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LadyTContributor
Wondering about the commuty's thoughts on whether dogs help with depression and anxiety? I LOVE dogs but am a bit worried that the extra work might be too much at times I feel overwhlemed... But then, would the uncomplicated love and attention compensate for picking up poo?!
In response to: Will a dog help
Unknown userMember
Hi again 😄 @LadyT
I dont have a dog anymore.. but i think they're great at motivating people, comforting and just being that easy companion in any circumstance 🙂 In saying that my daughters new rabbit is keeping me entertained at night too lol and is happy to have a quiet cuddle at times too.
@Former-Member i think has lots of animals? and @PeppiPatty has a beautiful little dog called arlo 😄
What do you guys think?
LJ
In response to: Re: Will a dog help
LadyTContributor
In response to: Re: Will a dog help
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
We had a little terrier when my kids were little and I dont regret it .. my daughters used to love to run the dog and they were energetic and it helped us all sleep at night .. but I have back and neck injuries so I settle for cats these days. A lot can depend on the size and needs of the pet.
In response to: Re: Will a dog help
LadyTContributor
In response to: Will a dog help
Unknown userMember
In response to: Will a dog help
chookmojoSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Will a dog help
LadyTContributor
In response to: Will a dog help
AlienBP2Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Will a dog help
MoonGalSenior Contributor
Hi @LadyT, welcome to the forums, I'm new here too.
I find that being a dog-mother is both wonderful and also a responsibility. My current fur-kid is an adopted greyhound and she is a very lovely easy going girl. I also foster greys through a foster organisation getting the former (or so called failed) racers ready for forever homes. They really are a lifesaver for me, I have to put them first though, they are dependant beings needing *walks, suitable diet, veterinary care etc, so while the benefit for me is vast, the main focus of my care is not what they can do for me, rather what my responsibility is for them. Thats a great focus to take me out of myself and my worries too.
The pay off is that I have to 'show up' in myself everyday and put them first no matter how I 'feel' and be their guardian and carer and that is great for me to have someone to be responsible for. When I am unwell, I still make sure that they are well looked after, that would be my only concern for anyone thinking about getting a dog is a plan B for care if needed.
I certainly do love the uncomplicated love and attention and don't mind picking up their poos, mopping up their wees (when they first come they are rarely house trained having lived in kennels but they get it right quick).
The *Greys only need a little excercise too (15 - 30 min a day or every other day) being big couch potatoes 🙂
Happy deliberations whatever you do, think it through carefully and you will make the right decision for you and the prospective dog. I reckon its a great idea to thoroughly research the breed you are thinking about too because some have higher needs etc than others and an unhappy working dog who is not getting enough stimulation and excercise can be a stressor for us and not good for doggit.
Bottom line a dog is not 'therapy' - a dog is a life and a being all of their own who has needs too, it is a mutually beneficial relationship if done well.
In response to: Will a dog help
CannonSaltSenior Contributor
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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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