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!

[Bonzai]

Wishing for the best Tbird! I didn't realize that it took so long to get one.

[carlie]

Tbird,

I surely hope you are approved and that it takes much less

time than usual to get your helper buddy : -)

[halos2]

Have you heard anything about this yet T=bird??

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.

[Tbird]

I am going for a second interview at the end of this month. Hopefully I will know something soon. My back up plan is to get a doggie if this doesn't work out for me. My little pug Etta James passed away in Sept 2010 and I think it is time for a new buddy. If the support dog plan doesn't work out I will have to give some thought on what kind of breed I should get next. I'm not sure I could get another pug. I prefer to get a pure breed dog rather than a mutt only because I like as few surprises as possible. Behavioral or health problems showing up are not something that would be easy for me to cope with. I took a cat in several years ago she was a darling calico I named Eartha Kitty, she had feline leukemia we had a wonderful couple of years together the three of us, but it was heart wrenching to let her go.

Have you heard anything about this yet T=bird??

[Pete53]

I suggest that you consider a dog from the working dog group. I am partial to golden retrievers, but labs and any dog is great but a service dog trained can prevent a lot of problems. I am also partial to female dogs. We have two not always feasible but most dogs are very social and with two they have companionship also.

Anyway good luck on your interview.

[Wings]

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Good Luck Tbird!! I hope you get the dog you need!! ~Wings