[yoshixvx]

I have been thinking about getting a service dog for close to a year now, and am ready to have my P sign the application forms. It's a long process that will take a few years (which is frustrating but understandable), and right now I do have my senior cat who is a great source of comfort.. but not really motivating me to do much except stay inside all day.

I am wondering if any sufferers have a service dog, or know someone who does, and can relay any information about how it has helped them.

 

[Wolvescry]

My dogs get me out of the house a lot. I go running and hiking with them all the time. It helps keep me occupied and be able to see the beauty I miss out on when I get depressed and stay in. They make me excited to come home from work etc.. because when I get there they celebrate and cuddle. They show concern when I am down, and give plenty of love, and make me feel safe. I say they changed my life. Do not get me wrong, it is not like I am cured, it just makes things easier. To have someone to live for and enjoy life with, and to explore nature knowing they protect me. They also keep me occupied when I am stress and facing triggers. I highly recommend one or two ;)

 

[Joan]

I just got a PTSD service dog 3 weeks ago....we are still adjusting and figuring it out, but the bond is already amazing. He searches my apartment before I come in, he stays at my side, is beginning to recognize when I am going to have a flashback, He cuddles with me at night and makes me feel safer. I think over time I will gain confidence in going out. when we are out in public he is always touching me letting me know that he is there.

 

[FindingMyself88]

I should start training with my service dog in a month, which means I will have it home in 3 months. We will still attend classes until we are certified, but this is the one thing that keeps me going. My two chihuahuas help a little, in that they love to cuddle, but they can't go with me everywhere, nor can they awake me from nightmares, etc. I am not going back to school until I have my SD. Good luck with your process!

 

[keifer]

I didn't think a SD would be good for me. There are more vets out there who need them more than I! I'm starting to change my mind. It's very hard for me to catch myself having a flashback at times. I don't know about nightmares, as I try and ignore them so I don't remember them at at night.

I wish that scar in my brain wouldn't be there. It didn't have to happen the way it did! Why are people so selfish in placing their needs above others?

 

[yoshixvx]

My dogs get me out of the house a lot. I go running and hiking with them all the time. It helps keep me occupied and be able to see the beauty I miss out on when I get depressed and stay in.

Yes, this is the issue I have right now - plenty of motivation (I love hiking and adventure), but social and PTSD fears overwhelm me and I end up bailing on most activities I want to do. I feel like the commitment to a SD would be enough incentive to follow through on leaving the house (I would not have a choice), and maybe that is exactly what I need to begin reintegration with society.

Plus, the skills these dogs have seem fantastic! The grounding and protection instincts specifically.. I don't have those things in my life right now (unless they are self-imposed, which is not always an option) and I think that reassurance would be beneficial as well.

Thanks everyone, your experiences seem promising :)

 

[JustBe]

I have been partnered with a Service dog for five years now. She is an indispensable part of my world. I would be lost without her.

 

[JustBe]

https://www.myptsd.com/threads/the-advantages-disadvantages-of-service-dogs.33640/

 

[aka]

I am currently training a service dog for myself. Had a sent back since my first candidate dog became immensely fear reactive to other dogs. My current candidate is so much different and has really brightened my world the last three weeks I have had her. I hope she makes it though training. Yoshixvx I how you application gets accepted. :)

 

[shimmerz]

I so wish we had this option here in Ontario. I desperately need a dog as it is very trying on my friends to have to accompany me everywhere. I am so happy that you all have this option available to you all and will love watching this thread. As far as I know the cost of a PTSD service dog is inhibitive here. @yoshixvx you are from Ontario are you not? Are you paying for a dog or do you know of a place that supports or helps supplement the cost of a PTSD dog?