Animal therapy - do you have a four-legged friend?

No I don’t have a animal yet I have not found the right one yet.

I have a rescue dog, Skeezix, a German Shepherd/Akita/Shiba Inu mix and a rescue cat, Midnight.  They aren't official therapy animals but they are a big help to me during bad days!  They tend to center me on those days!  Both are equally intuitive about my moods!  They will lay with me on my depressive days and will go through funny antics for laughs.  Wouldn't trade them for the world!!

No I don’t have an animal.  I don’t like dogs, all they do is bark.  I’ve got one under me that never shuts up and I’m not able to get any sleep because of that ass.

We had dogs as a part of our family ever since we were married in 1969. Each dog became a member of our family and lived long, healthy lives. Our first two dogs were pure bred, a Long Haired Daschund and a Bassett Hound. 

Our next two dogs were rescues, a Rottweiler, Shepherd, Retriever mix and our current 12 year old American Staffordshire Terrier who we rescued from a local shelter when she was 2 years old.

Having a dog as a family member enhances the entire family. Before we retired it was always a comforting feeling to be welcomed home by an enthusiastic dog. Now that we're retired we get to spend all of our time with our dog. When family and friends come over to visit they love playing with her too. She is loving and loyal and very protective. But she loves playing with children and keeps us active! 

I have my Scooby Doo. He’s a Chiwienie(1/2 Chihuahua & 1/2 Dachshund). He’s the best. He sleeps snuggled right up next to me and it helps with the PTSD nightmares. I’ve had him 5 years now and we’ve been through a lot. He’ll be 6 on Valentines Day 2022.

@meljo63 you can get your pup authorized as a companion animal by your psychiatrist. They cannot tell you no at that point. Well, at least in the states. Ask your apartment manager for the forms for you to have your dr complete so you could have your companion animal.

@meljo63 Look-up data for service dogs. Print it where it shows they are valuating law for keeping you from a service animal. good luck...

Before the pandemic I wanted to volunteer at the local dog shelter but it’s closed. In 1999 I was in a horrific motorcycle accident, I had a panoramic break of my face; which means every bottom bone from top to bottom is broken. I lost my sense of smell and I also lost vision in one eye. I have seven pins in my leg I had to learn how to walk again. I had 21 pints of blood and was in the coma for a month. On January 2 my best friend died of Covid and she was a dog person.  Trying to figure out how I get a therapy dog to rescue or a service dog. Any suggestions would be helpful....I was married to a man for 38 years and had seven kids and have one little angel. But I’m by myself now so I have my plans but I think I would like to have a fur baby.

  Electric fence to I live in a mobile home near a lake so a lot of preparation is needed.

So sorry for your losses. I’m glad to see you haven’t given up. Contact your psychiatrist if you have one or the local hospital. Many of the larger hospitals have therapy dogs that visit patients. If you can get the name of the breeder or trainer that brings these dogs to the hospital they might be able to help. The social worker at the hospital would probably be the best source of information for the name of the breeder or trainer or service. Many prayers for you in your recovery and your search for a fur baby companion. Virtual hugs for you too.🤗

I have a toy poodle Lucy and she is my life. I also have 3 cats. Lucy has gotten me thru 2 go around with cancer. She is the reason I get out of bed every day. When I came home from chemo she would lay on my neck and cuddle. Did I say she’s only 5 pounds. I never would have gotten thru the second round without her