I cant leave my home, I have cronic panic anxiety. I want to get a dog, but mgmt wont allow it, any suggestion

Question

My panic anxiety, comes with phobias, small places, large places, heights. I find that puppies calm me, and make me relax, which never happens. This way I would have to take to dog out everyday do he doesn't make a mess in my townhouse (rental) I am on disability for 14 years now fighting this mental illness, and its making me crazy. I found a puggle (male) that I just love on line, he is so cute and adoreable barely can stand it. I know they are a spendy dog, but I think they are worth it. Also in the the 10 days I lost my father (my best friend), and I think this dog would help. Does anyone know where I can get a puggle for a reasonable price, being on ss disability doesn't make me wealthy. I know I can afford food for the dog, and I know that I could do without anxiety and be able to take a deep breath without feeling like I'm not going to hyper ventilate everytime I inhale. I know I must sound greedy about getting a male puggle but they are active and like to be outside.

I am a 48 year old woman with 2 kids 8 and 13. I have a very ill husband, he is in renal failure, waitng on a kidney transplant, than a pancreas transplant.

I've been in behavorial management through Mayo Clinic, and am on 4 meds, and have a psychiatrist, and counselor, and it seems that all of that isn't working fully.

Answer 1

First of all there is no majic pill or wand to wave to make the panic attack go away. There is a better way. Pet Therapy has helped a number of people with different problems. I would recommend a service dog. If your doctor or therapist wrote you a letter needing a service dog, would your manager let you have it? He would have to because the laws states so. The links should help you. or contact me.

You need to learn to control your panic attacks and anxiety. No one has ever died from panic attacks even though it feels like it when you are going through one. Learn to rate them and know the five stages of panic attacks before it gets to a full blown panic attack. Every one has level one. Some have level two. The trick is learning to stop it before it gets to level 5.

Answer 2

I too suffered from chronic pain anxiety for a period after my wife passed away. There area medications that can help, but you are really going to have to start stepping out, even if just a little at first, to get back in touch with reality. Fear in the mind can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to remain a constant problem. I would also seek counseling from a psychiatrist who is trained in ways to walk you through it. Don't give up hope. Take deep breaths and relax. The fear isn't real, although I know it can FEEL very real and can cause physical symptoms. You can get over it. As for the dog, you might have to move to an apartment that accepts dogs. I am on SS Disability also, so I do understand your situation.

Answer 3

You have very serious agoraphobia. Dogs need to walk and they need fresh air. Maybe a dog might be a little much for you. In addition to food, dogs need veterinary care and shots periodically as well as regular treatment for fleas and heart worms. Ask if you can have visits from a registered therapy dog. These are wonderful animals that are especially trained to reach out to people who have disabilities such as the anxiety and panic disorder you describe. The dog will not take panic attacks away. I am fearful that you might wind up with dog waste in your apartment or having a serious of panic attacks and resenting the dog because it has to go outside. Please think about this. I hope you are able to find effective treatment. Best wishes.

Additional Information:

A couple of comments have been made about dogs being a "legal right." Certainly there are trained animals who help people who have limitations in mobility or who are blind. Service dogs in these situations are considered "reasonable accommodations." It might be stretching it to say one has a "legal" right to hve a dog because the dog makes the person feel better. If this was the intent of the Americans with Disabilities act, anyone who lived in a building banning pets could argue a dog is a service dog because it makes them feel better. I am concerned about you having a pet that you might not be able to care for at this time and having problems with the management of the building. I wish you every happiness, but this does not seem like a viable thing at this time.

Answer 4

ok, well it seems others have addressed the first problem somewhat, first see if your psychiatrist will write you a note saying you require a companion pet, if not then you might as well move to someplace where you can have pets because I thoroughly believe in the power of pets to motivate you to do alot of things you wouldn't otherwise do. Like having to get out of bed when you are so very depressed cuz they need to go to the potty, need food, need water, need love. I know this because I am bipolar and when I am depressed I do not leave my house for days and sometimes weeks at a time EXCEPT to care for my animals. NOW here is where you might run into some problems, pugs do have very specific health concerns and you really must consider vet costs, which include at minimum yearly exam, all shots, monthly heartworm and flea meds and trust me, NO pet ever requires just the minimum vet care. Next there is the subject of the breed. Please research the breed well, just cuz they are cute doesn't necessarily mean they are for you. And just as others have said "pound pups" of mixed breed are usually healthier/ have less of the "breed" medical problems that purebreds have. lastly let me say I wish you the best with your quest for a pet.

Answer 5

You sound so much like me. I've been suffering from PTSD for about 2 years and for the last year bad social anxiety (after getting over depression about 8 years ago). I also have a young child and sometimes I feel like such a bad mom, because I can't even go out into the yard anymore. So finally 2 weeks ago I started counselling, and my gp started me on an antidepressant. I don't really have any good advice to give, just wanted you to know you're not alone in feeling like this. You must be really strong to have made it this far, feeling the way you do. Get a new doctor (one who understands what you're going through), start counselling, CBT. You're not going crazy and you can get better.

Answer 6

You should offer to walk someone elses dog for a couple months. Determine if you can handle the responsibility. Maybe you could rescue a dog from a shelter/pound. Getting an older dog might be better than raising a puppy. Dogs often take on the characteristics of their owner, a puppy would be more likely to take on your same phobias.
Another thing about dogs, they will usually die before you. They have a short life span(human years). Just know that you will probably have to bury your friend, the dog, in about 10 yrs.

Answer 7

I think animals are great companions and certainly help us get through stressful situations. I think with everything that is going on in your life this might not be a great time to get a dog of your own. Perhaps you could volunteer at a Humane society or animal shelter. All of the animals there need love and most places are always looking for volunteers. You could have an endless number of dogs to play with and love! Animal shelters are low key and not crowded. I know you're going through a hard time but not communicating with the outside world is actually complicating you problems. Getting out will help you get your mind off of your current situation. Have you considered bereavement counseling? It's really important to deal with the mourning process properly. I'd be glad to help any way I can if you'd like to e-mail me.

Answer 8

First of all, you need to think about the landlord, I think you would hyper ventilate of they kicked you out after you got a dog... But, you can offer them a pet deposit and explain your situation 1st... They might do it... About the pug is it? They have pug rescues and rescues for every dog and cat etc.. you just adopt them (cheap) not the pound... a rescue.. hopefully that helps you.

My husband has major in Psychology... Please don't be afraid to go outside... life is toooo short. Nothing will happen to you. Get a dog walking job if you need. I lost my dad 1 year ago and I cant seem to go too long without crying..BUT days go by and he would not like to see you this way. Life can be wonderful. I wish I could help you.

Good luck

Answer 9

Actually, if you go to the local animal sheler they might have exactly what you want. They have plenty of pure bred dogs that people don't want anymore.
Besides, I can understand that you have our mind set on a certain kind of dog, but if you go to the shelter you will realize that there are many kinds of dogs that will be just as good for you as the pug. Mutts are usualy healthier and smarter than pure-breds.
Go to the shelter first. Maybe you will be saving a life while helping yourself.
A dog sounds like a great idea, btw. It's the best way to make friends and meet people. Just walking down the street with one will make you talk to lots of people, and hanging out in the dog park is an awesome way to get to meet your neighbours. And besides, I know that people that own dogs usualy have lower blood pressure than people who don't own dogs.

Answer 10

Instead of looking specifically for a breed of dog. Why don’t you go down to the local humane society? An animal would probably help you a lot with your stress since dogs have been proven to have positive effects on people’s mental as well as physical health. To find a animal shelter or humane society you can use your phonebook or search yahoo.

Giving a animal that needs a home alreay is much cheeper than buying a pure breed too. (A *whole* lot cheeper)