[kala83]

so I have been doing some research online about service dogs that are used to help people with mental health issues.

but I what I am finding is coming in bits and pieces if I did want to look into doing this I would not be able til about a year or so from now...since my boyfriend and I are trying to put back money for about a year maybe even two...so we can get out of my mom's place and see if we can find a place out in the country.

lol well at least this is what I would like to do.

I just need to do the research on how much it all might end up costing.

but I think that having a dog like this would be really a good thing for me and might help me with my issues. If anyone has any further info they could give me that would be amazing and helpful thanks.

[Ripose]

Dogs are wonderful animals. They are always happy to see you, they always love to play and often they sense when you are sick or down and they still come to be by your side.

Dogs are loyal, protective and will always remain your friend. They can bring a great deal of joy to your life. I wish I had one now!

[Victoria'smom]

http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html

Service Animal Basics - Pet Partners

[ifst5]

Just be mindful that there might be different legal standings between emotional support/therapeutic pets and service dogs. Where i'm from, people with service dogs (whether they be psychiatric or for a physical disability) can stay in a property that wouldn't otherwise allow pets. Be sure to go to a proper association and get all the appropriate documents. These must be kept safe so as to provide evidence if necessary. Getting assigned a service dog can actually be a long and arduous process, the waiting lists are often frustrating and even then it can take time to get an suitable match. So i would only really advise looking into service dogs if you're absolutely sure. Pet insurance/vet bills may well be covered for you by the association but food can still be quite expensive, so there's financial considerations too. Pets generally are a huge responsibility so if you're unsure i would wait until your circumstances feel more appropriate. Good luck.

[thickntired]

I know a girl in AA who got a pug service dog for PTSD. It was not a lengthy process and a very helpful companion. I think children and dogs are about the only ones I can trust in this crazy world.

I also had a friend who wanted to take her Akita everywhere with her. She went online and printed off a fake service dog card and had it laminated. She bought her dog, Shiva, a vest and took it to everywhere. She claimed to have seizures so it was an alert dog, but I never saw her have a seizure lol.

I would like a service cat or a service ferret. I don't know if these exist though.

Any pet sounds like a good idea to me. I have a HUGE fan of wiener dogs. (and no - that was not a fat joke)