Does anybody have a service animal? My therapist recommended for me to get a emotional and mental health dog , but I…

@leann.harris, absolutely! It’s an overwhelming experience and took me almost two years to tackle. And that was before I was married with kids...

@leann.harris, Awh, I'm sorry hun! Before my piper I suffered from depression and extreme anxiety/social anxiety. I'm afraid to leave my own home by myself. I definitely recommend that you get a dog! They help so much especially on the days where you're feeling insecure and down. Honestly, I probably still wouldn't even be here if it weren't for my piper.

This is him right now. He came in my room and later down

A breed I would recommend is Aussiedoodle or any doodle because they are little to no shed and they tend to be smart and quick thinkers, they have all sort of sizes and breeds

i got a dog after my appendectomy surgery in 2011 because my anxiety spiked. i got her a month or so after and went to http://usdogregistry.org and registered her as an emotional support dog. she’s been with me ever since. and apartments/public transportation allow her to be with me.

If you are willing to take the time, then put them through obedient classes

@leann.harris well I recommend in getting one. He helps me with depression and anxiety. I have it really bad and all I have to do is play and rub him. He knows when I am down because he comes up to me with a wagging tail and sit in my lap to pet him. It works. Trust me. I recommend in trying to find a calm and more shy dog. That's what mine was, but now he is amazing.

@ash621, that would be awesome if you could! I'm a little lost on what to look for on this matter .

@bhaney202, my dog recently went to live with my ex who is refusing to give him back.

@malainaheka23, that's the main reason, I have ptsd due to trauma in my past, and I suffer from anxiety and panic disorders, she knows I struggled with postpartum depression with my daughter also so It's supposed to help when my son comes in March

Maybe you can try doing that with your dog. He/she would be much calmer

Mine is a therapy dog. He goes to different places and helps people with their emotions. That requires a certificate

Emotional support animals require no certification. I recommend going to a local shelter and try finding a dog or cat that fits you. One that makes you feel calm and confident.

I have a service animal. But be careful, there is a big difference between a service animal and a therapy animal. I’m happy to talk to you about it!

I think your therapist just wants you to get a dog in general to help with your depression. I got my pup 2 years ago and she's been a great help for me and my previous state of depression. A service animal is different from an emotional support animal.