New puppy new life new Thread.

Hi @Gillie1,

I saw your beautiful photo of Cookie and wanted to stop by and say what a cutie Cookie is! I adore dogs (all animals really) but I have a soft spot for dogs. It sounds like you and Cookie are really good for each other. Many years ago I had a St Bernard (Beethoven movie dog). His name was Barney and he was a magnet for other people. Whether I wanted to meet new people or not, if I took Barney out we always made new friends. Dogs can be a good icebreaker to meet people and from my experience if someone is a dog lover it can be a good indicator that they are also a pretty nice person.

All the best to you and Cookie.

Warm wishes,

FloatingFeather

@FloatingFeather

Yes Cookie is a truly beautiful soul. She is great with people and dogs. Gaining confidence and skills every day.

I feel more comfortable walking her where interacting is so brief than at the park where you have to make small talk but I get too sore walking twice a day, I'm trying to convince myself it's good for me to interact but frankly I'm terrified of people sometimes I can't show it though.

If I have my scooter I can train Cookie to walk alongside or sit on the footplate but at the moment my freedom is so limited by my mobility.

Cookie makes people smile which makes them less scary which helps me interact.

@FloatingFeather .

Saint Bernard's aren't common here but look like really friendly fun dogs if bulky.

I understand a little when you say you are terrified of people sometimes @Gillie1 . A close family member has social phobia and I know somewhat how challenging socialising can be for them. I think (as you said) at least walking with Cookie allows for a brief interaction with people whilst having a common discussion point being Cookie. It's sounds like a good way to have a bit of a chat without feeling like it's too much.

It must be really difficult / frustrating not having a scooter at the moment.I really hope you are able to get your scooter sorted out soon.

Thanks @FloatingFeather Just needed a hissy fit. I don't know what is real so I find it very hard to trust and feel safe with anyone. But there's really good people out there too and dogs seem to bring out the best in the best people.

The universe contains any amount of horrible ways to be woken up, such as the noise of the mob breaking down the front door, the scream of fire engines, or the realization that today is the Monday which on Friday night was a comfortably long way off.

A dog's wet nose is not strictly speaking the worst of the bunch, but it has its own peculiar dreadfulness which connoisseurs of the ghastly and dog owners everywhere have come to know and dread. It's like having a small piece of defrosting liver pressed lovingly against you.

• Terry Pratchett, Moving Pictures

Getting used to the early starts lol.

St Bernards are very fun dogs @Gillie1 but if you they want to sit on your lap you might be stuck for a while lol.

Hope today is a good one for you.

Warm wishes,

FloatingFeather

Definitely flattened somewhat @FloatingFeather.

I've had an anxious day I'm scared of my supports again what are they thinking, how will they misinterpret things and even though I know the ones I have atm are good I don't feel safe. It didn't help that I had exercise today it seems to trigger my anxiety if I exert myself too much. I had 3 different ones today and by my last shift I was too exhausted and scared to interact much.

Thankfully she did the cooking for me tonight its usually a joint activity.

I'm also grateful to cookie for deciding she was tired too as she was too happy sleeping to need to go out for exercise tonight.

Of course now I've calmed down I've also woken up.

I did spend 5 minutes searching for my phone with the torchlight FROM MY PHONE. So I'm not totally all there yet.

I try really hard to not impact my supports with my fear but I was rather overwhelmed today.

Cookie has been very chilled about me waking her up regularly tonight but I got through what would have been meltdown material without calling a support line tonight so that is progress.

Up and down emotionally it's exhausting. Truly happy at times when I can live in the moment especially with Cookie. Truly terrified or shutdown the next. I'm trying hard to not take it out on the people who are there for me but I don't always manage it.

Just got to plug along and try hard not to alienate people who care even when I'm scared of them. I have this saying about what is normal but I'm so scared of not passing and being rejected. I know it's that fear that holds me back but I can't just make it vanish. Its a cycle I need to find a way to escape but I'm not sure how now.

Had my meltdown this morning Cookie decided to join in so we went for a walk to the chemist for some calmative and Cookie was very brave with the busy road. We stopped at the bus stop to help her acclimatize to the busy rd. Came home

Cookie went to sleep and I decided to join her. Feeling rested now. Had a late lunch and Cookie is working on her pigs ear. Just a cool Van Gogh image to appreciate.

Take care all.

Hey @Gillie1

Love the Van Gogh

Love your sense of humour and your doggy stories.

Yes Dogs really can bring out the best in people.

I have never read Pratchet but like your quotes from him.

Yep a mixed bag with support workers. Some good some not so ...

I also lived in fear most of my life, of being mad, rejected and worrying about everthing, inculding what I thought, felt and did. Ha ha maybe that saved me from having really serious mental health problems, cos I had everything in all of life problems ... weary sigh.

Hope you get your scooter soon ...

Apple