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!

[Berta]

Tbird, that picture is so exciting to all of us who have 'known' you for years and years..........

WOW!!!!

I am VERY Happy for you and your dog!!!!!!

The Service dogs are truly Life changing events!!!!!

I sure appreciate that picture here Tbird.......and you both look Great!!!!!

I used to have cats and ordered almost all of my pet food on line. That was a good move when the weather would get bad here , and if the cat provisions got low, I used the online food as a back up instead of fighting the ice and snow . I think I used Petsmart and National Pet Pharmacy on line.

I went down the hill on an early icy morning once ,before the snowplow came, just to buy birdseed for my chickadees at the local farm feed store.

As I got back home ,my police/EMS scanner said there had just been a roll over accident near the curvy road I took to the feed store,which borders right on the river.

Geez, oh well...... as a livestock farmer for 8 years, I sure always had enough hay,corn and oats for the livestock but when the pet food or bird seed got low, I found I got stressed up in the winter time.

This was a great post to read this AM!!!!!!!!

[jbasser]

I saw that on Facebook. What a wonderful thing. Cinder is already paying huge dididinds.

J

[hedgey]

Tbird, I am so very happy for you and your new best friend. She's a lucky girl!

Thank you for sharing your glad news. :)

[chinavet]

I followed the advice here and called Freedom Service Dogs in Denver. Got Gander in just 7 months!!

We get complimented everywhere on his behavior and personality

He's up for Hero Dog of the Year in the Humane Assn awards.

Saved my life!!

If anyone checks out FSC tell them the China Vet sent you. They will know...

[Tbird]

Thank you Berta, it is so wonderful words just can't describe.

Tbird, that picture is so exciting to all of us who have 'known' you for years and years..........

WOW!!!!

I am VERY Happy for you and your dog!!!!!!

The Service dogs are truly Life changing events!!!!!

I sure appreciate that picture here Tbird.......and you both look Great!!!!!

I used to have cats and ordered almost all of my pet food on line. That was a good move when the weather would get bad here , and if the cat provisions got low, I used the online food as a back up instead of fighting the ice and snow . I think I used Petsmart and National Pet Pharmacy on line.

I went down the hill on an early icy morning once ,before the snowplow came, just to buy birdseed for my chickadees at the local farm feed store.

As I got back home ,my police/EMS scanner said there had just been a roll over accident near the curvy road I took to the feed store,which borders right on the river.

Geez, oh well...... as a livestock farmer for 8 years, I sure always had enough hay,corn and oats for the livestock but when the pet food or bird seed got low, I found I got stressed up in the winter time.

This was a great post to read this AM!!!!!!!!

[mrs rockman (widow of vet)]

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

Yes, you are so very right. What a fantastic picture of you and Cinder!! Dogs are truly so wonderful to have around. They know what kind of day you are having and act accordingly I have a Border Collie, Misty, and she always knew when David was having a rough day. She would come up and sit by his chair and would not leave his side except to go and take a walk/bathroom break. Misty was my cue to how he was doing even though he would always say he was fine.

Tbird, just keep us up-to-date about you and Cinder. Cinder is so lucky to have you and you are very lucky to have Cinder!

What a perfect combination!!

God Bless!

Celia, Mrs. R