[roads]

There's an interesting introduction and update on animal assisted therapy at:

Pets and PTSD | After Trauma

Enjoy!

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[Fresia]

I thought this was very interesting; thank you for sharing it. I thought this was especially curious and struck a chord that the, 'The Veterans Affairs PTSD website warns “Becoming dependent on a dog can get in the way of the recovery process for PTSD.” ' And from the article that, "It’s arguable that relying on a dog to avoid certain situations or activities could facilitate that avoidance, that’s actually true of any relationship that is supportive."

I could see where the dogs or any pet for that matter could be used as avoidance; but so could anything else for that matter but this seems to be a safer way than turning to some alternatives. Overall though, I think they help with recovery by being soothing, a sense of humor when needed, in needing exercised, providing stress relief, and a distraction from PTSD symptoms, which is necessary too at times.

For me personally, the dog(s) actually improved my recovery because not only did they provide a sense of security, which so desperately needed, that it got me out of the house, engaging more with others again, which prior to this was home bound. They also got me back into a routine, where before I was so depressed and practically bed ridden, that I was not functioning.

If it literally weren't for the dog, my precious Duncan, now passed, a chocolate lab, and now dogs, I would not have made those first steps towards recovery and continuing to survive. Life was not worth living otherwise and is still debatable without them; it was/is their dependence on me that got/gets me to take better care of myself for them, back into therapy to care for myself, and steps towards future goals again to better care for them and us. In that regard I view this kind of mutual dependence beneficial.

I will never be able to avoid my issues as they are always present; whatever I can do to cope with them and to help myself with them, I need to do that and the dog(s) or any animals are a healthier path to me to achieve that.

[roads]

What a good experience you've had with dogs, Fresia! My cat Charlie is a natural for therapy. Thanks so much for telling me the VA notice. Ironically, I've been taking a golden retriever to the local VA hospital for several months, requested as a therapy aid for the patients. I'm not sure what to think....
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