ptsd My Journey To Get A Psd - Ptsd Service Dog

[Tbird]

As some of you may know my sweet little pug Etta James passed away Sept 29, 2010. It's been a difficult mourning process for me and as the immobilizing grief started to ease I felt a deep loneliness. I thought about another dog, however I'm not at the point in my life where a puppy is a good solution for me nor is a shelter dog.

I thought a lot about my little Etta and began to realize I needed not just a pet but also a partner who could help me with my PTSD. Looking back over the years I could see how my Etta helped me do that from nightmares to strange noises she was always there to reassure me and just seemed to naturally learn when she needed to clown and when she needed to cuddle. I thought about how unlikely it would be to find another dog like that.

However, not wanting to give up I started researching breeds and came across information on service dogs for veterans with PTSD, I read a bunch and watched a lot of videos. I talked to my psychologist and to my psychiatrist about it, both agreed it would be good for me. I called the VA to find out about it, I looked on the internet, I had a bit of a hard time finding information on anything in my area.

With some luck I found a place in my area that does train PTSD service dogs, I called my PTSD clinic nurse manager and she had heard of the organization and they had a good reputation. So I took a deep breath and called them, they were very helpful and kind. I completed my application and mailed it in yesterday. So we will see what happens. My psychiatrist has to fax them a form confirming I have a diagnosis of PTSD and hopefully they will do that sooner rather than later. The application process takes time, I've completed the first step. If my application is accepted then they will schedule a home visit. When a dog is a available I must attend a two week training session which is to train me on how to work with the dog and to develop a bond between me and my new best friend.

If you want to read about the organization that I went through their website is here http://supportdogs.org/ If you want to watch some videos about PTSD dogs you can find some here http://ow.ly/4bz6n

I'll post back here to let you know whether my application is accepted or not. Wish me luck!

[Tbird]

Thank you Chu Lai, perhaps the next time we have coffee, I will have a new friend with me wouldn't that be nice :)

Remember your own words Tbird! "But all good things are worth waiting for. So far so good" Be patient you will soon greet your new found friend and house mate. All good things happen to good people who keep the faith. Remember my salute. Respect, honor, and the Love of your fellow comrades will help keep you sane until SPOT gets there LOL Hang tight!! I think its a wonderful idea!!

[john999]

This could start a real trend! A PTSD dog would be great since many PTSD suffers have a hard time going out in public by themselves.

[hedgey]

Tbird, I'm so happy this is happening for you! Wishing you so much good luck :)

I talked to my therapist about it... he'd never heard of it, but after showing him all the stuff I'd printed off the Internet, he said he didn't think it would be good for me. He said that people with SD's are very frequently approached by strangers with questions and comments, and he didn't think the attention would help me.

When he put it like that, the thought of people coming up to me to ask if they could pet my dog, what's he for?, etc.... too scary! I'd rather stay as invisible as possible....

But I met a lady at the Trauma Recovery Program who had one, and he brought her so much comfort... I hope they accept your application and it works out for you, Tbird!!

[Tbird]

Thank you Hedgey. I am somewhat concerned about that myself, however, weighing out the good from the bad took me a long time. I have been reading how to navigate those types of encounters. I am apprehensive about this aspect of having a service dog, however after long thought I still think the good out weighs the bad. I certainly do understand your concerns and they are valid, I hope that it works out for me.

Tbird, I'm so happy this is happening for you! Wishing you so much good luck :)

I talked to my therapist about it... he'd never heard of it, but after showing him all the stuff I'd printed off the Internet, he said he didn't think it would be good for me. He said that people with SD's are very frequently approached by strangers with questions and comments, and he didn't think the attention would help me.

When he put it like that, the thought of people coming up to me to ask if they could pet my dog, what's he for?, etc.... too scary! I'd rather stay as invisible as possible....

But I met a lady at the Trauma Recovery Program who had one, and he brought her so much comfort... I hope they accept your application and it works out for you, Tbird!!

[Bonzai]

From The Pink Panther Strikes Again -

Clouseau: Does your dog bite?

Hotel Clerk: No.

Clouseau: [bowing down to pet the dog] Nice doggie.

[Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand]

Clouseau: I thought you said your dog did not bite!

Hotel Clerk: That's not my dog.

[Tbird]

My interview for a PTSD service dog. It seemed to go ok. Those dogs are so smart they are amazing. They can even help me with my balance which sometimes is a bit off. It will be a week or two before I find out if I am approved and if I am then it's about a year wait to get a dog and then two weeks of intensive team training. I'll let you know what happens. Fingers crossed.