[LiteraryLark]

I suffer from bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety and anxiety attacks. I work full time and at work I've had to ride through several full-blown anxiety attacks and I cannot handle it anymore, so I'm interested in a therapy animal. But I feel I don't deserve it. I feel I will be treated differently if I outed myself to my bosses of my mental illness in the need for a therapy/emotional support animal, and I feel it may cause a conflict between me and my parents/grandparents because it shows I am weak. I feel it may be too difficult to organize the doctor's notes and the conversation that needs to be had with my bosses and my family. I'm very nervous about the situation.

I do not think I can afford a therapy dog, but I thought perhaps I can foster a bunny at the humane society, where last time I was there they had a dozen different bunnies who need socialization and love, and I think a bunny would be a little easier to manage and would be very soft and comforting.

I don't know why I feel ashamed to be in need for that kind of support. I'm mostly afraid of what my bosses and family would think. Do you think the bunny fostering is a good idea?

Are you looking for an animal to take out in public? To work? To shopping, etc? perhaps I am mistaken but it sounds as though what you are talking about is a 'service animal'.

I address this to anyone. A service animal has rights that a therapy animal doesn't. For instance one has full rights to public places where as the other does not. One cannot be denied a place of accomodation the other can be done so. One cannot be denied attending work with you, the other can. Basically a service animal is an animal highly trained to perform tasks (it could be to remind you to fetch your medication, it could be to use it's own body to hold you during a panic attack, etc). On the other hand, a therapy animal has no additional rights in most places than a regular pet. They do make great companions and they do provide a therapeutic value to the owner but that is generally limited to home.

A bunny can have a strong therapeutic value. Talk to your work place. If they are already aware of your condition they may be willing to allow you to bring your therapeutic animal with you.

I think volunteering at the humane society is a fabulous idea. The animals need a great deal of positive attention and you would get a great deal of satisfaction and companionship from doing so. My local shelter has a reading program. Yes, volunteers read to the dogs. Apparently it soothes them.

[LiteraryLark]

Thank you for your message. Luckily for me, my job welcomes all animals, service/therapy and pets. We even have a regular African Grey parrot that comes in almost every day and occasionally kittens.

What I am afraid of is the discussions I need to have. How do I go about asking my work for a therapy animal? What do I need to disclose and not disclose?

[unaluna]

Okay, dumb question here - if your work place already welcomes animals, couldnt you just enjoy them when they are there? I mean, i like men, i like babies, etc, but i dont want to have one of my own around all the time, if i can just borrow someone else's now and then. A workplace with animals sounds amazing!

[nicoleflynn]

Going to therapy takes courage, and it does NOT mean you are weak. It is nobody's business if you go to therapy....so, I wouldn't tell anyone; that is a personal issue. Shame and fear will keep you from doing things that can help you....such as therapy. There is no point in suffering in silence. xo

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

Thank you for your message. Luckily for me, my job welcomes all animals, service/therapy and pets. We even have a regular African Grey parrot that comes in almost every day and occasionally kittens.

What I am afraid of is the discussions I need to have. How do I go about asking my work for a therapy animal? What do I need to disclose and not disclose?

Maybe just ask if you can start bringing an animal into work, if they already accept animals?

great question LL.

I think I would raise the question by using the other animals as a starting off point. Something along the line perhaps of, "What an understanding workplace we have. I have my own stress related condition for which I think having my own therapy animal present would help me. What steps are necessary to apply for this?" This is all that your employer need know. In fact it is more than they need know but I am one to err on the side of basic courtesy.

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

Thank you for your message. Luckily for me, my job welcomes all animals, service/therapy and pets. We even have a regular African Grey parrot that comes in almost every day and occasionally kittens.

What I am afraid of is the discussions I need to have. How do I go about asking my work for a therapy animal? What do I need to disclose and not disclose?

If your workplace welcomes pets, why mention 'therapy animal' at all?