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little wren
25-03-12, 10:29
Hi, we've all heard of the benefits of pet ownership for the average person, but I was wondering what is the REALITY of living with a pet when you suffer from anxiety disorders? I would like to hear about personal experiences both good and bad, if a pet actually does really help or not.

We are considering a small dog (papillon size) as I cannot go out very far yet (whilst also being a companion). If anyone has a small dog - are they safe to go into parks where there are big dogs, tied outside shops, etc? If I think it will get gobbled up by a bigger animal I will be too scared to take it out - they look so fragile, but I cannot walk a bigger dog yet!!! :shrug:

Ingenious
25-03-12, 10:51
Many years ago myself and my other half at that time decided to have a dog, and we went to a rescue centre. We had in mind a large Alsatian type dog but when we were at the centre we saw this pathetic little chihuahua which had been so neglected by its previous owner it had lost half its fur, had a leg at a funny angle where it had been broken, and was shivering with almost uncontrollable fear. We knew immediately we had to give this "thing" a loving home.

Now being a bloke it was a bit of a shock walking the block with a chihuahua not an alsation, and the studded collar didn't really improve things (on the dog that is, not me!).

But I can tell you from experience, little dogs have some great advantages: You can pick them up and put them under your arm, great if the dog gets frightened on the walk. They fit on the sofa really well, in fact they will squeeze in any spot if you let them on the furniture. They're easier to groom and keep clean. They still bark when the doorbell rings so you have some security. They're easier to pooper scoop after (smaller 'presents'). Vet bills tend to be a little less, as some medications are done by weight. Easy to walk even if not lead trained - they won't pull you along.

Although you'll still need common sense when walking them (so I wouldn't leave it off the lead in the park if bigger dogs were running around) you'd be surprised how "bossy" small dogs can be. Some will still quite happily charge at anything ten times their size, and in my old house, the smallest dog wore the trousers. In a dog's mind, size doesn't mean anything.

Pipkin
25-03-12, 11:20
Great post Ingenious - the studded collar sounds excellent!

I'm also considering getting a dog so other people's experiences will be great to hear.

Pip

little wren
25-03-12, 11:51
Hi ingenious, thanks for sharing. Those are some good advantages. Plus we only have a small house and garden. It made me lol about bossiness of some small dogs though - I never thought of that. x

nuttymoo
25-03-12, 11:55
I adopted my jack russell cross from the dog's trust last June. She is definitely the best decision I've ever made. I've gone from someone who could hardly go out to someone who goes out for hours on end. My dog has her own share of issues though. She is fear aggressive and initially suffered with anxiety. She is slowly improving but I can't let her off the lead because she would fight other dogs. Small dogs are really quite tough, they don't care how big the other dog is. Another thing she's helped me with is my OCD. Suddenly dirt and germs weren't so worrying when I had to pick up several piles of poo each day.
My house is a lot messier than it used to be, it doesn't smell as nice either. My bank account has less money in it and my leather sofa's are scratched but I couldn't be happier :D

little wren
25-03-12, 12:29
Hi jackie, when I read your post it made me so happy:D. This is what I am after...to be able to have a reason to make myself go out everyday and a little further whilst having a little companion to be with. I also have ocd and I am glad you explained how she helped you there too. I loved reading your post x

nomorepanic
25-03-12, 15:12
Don't forget the financial costs involved with a pet as well

snowgoose
25-03-12, 16:01
Hi little wren :)
Good answers here ...........and good on you for asking before you get a wee dog .

I have had dogs all my life and the benefit is tremendous .
They give you such support and comfort .
A dog must get exercise whether small or large and they MAKE you leave the house to walk them if responsible owner .
In my darkest agrophobic days I held onto that leash for dear life wearing sunglasses [dont ask why I still dont why :blush:]........but Megs well being forced me out and I found it helped to have a lead to hang on to . Think my nickname round here was Aggie Phobic :ohmy:
Even having to get up and let her out or feed her helped my inward distress to focus on a furry friend for a while .

Nic is right though that finance is a crucial part of decision.
There are unforeseen vet bills and injections etc .and food costs a bit of course and toys and bonios :winks:

The joy and love you will get back will be so worth it in my eyes. I miss my old gal so much .

Hope you find an animal companion to help you .

Mind forget cream carpets and clean floors for ever .
And never ever leave your best shoes out .or the tv remote at dog level .

good luck !!!!
snow x

lee20
25-03-12, 16:40
hi i got my dog 15 months ago when he was 12 weeks old... from my experience its been the best thing ive ever done. not only is he my pet but he's also my best friend too :D... their have been days in the past where im too full of anxiety to walk him so ive had to get my mum to walk him instead... but now i dont care if i 'dont feel up 2 it' i still take him for his walks because it gives me the sense of a achievement and its so rewarding... i have some large quite fields near to where i live and spend at least an hour a day walking around the fields. on a sunny day like today its just wonderful. dogs/puppies need a lot of attention, patience and most of all a lot of love. if you decide that you will get a dog i hope that it will help with the anxiety like it has with me. take care. lee

A DOG REALLY IS A MAN'S BEST FRIEND!!! :D

Tish
25-03-12, 18:17
you've heard the benefits of a smaller dog but here are some other things to consider:
bitches are easier because they're not so aggresive and don't need to stop to sniff and wee as much as a dog (they'll need to be spayed at some point though).
poodles, poodle crosses don't shed their hair everywhere - I'm sure there are other breeds that don't either but I don't know which ones.
A dog is a dog and must be treated as such. mine have always walked off lead so they can interact with other dogs, keeping them on a lead all the time will make them aggresive. I've never had a problem with bigger dogs approaching my two little ones, one is very friendly and the other one is timid and stays away.
I'm besotted with my dogs, they give us so much love and we're always laughing at their antics. x

nuttymoo
25-03-12, 19:13
Have to disagree with Tish on a couple of points. Females can stop and sniff and wee as much as males. While it's true poodles do not shed you have the cost of having them trimmed every eight weeks or so. Also keeping a dog on a lead is often a necessity with a rescue dog as they often come to you with a host of behavioural problems. A puppy needs socialising from an early age but if their previous owners didn't give them this then you have to make sure your dog is no threat to other dogs and people. I've taken my dog to training classes since I got her but on the advice of my trainers, I have to keep her on a lead as she will bite, hold and rag another dog if they get into a fight. She has improved so much though and I know that in time she will be able to socialise more with other dogs. The challenge of her behaviour is one of the things that has helped me the most. Seeing her slowly changing from a very scared aggressive little dog has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
As for money the insurance costs me £20 a month but that will definitely go up at the end of the first year and I have to pay the first £90 of each claim. I get a good food which is £8 for 2kg but I can usually find it on offer somewhere, either buy one get one half price or 3 for 2. Dog training has cost me £65 for five group lessons or £45 for an hours one to one. Also £9 for a monthly recall class. Owning a dog is certainly not cheap but I think it's worth every penny.

lesleya
25-03-12, 20:19
Ive got 2 little dogs and theres just nothing i can say other than....like you I was a little aprehensive when we got our first little dog (cross minature jack russell with a yorkie) as i used to be agorophobic years ago and was always worried if it reared its ugly head again how would i cope ? but i think it helped more than anything else because they need me to look after them, and taking a dog out on a lead does give you something to focus on and distracts you from your anxiety.
Even if i've an off day and my dogs know that its come to that time to go out even just for 5 minutes gives me that little push i need.
The love, loyalty, companionship and fun they bring into your life is something you just cant measure.
Im not saying its a bed of roses either youve got to think of the cost of food, toys, bed, vets bills if they become ill (im lucky ive only had to take mine twice in 4 years)
If you dont want your good shoes/slippers/scarves chewed, mucky wet paw marks on the floor/carpet, or a wet dog shaking itself all over you, or dog hairs in your home (unless youve got a dog that doesnt shed) or a cold nose nudging you to go out in the cold, the wet and the dark then please dont buy a dog.
A dog is for life!!...and they need you to look after them!..they rely on you to feed them, water them, keep them safe and most of all love them.
If you do buy a dog i dont think youll ever regret it.
Good luck xxx

Stormsky
25-03-12, 21:37
Any size dog is a big responsibility... I have 2 large dogs... and for me they help anxiety... people with pets are supposed to be less stressed! Having responsibility for them keeps me going some days... there are so many things to consider with a pet... vet costs, food bill, exercising them...
A small dog would make sense, depends on what experience you have with dogs? have you had dogs before? I prefer male dogs, but thats just me... i find them easier than girls, i currently have a boy and girl... larger breeds will need more exercise, more room , bigger garden, bigger house, more food cost, larger vet bills...
Perhaps a rescue dog would be good? you could visit some rescues for a look and most of all research whatever breed you decide on...

haz
25-03-12, 23:15
Hi Little Wren,

Owning a dog can be very therapeautic, they truly are your best friend but they are also quite a big responsibility.

I used to have a greyhound (rescued female) and 3 cats, sadly down to two cats. The two remaining cats I have are getting older and I can't take them to the vet on my own. They also don't get on which can be quite stressful, they are very "clingy", especially the female (who has her arse in my face as I'm typing!!). It was a lot easier when I had all four, as they all knew they're place in the "pack". :D

They can be very "tying" if you are unwell, have to go into hospital, going on holiday etc. and for me they were (are) another thing to worry about. Also, you have to "watch your time" when you're out. Dogs really shouldn't be left for longer than 4 hours, ideally.

Also, I couldn't believe how bad I felt when my dog died, I never expected it to hit me so badly, it's proper bereavement and my health suffered quite badly after she died.

I would love another dog my I just don't think it would be fair to get one at the moment. I did try to foster another greyhound for a local resuce charity but had to give it back shortly afterwards through no fault of the dog.

I live alone and my support network is not as strong as it used to be either. Elderly parents health failing. Sister now married with kids, so don't have anyone to look after a dog for me should I need it.

I spent a total of 5 months in hospital in 2010/11 and a kind neighbour looked after my two cats for me but I worried about them all the time and this just added to my anxiety.

There is also the cost, food, vets bills etc.

However, they are very rewarding and if you have "support" then can be very therapeuatic. Sometimes I used to dread taking the dog out for a walk, I would think "Oh, I hope we don't meet anyone we know, I can't face talking to anyone", inevitably we would, I would sometimes chat and have a laugh for a good 15 mins, so that is a good thing.

Can I also add that although greyhound are "big" dogs, they are very gentle, placid creatures that need very little exercise as they have no stamina, just short bursts of speed. They are honestly the laziest dog you could possibly imagine! :D

Hope this helps.

Best Wishes.

Haz. :)

---------- Post added at 22:15 ---------- Previous post was at 22:09 ----------

Oh and as others have said. Being houseproud and having pets don't really go hand in hand! :D

little wren
26-03-12, 15:22
Hi all, thanks so much for your responses I enjoyed hearing about the variety of experiences with dogs.

Firstly, nic yeh being able to afford one is essential. Just to reassure everyone I have a longterm partner who works full time and we have factored in the costs.

My biggest worry was coping with a new furry pal and anxiety disorders (you know the rough days and that) as I would be his main care-giver, trainer, feeder and friend for the next 15 years or so (I'm not saying it will always be like this but for his sake I have to consider how I can cope on my worst days).

Hi snow... and thanks your post was lovely I enjoyed reading it. My worry was when I get bad days with agoraphobia etc (I know not everyday will be a good one). My partner refuses to walk a small dog without me there :shrug: which may actually be a good thing as I will have to go out and socialise him (dog that is not partner!). Made me lol about the sunglasses - but with summer coming great excuse to don the sunglasses.

Lee - I am so happy your dog helps with anxiety. It is this psychological support that a pet can give and coping on bad days that my post was about - thanks for sharing your experiences it helps.

Tish, its funny but a miniature poodle would have been my first choice of dog because after researching dog breeds the poodle nature seemed the most suitable (and he can jog with you). However, the grooming cost is too high. Which breeds have you got?

Thanks again Jackie and I hope your little jack russel is doing well x

Lesley - thanks for your response I found this immensely helpful as my fear was the 'bad days' when anxiety is really bad. I'm hoping a pet will help me to focus on someone else rather than how I feel. As animals have a more grounded perspective on the world by seeing how he lives I am hoping he will teach me a thing or two about just 'being' rather than always anxious.

Stormsky - yeh they say there's a connection between pet ownership and stress relief I just wondered if it applied to anxiety disorders or if it exacerbates them. Most of the responses are similar to your own in that having responsibility for another creature does help - thanks for sharing x (is that your dog - husky?)

Haz I know what you mean about bereavement when a pet dies. I had a cat for 15 years who died of cancer 5 years ago and it really knocked me - she was my soulmate. Although I adore cats and will always stop to stroke when one crosses my path I haven't got the heart to get a new cat. We had toyed with getting a greyhound (or whippet) as their nature is lovely, but Ive heard you cannot let sighthounds off the lead (dunno if thats true for them all though) x

pipkin - I look forward to hearing about your dog making decision - and I hope some of these comments helped you too x

Stormsky
26-03-12, 15:46
Caring for an animal, and the unconditional love you get back can only help anxiety, thats how it is for me... the repetitive stroking of a pet can calm you, lower blood pressure etc...
Yes that is one of my dogs STORM, he is an alaskan malamute, i also have a husky girl though as well !!! (i must be mad!, having such energetic dogs!)

Jamesk
26-03-12, 17:28
Caring for an animal, and the unconditional love you get back can only help anxiety, thats how it is for me... the repetitive stroking of a pet can calm you, lower blood pressure etc...
Yes that is one of my dogs STORM, he is an alaskan malamute, i also have a husky girl though as well !!! (i must be mad!, having such energetic dogs!)

Agree totally with this. I was much much calmer and more relaxed when we had animals around the house. We just can't anymore for a variety of practical reasons but I miss them, and know I am so much less happy/balanced as a result.

haz
26-03-12, 18:55
You do have to be careful when letting greyhounds off the lead. I let mine off in "safe" areas as she had no road sense and if she saw a rabbit, instinct would kick in and she would bolt after it. Never caught anything though (a failed racer at the age of two!). She was also muzzled anyway just to be on the safe side, most greyhound charities recommend this. They are plastic muzzles with cushioned bits on them, not the wire ones they wear for racing. This does put some people off ex-racing greyhounds. Breeds of dog are just down to personal choice really. A mongrel is a good choice too. :)

mikewales
26-03-12, 19:28
If this is your first dog, I would suggest not getting a rescue unless you can get a very young puppy. Rescue dogs often come with a host of problems from their previous treatment, which are easier to deal with if you are used to dogs.

One important thing with a puppy is socialisation with other dogs from a young age, normally this can be done in puppy training classes, which will also teach you about looking after their welfare, basic commands, litter training, sorting out small problems etc... This allows the dog to get used to playing and being around other dogs of various sizes and breeds, and they are a lot less likely to have problems with either being scared or aggressive when they meet them on walks later on.

It is also worth doing further training, the kennel club do a scheme called Good Citizens, and there are classes all over the country, and as they are group ones they are a lot cheaper than individual training. You learn a lot more advanced things in these, and handy stuff like recall, road manners, walking off the lead, walking to heel, long stays etc... which are good for any dog and owner to know.

Remember also the cost if you are looking for buying a full breed or pedigree dog ( rather than a mongrel ) as they are expensive, and if you are looking for certain traits from a breed, then you would really need a pedigree one.

If you dont have much of a garden, a small dog is much better, even though bigger dogs do need lots of walking, they also need outdoors space to play and run around in when not walking, so the smaller the dog, the bigger the garden seems to them.

I have a male collie, and he does like lots of walking ( normally 5 and 10 miles ones, 4 or 5 days a week ) but I also have quite a big garden, so on days when he isnt walked, he doesnt get bored and can still exercise chasing things around.

They are 100% worth it though, and the unconditional love you get back from them is a real help with anxiety. They will normally learn and pick up on your moods as well, so if you are having a bad day will often just cuddle up quietly with you and look after you.

To be a bit contentious, nearly all dogs don't actually need walking every day, they may well want to go out, but as long as they get enough exercise during a week, and are kept mentally occupied as well, then missing odd days doesn't really matter if you aren't up to it. Although having the dog is a good reason to get yourself up and out, and I find walking in the early morning is very good for reducing your stress for the day.

snowgoose
26-03-12, 19:35
Hi Haz
can you recommend the muzzle you used ?
We have problem with the dog we babysit .........very much a scent hound and could if off leash go into hunt mode .
Iwant to let him off leash but with wildlife around and his basic instincts :ohmy:........think kind muzzle would be the way to go . thank you
and sorry little wren for going off topic here .
Go get that furry companion !!!
maybe somedays you wont get out and that is ok . I bet you will though :yesyes: they make you .
and if on the occasional time you cant do it ? well no harm done . dog will be loved ,fed and warm . Lucky lucky dog xxx

snow

Jess4
26-03-12, 20:04
Hi!
I started suffering with anxiety in December 2010. We bought our first house in January 2011. I slept on the couch for the first month because I was scared to fall asleep and needed the tv to actually fall asleep.

We got out puppy, Eddie, in July. We got him from a rescue place and he was about 3 months old when we got him. He is a labrador/hound mix. He's mostly black with a white belly, white stripe down his nose and his tail looks like he dipped it in white paint. This is honestly one of the BEST things we could have done.

Although he is quite a handful sometimes, you just can't be upset around him. Watching him chase his tail, or chase a ball you can't help but laugh. He's 65 pounds but still thinks he's a lap dog. He loves to lay right on your lap and fall asleep. Because he was a rescue, he had a few issues. The poor thing is scared of cardboard boxes and anything out of the ordinary. He's gotten better but he can still be very timid.

He's helped my anxiety by taking my mind off of it actually. I would get those "feelings" like I was about to have an attack and he would walk up to me with his ball and nudge me with it and when I would focus on him, I wouldn't focus on me. My anxiety is SO much better than it was a year ago and I really think a lot is thanks to him. As much as I love seeing my husband when I get home from work, there is NOTHING like seeing Eddie jump around the house because he's so excited to see me.

Like everyone said, there are of course costs involved. Something we got though was pet insurance. We only paid $150 for one year and it covers your pet in case of accident/illness. Recently he had to have his belly xrayed (he ate part of our couch and we thought a sock!..hes okay thought) and it only cost us $50.

It is a big step but it's so rewarding!
Good luck!
Jessica

haz
26-03-12, 20:32
Hi Haz
can you recommend the muzzle you used ?
We have problem with the dog we babysit .........very much a scent hound and could if off leash go into hunt mode .
Iwant to let him off leash but with wildlife around and his basic instincts :ohmy:........think kind muzzle would be the way to go . thank you
and sorry little wren for going off topic here .
Go get that furry companion !!!
maybe somedays you wont get out and that is ok . I bet you will though :yesyes: they make you .
and if on the occasional time you cant do it ? well no harm done . dog will be loved ,fed and warm . Lucky lucky dog xxx

snow


Hi Snowgoose,

I'm not sure if a greyhound muzzle would fit your dog, remember greyounds have very long snouts! Have another wee look at my profile pic, I don't know if there is any way you can enlarge it?

Just google greyhound muzzles, there are loads of internet sites including ebay that sell them. Also some greyhound resuce charities have online shops where you can buy them.

I have seen other basket type muzzles in Pets at Home which might be better suited to a beagle/bassett with a slightly rounder nose?

Also, remember that most dogs chase furries etc. but greyhounds (well, not mine, but most of them :D) are fast enough to catch them.

Best Wishes.

Haz.:)

snowgoose
26-03-12, 20:46
thanks Haz :)
got tape measure out for beagle /basset cross now ........and he dont like it :mad:
Still hope one day to get greyhound Haz when stuff settles down .
I know you miss yours . :hugs: she was lucky dog to have you . and your bed .and your sofa ........and your love :winks:

haz
26-03-12, 21:53
thanks Haz :)
got tape measure out for beagle /basset cross now ........and he dont like it :mad:
Still hope one day to get greyhound Haz when stuff settles down .
I know you miss yours . :hugs: she was lucky dog to have you . and your bed .and your sofa ........and your love :winks:

I was the lucky one Snowgoose.

Thankful for the time I had with her. And......I'm off again..:weep:

Haz. :)

little wren
28-03-12, 11:01
Yes that is one of my dogs STORM, he is an alaskan malamute, i also have a husky girl though as well !!! (i must be mad!, having such energetic dogs!)

Wow he is lovely - massive looking but still a proper cutie.

---------- Post added at 10:38 ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 ----------

jamesk - thanks for the feedback

---------- Post added at 10:52 ---------- Previous post was at 10:38 ----------

mikewales - no I would not get rescue (unless it was a cat!) for the reasons you mention. As I have agoraphobia socialisation would be puppy class at the local vets plus the local pub where all shapes and sizes of dogs often visit (with their owners lol!) and obv. out and about. I have to cope within my limits - I would love to have done some agility with it (even little ones can have a go) but I know that is a pipe dream at the moment. Thanks x

---------- Post added at 10:57 ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 ----------


sorry little wren for going off topic here .
snow

snow/haz - No it is good - as others who read this post may find it helpful - I actually prefer posts where others put up questions and ideas particularly on something so broad as pets.

little wren x

---------- Post added at 11:01 ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 ----------

Hi jessica - thanks for your response, the distraction of a pet is something I am hoping will work - like you say take your mind away from focusing on panic by focusing on the little furry (or big furry in your case if he's a lab/hound lol!) x

mikewales
28-03-12, 11:45
If you get a small dog, and only have a small garden, you can buy most of the agility equipment fairly cheaply, and teach them yourself in the garden. I've got a big A frame, weaving poles, jumps and tunnels for my dog. He does tend to just run around them like a lunatic and ignore where he is supposed to be going, but he does enjoy it.

Training classes could do you both some good, get the dog trained, and also get yourself used to meeting strangers. You already have something in common with them all with the dogs, and most of the people who go to the classes are really nice, and it is a very relaxed atmosphere. The puppy party things most vets run are good as well, but they dont teach the dog a great deal, and if you can handle going to those, then you could do other training classes as its basically the same thing.

Tish
28-03-12, 12:19
Hi little wren,
my first dog is a nearly 3, she's a havanese poodle cross so she's known as a poovanese or havapoo! She's the cutest, best natured, intelligent, sociable little dog in the world! (others agree) haha.
Last year, we got a min poodle who is lovely but more highly strung, she's a bit timid and barks at anything. she's a bit clingy.
My advice would be to go for one of the lovely cross breeds ie: cockapoo or lhasodoodle. The insurance is cheaper too because they have less health problems than a pure bred (not that I use insurance).
As for grooming, I do that myself. I googled 'grooming poodles' and watched the video on you tube.
I don't actually like the poodle cut so I just trim with scissors. If you start early, they soon get used to it.
Although my dogs are small, they get lots of excercise, chasing squirells in the woods and running up and down the cliffs at the seaside where we live through the summer.
I suffer from bad social anxiety but having a dog is a good way of getting out and at least saying 'good morning' to other dog owners. Your confidence grows the more you do it.
I don't know if it's still there my poovanese had her pic on www.greatdogsite.com (http://www.greatdogsite.com) just look for hybrids, then poovanese. She's black and called 'Bolly' (I still can't upload photo's on here, d'oh).
All the best, T x

little wren
29-03-12, 13:15
mikewales - I never thought of agility in back garden (mine is perhaps a bit too small though). The vet is local - the training class is over a mile away - my fear is being too far from home. It sounds like you have a very lucky pooch there x

daintydi
29-03-12, 13:29
This is Humphrey. Hes a silver standard poodle.He's 2, we got him from the standard poodle rescue. He has anxiety issues! Dont we all? Weve had him 3 weeks. he's a joy! Whenever i have a few tears, he just puts his head on my knee! makes my heart swell!
My son wrote on my mothers day card:- Humphrey isnt your whole world.... he just makes your world whole! and he does.:yesyes:

little wren
29-03-12, 13:43
Tish - I find when they cross poodle with anything they do advertise on pets4homes.com but I have never come across that combination and I would deffo be interested in small poodle cross. At the moment I am researching papillon as they are available. Thanks for the tip on insurance it never occurred to me a cross would be cheaper to insure. I checked out the website and yes the little cutie is still there playing in the snow xxxxxxxx
little wren

---------- Post added at 13:43 ---------- Previous post was at 13:39 ----------

daintydi - wow that first photo should be framed its great! x

Tish
29-03-12, 15:22
Oh my word, daintydi, your Humphrey is gorgeous! x

daintydi
29-03-12, 16:54
Hi trish<
Yes we think so too! He was bred to "show" but his legs are too long! so was sold to some woman that worked full time.He had been kept in a cage that was too small for him! so he can lay and and stand, but he cant sit up. (like the sitting up to give you a paw?) anyway he has to have a course of hydrotherapy, so hopefully that will help him. The poodle rescue people are sorting this out. He is an absolute joy. He's not very good with little dogs, and likes to chase cats! but he has improved my mood more than any anti depressants!
Diane x

Tish
30-03-12, 04:54
That's so sad Diane, it makes me really angry the way some people treat their dogs. Thank God he has you now and the love he deserves.
Like you say, it's a two way thing and they can bring so much pleasure x