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!

[usmcgirl]

Tbird.....did you ever get your Service dog?

[Tbird]

Not yet, it can take up to a year to place a dog with a veteran. By next summer I should have a new buddy.

Tbird.....did you ever get your Service dog?

[usmcgirl]

that's great! i am sooo excited and happy for you! It truly is going to change your life! I am not sure where you live but I went through www.canine-angels.net and they trained my dog, Beans, to be a bona fied service dog. - they don't usually do that but after hearing my case and seeing the dog and what not they took it and made it happen. I can't tell you how much it has helped me get through the day. Rick, the master trainer, is unbelievable. They work with Rolling Thunder and a bunch of Vet associations and local associations around our area. The dogs truly blow me away. Beans went from an out of control nut case to being a well behaved lady.... going with me everywhere, bringing me everything, meds, papers, putting dishes in the sink...you name it. along with the normal - sit, stay, heel, lay down,paw, take, bring, give, come. She got her license in about 3 months and everyday is reinforcement and more training to get her to the next level. A PTSD dog is a dog that does tasks but above that will provide comfort and be there for your moods and anxiety. Beans does all of that. When I have panic attacks she puts her head at my knees and nuzzles me till its over. For my nightmares she puts her face and paws on my chest and I know they aren't real. It truly is amazing to say the least. You can read about some of our journey on the canine page (cause i know Rick hasn't updated it in a while lol) if you like along with other Vets that are in the process and the dogs that are currently in training to become service dogs.

[Tbird]

that's great! i am sooo excited and happy for you! It truly is going to change your life! I am not sure where you live but I went through www.canine-angels.net and they trained my dog, Beans, to be a bona fied service dog. - they don't usually do that but after hearing my case and seeing the dog and what not they took it and made it happen. I can't tell you how much it has helped me get through the day. Rick, the master trainer, is unbelievable. They work with Rolling Thunder and a bunch of Vet associations and local associations around our area. The dogs truly blow me away. Beans went from an out of control nut case to being a well behaved lady.... going with me everywhere, bringing me everything, meds, papers, putting dishes in the sink...you name it. along with the normal - sit, stay, heel, lay down,paw, take, bring, give, come. She got her license in about 3 months and everyday is reinforcement and more training to get her to the next level. A PTSD dog is a dog that does tasks but above that will provide comfort and be there for your moods and anxiety. Beans does all of that. When I have panic attacks she puts her head at my knees and nuzzles me till its over. For my nightmares she puts her face and paws on my chest and I know they aren't real. It truly is amazing to say the least. You can read about some of our journey on the canine page (cause i know Rick hasn't updated it in a while lol) if you like along with other Vets that are in the process and the dogs that are currently in training to become service dogs.

Update: Talked with the folks I am getting my dog from in July 2012. I'm at the top of the list, I need the dog for balance also and a dog has to be a certain height for that. So I am thinking any time between now and the beginning of next year. So far so good. I've cleared out a place in the kitchen for their food and water bowl, I've practiced leaving my house and driving to the vet and the groomer and of course Petsmart. I'm printing out little maps of my house and marking off various short walk routes we can take and I have an area set aside for the dog's head if you will :) I am going to hire someone to cover it with that weed barrier and than put pea gravel on it, I checked with the trainers and the said that would work well and it is set off from the yard, so we can have the whole yard to play in. So we will see.

[Commander Bob]

Update: Talked with the folks I am getting my dog from in July 2012. I'm at the top of the list, I need the dog for balance also and a dog has to be a certain height for that. So I am thinking any time between now and the beginning of next year. So far so good. I've cleared out a place in the kitchen for their food and water bowl, I've practiced leaving my house and driving to the vet and the groomer and of course Petsmart. I'm printing out little maps of my house and marking off various short walk routes we can take and I have an area set aside for the dog's head if you will :) I am going to hire someone to cover it with that weed barrier and than put pea gravel on it, I checked with the trainers and the said that would work well and it is set off from the yard, so we can have the whole yard to play in. So we will see.

Good News... I'm happy for you Tbird.

Edited July 31, 2012 by Commander Bob

[Tbird]

Thank you Bob!