Pets as therapy and for our wellbeing

Does anybody else have a pet whom they rely on for companionship, comfort and everyday unconditional love and acceptance?

Very briefly, I suffer from PTSD and have done for 20 years. I have only recently sought help for it though, after trying to 'hide the symptoms for 18 years'. For the past year I have been undergoing Exposure Therapy and also EMDR therapy. Currently on ADs and taking medication to help with ptsd-related sleep disturbances and nightmares.

When I was in a very low place recently I wrote this poem about my little dog Holly.

My Little Dog Holly

I'd been wanting a little dog, but my hubby said no ... way too much trouble.

Then I spotted you one day, in a car alongside mine.

You looked sad and dejected .... the way I felt.

You were just eight months old at the time.

A skinny underfed little girl you were.

As I peered into the window, your eyes looked intently into mine.

Emotional tears caused my vision to blur,

as I considered the unlikely possibility that our lives may entwine.

When your owner returned to the car ... we talked,

and I discovered that something was wrong.

It seems you weren't wanted,

that you didn't get along.

I wanted to give you a more loving home to stay.

So I asked your owner if she'd let you go, hoping this wasn't folly.

Yes she said ... please take Tootsie away!

So home we went, you and I, where I renamed you Holly.

I worried what hubby would say, when I arrived home with you.

So I drove home feeling anxious, hoping he'd allow you to stay.

But you soon won him over with your enthusiasm and charm.

When I asked if I could keep you, he grudgingly said that I may.

So now I had my little dog, whom I could call my own.

You quickly made a permanent home, of our humble abode.

Such a sweet natured and obedient little girl you are.

Though shy and sensitive, your unique personality has always showed.

When I'm home alone and feeling vulnerable,

I know I can rely on you to alert me, when someone is around.

Your bark conveys a lot, and I'm able to tell ... whether it's friend or foe.

So there's no need for me to panic, at every little sound.

When I awaken in the dark of night,

breathless and shaking in fright.

You crawl closer and snuggle up tight,

helping to 'ground' me, until I can again see the light.

When I'm sad or afraid, and unable to prevent tears from falling,

you're always right beside me, pressing your little body close.

As if to remind me, that you're right there and could use a cuddle.

That I'm not entirely alone, and shouldn't feel morose.

When I arrive home after being out,

you're always there to greet me, giving your all.

I cannot help but smile,

as your love and devotion is so unconditional.

When you look so knowingly into my eyes,

what is it there that you seek?

There are times you appear so wise,

what would you tell me, if you could speak?

I may not be here now, if not for you.

You give me a reason each day ... to live.

Your joy of life helps me to view,

life's simple pleasures from your perspective.