Service Dogs, Etc.

By HeyJude Friday, January 04, 2008

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Recently, my brother sent me an article that touched me deeply. The story was about two labrador retrievers, Boe and Budge, that were deployed to Iraq in December. It is the first time EVER that dogs have been used in a combat zone. They will be visiting military hospitals and interacting with the wounded soldiers. What a great service these dogs will provide to our troops.

When I was hospitalized 3 years ago, a guy from my support group that has a service dog brought his lab to visit our psych unit. It was a totally uplifting and comforting experience for me. I'm sure there are lots of animals that are taken to psych hospitals around the country. Have any of you had such an experience?

I have been trying to quit the nicotine, without success to date. As Sue said in her post, 41% of people with mental health issues smoke - a staggering figure. I believe nicotine has a "positive" effect on the dopamine in out brain, which may make it harder for us to quit. The scientists haven't actually figured out the effect nicotine has on our brain - hopefully they will find some answers. Now I think I will quit writing and go have a cigarette.......Judy

My Work Experience With Bipolar

Comments (8) | Add comment

Stardust

1/ 4/08 5:06pm

I can understand how uplifting a visit from a dog would be because I love animals so much. Never experienced it though. Now Judy, don't get down on yourself about stopping smoking. When the time is right, it will happen easily. Thanks for the story. Big Grin

HeyJude

1/ 4/08 7:05pm

Hi Stardust...Nice to hear from you. Anyone who loves animals as we do "can't be all bad". Thanks for the encouraging words re: my bad nico habit. I know the time to quit is getting close, but it is VERY hard. Thanks again...Judy

Stardust

1/ 4/08 7:52pm

Judy, I've been wanting to quit for years. I even have the Zerosmoke magnets you put on your left ear for an accupressure point. I know this will work for me. However, my priorities have changed since I've been coming around here. I have to get my daily routine going first and foremost, get a handle on this da** bipolar. Zerosmoke will keep for when I'm ready. I'll keep pulling for you to be ready and then run with it Big Grin

Rusty

1/ 4/08 6:37pm

Thanks for your story. I love animals and they are amazing company and great listeners. They have helped me through so much. We have an organisation in Australia which trains volunteer owners and their dogs as pets as therapy, to visit hospitals, aged care centres and other places. I would have loved to do that with my 2 corgis....but one of them would definitely fail the training I lament.....has a mind of his own. The other one is really obedient but too nervous I think. Pity. Its a great idea and helps so many people but the dogs, like Seeing Eye dogs must be hand picked and trained.

HeyJude

1/ 4/08 7:13pm

Hi Rusty...Thanks for your comments. It's nice to know that there are training centers for service dogs in your country. There are many in the U.S. as well, but I don't think there are many or enough mental health participants. It would be such a PERFECT job for those with animals that qualify.

My labrador retriever Tioga is 11 years old, too old to be a service dog, but he would have been a perfect candidate when younger. Maybe I should get a lab puppy and give it a shot.

Have a great weekend, and it's nice to hear from you.......Judy

Hopeful mom

1/ 5/08 5:53am

Last night I was laying in bed really wrestling with myself because I wanted a cigarette so bad.

Then I realized that I wasn't wheezing like I usually do when I lay down at night. I wasn't sneezing. I had no congestion in my throat like I usually do.

I also smelled really good and my mouth didn't taste awful like it usually does.

When you're ready to quit, just make a list of the positive things about quitting. Take note of how much better you feel and smell and look.

Judy

1/ 5/08 7:08am

HM...Ah, the BENEFITS that come when you stop smoking. Thanks for the reminder. I have five cigarettes left in my pack. Maybe, just maybe.......Thanks.....Judy

Hopeful mom

1/ 5/08 7:56am

I'm using the nicotine gum. It does help. I used it before and stopped for a year but then I kept chewing the gum. This time, I've got it on my calendar to be off the gum in 12 weeks.

I won't truly be smoke-free until I'm completely nicotine free.

I also find that cinnamon gum and candy gives me the same feeling and sensation as the nicotine gum. I really think I can make it this time.

Service Dogs, Etc.

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