Dog helps woman struggling with depression - A best friend holds on when the darkness takes hold

Dog helps woman struggling with depression
A best friend holds on when the darkness takes hold
8:59 PM, May. 21, 2011

It doesn't take long for Sandy the dog to feel at ease with a stranger.

A few soothing words, a good scratch behind her ears, and the 32-pound mutt drops and rolls onto her back. Her soulful eyes and swishing tail seem to say — á la Dug, the talking dog from the film "Up" — "I have just met you, and I looove you."

"My friends call her a hussy when she does that," joked her owner, Toni Nelson. "She is very well liked by the people in this building."

It was about a year ago, following a rough period of hospitalizations for depression, when Nelson thought about getting a dog.

But she had no idea that the bond she would develop with the sweet pooch would be her lifeline — her reason to live.

more and pictures at...
http://www.newsleader.com/article/20110522/NEWS01/105220343/Dog-helps-woman-struggling-depression?odyssey=nav

My cat saved me when I was in hard times. He was 19 when he crossed the rainbow bridge and I still grieve for him after 8 years gone.

:hug:

when I went through a phobic period so I could take her on public transportation (she was very well behaved). It worked like a charm. The agoraphobia pretty much disappeared when I had my little ego annex with me. It was remarkable.

:evilgrin:

To each his own...

i just know it would not be good.

n/t

Dogs are wondrous!

as much as anything in the world.

Not a day goes by that I'm not fascinated by them. My own dog, Sophie, is just pure joy. She's so playful and funny and energetic and adores me with her whole heart. I love spending time with her and experiencing the world with her.

And the dog down the street that gets loose and comes to visit me? I'll stop whatever I'm doing to go running in the woods with him. He's a purebred Great Pyrenees and just stunning to watch and interact with. I had a Great Pyr mix before Sophie. They're different than other dogs. I will have another one someday.

But yeah, a dogs ability to interact and understand and help and just everything about them is a wonder to behold. I truly adore them.

She would not still be here without her corgi. I, of course, approve, as corgis are the BEST reason to live I can think of most of the time.

Especially when they cuddle up in your lap and purr. Who could remain depressed then? :loveya:

Many social animals give us love and companionship. I adore them all.

Soem people even have affectionate hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, and rats.

I do think, though, that dogs, cats, ferrets, and parrots are the best companion animals, though I have also had some very charming parakeets.

This man could barely walk, he used a walker. But there he was taking his dog to the dog park.
And I thought how wonderful it is to have a pet. And I wondered if this man didn't have a dog, would he been outside enjoying a beautiful day and socializing with others? Who knows? But it warmed my heart and I will always remember him.