just heard something really interesting- no vet w a service dog

[mopinko]

has committed suicide.
i dont even doubt this. w/o my dogs, i dont know where i would be. curling up w them, i can breathe and relax, and recenter.
i dont know how i would sleep at night w/o them there.

on msnbc right now, talking to a couple medal of honor winners. one has a service dog, so they were talking about that.

been known to say it would be a different world if every child was assigned a boxer dog at birth.
i think i will add all discharged vets. or at least all troubled vets.

really simplistic, i know. but sometimes love really does heal, and is simple. undoubtedly a net positive anyway. that's something.

[WhiteTara]

1. And all the dogs that get thrown away.

What a match that would be.

[mopinko]

2. yup. i am totally in favor of dogs in prison, too.

i have a therapy dog that volunteers w me, and boy do i ever know about the magic that is dog.

[Tobin S.]

3. All you need is love ya da da-da-da-daaa

Our pets bring our love right out of us. I don't know what it is about those little critters. Not only do they make us love them, that love is unconditional. It's really an amazing thing.

[procon]

4. Just having a cherished companion animal

around is relaxing and soothing. Even without a trained service animal available, many studies show that just holding or petting a sweet dog or kitty can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. The sound of a purring cat is very restful, and nothing beats little kitty kisses or doggo smoochies.

People are forced out if their shell to take take care of their pets and see that they're fed and walked and get vet care or grooming. Even if they avoid people, they still interact with their nonjudgemental dogs and cats.

There's a lot to be said for the abundance of unconditional love and trust we get from our dear little furbabies. They never betray us, hold all our secrets, fears and dreams in perpetual confidence, and ask for so little in return. Not to mention the smiles (OK, games of laughter!) in watching their silliness as they put on a show to cheer us up.

[zeusdogmom]

5. Amen! Amen! Amen!

How something as simple as a dog can work magic. Probably any animal would work. I swear our 2 cats provided more mental health care for our 2 daughters than any licensed professional. I am not disparaging the pros in any way shape or form. Just an observation as a mother. Currently sharing living space with a most wonderful black lab - he has licked many a tear from my face and snuggled close at night when I am feeling lost and lonely. In return I shelter him when he is quivering in fear of thunder and lightning 😁

[Funtatlaguy]

6. Every child should be given a puppy at birth.

[cwydro]

7. Sweet thought, but the dog would be aging by the time the child could care for it.

I love my dogs. I actually prefer they keep their distance from children.

[mopinko]

8. for some dogs, it fulfills their breeding. that makes for a happy dog.

that's why i always say a boxer dog. they were created to be family dogs. the one i had when my kids were small was a wonder. a perfect example of a fine breed. she had the best life ever.
she lived to be 12, so she was there for the thick of the family years. i never expected the kids to care for her. she was my dog and my kid like the rest of them. it was part of being a parent to me, since i feel like kids really ought to have a dog.
i had dogs before i had kids, and now that they are grown.

my kids had small animals, but i dont think kids should be expected to take care of dogs. it's too big a job, imho.

[irisblue]

9. :::Tissue Alert:::

I cried the 1st time I saw this, I cried today