Being an "old boy" type of guy born and raised out in the country I don't understand what in the world is an "emotional support dog?" Maybe someone could explain this to me. We had horses, dogs, chickens, ducks and all sorts of animals but not one supported me "emotionally." This must be a new urban concept that I am not aware of?
It’s a new concept to me too
@Packerjohn.
Paige has GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and is taking medication and uses a variety of techniques (yoga, mindfulness exercises etc) to keep it under control, all under her Doctor’s care. As an additional therapy she also has an emotional support dog.
Emotional Support Animal
An emotional support animal provides love, affection, compassion, and support to a specific person with a diagnosed mental or emotional condition. They do not perform a specific task or job; instead, their purpose is to offer relief in challenging situations.
Paige spent 2+ years before her diagnosis desperately seeking answers for the range of physical symptoms that plagued her. She was taken to the emergency room several times by me or her husband for what appeared to be cardiac or respiratory events. She wore a couple different heart monitors for a week or two weeks. She was scanned and X-rayed and tested for everything from pneumonia to gastroenteritis to celiac to ulcers. It was a wretched time.
I slept with my phone on and at full volume for the late night phone calls because if she was having a physical event of some kind I’d need to either take her to the emergency room or stay with the kids so her husband could.
This woman is NOT a hypochondriac. She was seldom ill and when she did come down with something she just powered through it. She suffered in silence for several months before finally realizing that something was badly wrong but even then it was almost two years before she finally got the answer that explained every single symptom, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Even with medication and her carious other techniques the anxiety still sometimes overwhelms her. Having Dixie has been an amazing addition. When Paige is gasping for breath she can hug and pet Dixie who always responds affectionatey, and Paige will settle. Even her kids know to bring Dixie to Paige if she appears to be struggling.
I know it sounds strange and if I hadn’t been actively involved in this entire issue with Paige ove the last several years, I would likely question the veracity of both the condition and the need for an emotional support animal. It all sounds a bit woo-woo! But I’ve seen it up close and personal. Watching your strong, highly functional and capable kid absolutely crippled and frantic and entirely non-functional and wondering if she’s going to die from some undiagnosed condition is a wretched thing. I will gladly embrace and support ANYTHING that brings her relief no matter how unconventional.
Dixie is an absolute gem. I’m so glad Paige has her. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her.
One day I’ll tell you her rescue story.
