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PowderfingerSenior Contributor
I live in WA. I want to look into getting a therapy dog but I don't know where to start nor where to look. I don't even know the process. I have never had a dog before but I have wanted to get one for a few years. I live in a house now where it's possible for me to have the space for a dog.
Does anybody know where I start this process and what is involved?
PF
In response to: Therapy dogs - where do I start?
Owen45Senior Contributor
Thanks BDPSurvivor and PowerFinger for your reply. Yes, good to find common interests on these SANE forum posts, i.e. pets as therapy. Looking forward to chatting more about pets as therapy soon. Regards, Owen.
In response to: Therapy dogs - where do I start?
PowderfingerSenior Contributor
@BPDSurvivor
Yes, my train of thought is leading me away from the process of a therapy dog. I'm thinking it might be better for me to get a rescue dog. I'm not sure which direction I'm going to go in. It's a recent decision and there are many things to consider when you are going to get a dog.
In response to: Therapy dogs - where do I start?
PowderfingerSenior Contributor
@Arizona
No, not nosy. I have many options. Choosing the right one for me will take time, but I have time.
In response to: Re: Therapy dogs - where do I start?
ArizonaSenior Contributor
I'm not in a good space today and my brain isn't working very well. I'm sorry if I confused anybody 😊
In response to: Re: Therapy dogs - where do I start?
BPDSurvivorSenior Contributor
Yes, you are right @Powderfinger . You need to consider what it is owning a pet. I love dogs and find them so therapeutic, but because of my work I know it isn't fair i own one. In the past, I had regular inpatient stays which also meant I would need to find someone to look after the dog.
Id also better note, I have had dogs in the past. I loved them dearly. They were so loyal and loving. We had so much fun together.
Another option, is maybe fostering a dog for short periods of time? This can give you a taste of what it is like owning a dog. These dogs can be rescue dogs waiting for a good home, they can be dogs recovering after an ordeal, they can be puppies waiting to be ready for homing....so many options.
All the best! Let us know how your research goes.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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