Animals, pets, Psychiatric Service Dogs

Hi,

I'm going home this weekend, which will be rough, but I'm looking forward to seeing my dogs. I was thinking about it, and they've always helped a lot. Maybe it's the routine? When they are on a routine I am on a routine. I think one of the hardest things about being at college is not having my dogs. I was wondering if anyone on here had pets, or used animals in their therapy, or a PSD. I had a psychologist who brought his dog into therapy once, and I opened up a lot more (usually I lie or hide things from my psychologist/therapist).

I don't know, I really like animals! If you have animals or pets you should post pictures of them! I want to see them! I will post pictures later when I can.

There is no question that pets are VERY theraputic. I remember one of my hypomanic phases where my heart was racing so fast, NOTHING would help. I felt like I had ran around the block as fast as I could go, but I was laying on the couch dead still, and this went on for days. I tried pills, watching tv, cleaning the house. The ONLY thing that would calm me is petting my baby cat. Some prisions allow for pets because its proven to calm the prisoners and help with depression. The reason is simple. Animals, don't judge, hate or prejudge. They don't care if you fat or skinny, rich or poor, have what our issues are. They dont care if we are young or old, how much money we have, or what color our skin is. They will never lie, cheat or steal, or violate us. We can tell them all of our problems, and they wont laugh or judge, or tell a soul. They love us just the way we are.. plain and simple.

I tried to attach photos, but couldn't. I have a dog and 2 cats and don't know what I would do without them. When I was not doing well, they were they only thing keeping me alive (who would take care of them if I was gone). Now that I'm doing better, their companionship and antics keep me entertained.

PS if you are a dog lover and need a pick-me -up, check out dog-shaming.com

I have a dog and I definitely have to agree with you about them helping you stay on a schedule. Every morning I wake up and take my dog out at the same time each day. This gives me a reason to get out of bed every morning which in turn helps with keeping my sleep schedule on track. Sleep is something VERY important to me in maintaining my moods.

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k399 ... 0_0325.jpg

Okay, this one makes me laugh!
http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k399 ... 0_0328.jpg

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k399 ... 0_0331.jpg

Here are some pictures of my dogs! The blonde Chow Chow mix is Cameron, and the red mutt is Duncan! They have helped me through so much. Sometimes they are the only good thing in my life.

Sooooooooo cute ^^

I have a cat called Sebastian and he helps me loads - he is lovely. I think pets are very therapeutic

Cracked