I find the touch of animals to be equally theraputic as the touch of a human. I was at the hospital today and I met the most amazing dog and his owner. He is a service dog, for PTSD, and since I foound out about them a couple of weeks ago, I really, really want one. He was a beautiful chocolate lab and the lady said she had to wait two years for him and that he cost thirty thousand dollars. Since the dogs are sponsered, it doesn't cost the person anything. I am going to sign up right away.

Animals love unconditionally and they are said to be specially good for people who have MH issues. They don't care what you look like, what your problem is, if you are too short or too tall, too thin or too fat. All they see is your heart and the love you show them.

And getting a dog is an investment in time I'm willing to make. I go for a week or even two without going out of the house. But dogs need walked and they need play and to go to the park. The need grooming and brushing, feeding and making sure they are always healthy and don't need a trip to the vet. And it doesn't make and difference if you are depressed-you still have this wonderful creature, always there to help you hand onto the world, and it's your job to take care of them.

And glok, I am very sorry you didn't get any love as a child. It does, indeed, set patterns that mark you for life. So, do you have any animals or have you thought about getting one? If you don't want to wait for a service dog, I'm sure there are many fine dogs at the pound that would be overjoyed to give you love and affection all day long.