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]

This is Great news Tbird.

A non vet woman on CNN news last night was stopped from bringing her small dog into the court hearing for that Colorado killer the other day. She had lost her daughter in the shooting and the dog was such a comfort to her so Jane Vedez Mitchell told her to look into a service program (for civilians) to possibly see if she can be accommodated to bring her dog everywhere.

People who have never had pets cannot understand sometimes how much joy and comfort they can bring.

I sure hope you have your service dog soon!

[Pete53]

Many places restrict dogs to trained service dogs. There is a few groups who help train your dog you can even get the the right leashes and a thing that says don't pet me I am working and service dog on it.

I think that the Court should have allowed the woman to take her dog in with her.

But to more important things I am glad that you are going to get your dog.

[carlie]

Lady T,

Great news.

Have you been watching the videos?

[Tbird]

Lady T,

Great news.

Have you been watching the videos?

Watching video's, reading articles, looking at doggy pictures. :)

[Guest t�e�r�r�y�s�t�u�r�g�i�s]

Sounds like the time for you to be getting your service dog is getting near. Yee HAAAAW!

[chinavet]

Good luck!!

I was accepted for mine....I'm waiting .... They say one year...

Post pics when it happens!