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Replies to "Jim .... I loved your story. Right now I am struggling terribly. Several years ago I..."
Hi Abby, I am so glad I saw your post! I'm 55 and I got a puppy about 5 months ago. I have chronic illness and was going downhill last summer and after seeing other people get puppies in my apartment building decided to get a puppy. I had no pets at the time and hadn't had dogs or cats for 3.5 years. I was missing having a dog too! I struggle with depression and anxiety, so I totally understand. I think you are doing the right thing and I am totally supporting this! I dreaded telling my 75 yr old mom about getting a puppy because I knew it would be a negative reaction, and I was right. When I told her she said Oh No. She got over it fast thankfully. My dad wanted to hear all about the puppy, so that helped. My sisters love dogs too, so nothing negative. My wayward 20 yr old daughter who lives in Texas (I had to move to Utah because of my extreme allergy to airborne mold), was jealous - which I expected. She also has bipolar, but is using meth and heroine to feel good, and, unfortunately, and sadly, I don't have much contact with her. I went to a support group for parents of kids with Substance Abuse Disorder and the leader of the group said getting the puppy was absolutely the right thing to do! All the other ladies in the group had dogs. My dog is an "Emotional Support Animal." If you have to move and they say they don't allow pets there - you can get your doctor to write a letter saying that your dog is an "Emotional Support" dog. No one can legally turn you and your dog away. Also, if you ever had to fly in a plane and take your dog with you the airlines cannot charge you for the dog's fare, so the dog flies free. This is the law now and you can find that information on the internet, or someone can help you with that if you need to find it. Your doctor probably knows about this too. That's how I was able to get permission to have my dog where I lived last summer. The doctor faxed the landlord's form after I filled out part of it. It was very easy to do. I know you will forget all about this sadness when you get the new friend! You will not care how much "trouble" the dog is. You will manage it and you will wake up each day and see that precious face looking at you, happy to see you, and full of love for you! I hope you have a better day now! I am really happy for you! My Audrey has improved my life immensely! Good luck and I hope to hear more! Jess
@amberpep
So you are getting your dog, how nice! It would be good to have your family support you in this, but I'm sure you will enjoy your new little friend.
Teresa