Has anyone ever heard of a person with CF having a therapy dog? I have been thinking about getting one for a while and I'm not sure if I would qualify. I have been doing a lot of research on it and one thing I was looking into is an emotional therapy dog. My anxiety has been getting really really bad within the past few months (in the past 2 weeks I have had 4 panic attacks, and they really take a lot out of me) and I have read that emotional therapy dogs really really help with anxiety and depression. Do you think a CF doctor or a psychologist would sign off on that? My landlord won't let us have dogs so I thought if it was for a medical reason they would have to allow a dog. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks
CF and therapy dogs???
- Thread starter baco623
- Start date
When I was living by myself in a one bedroom apartment, I decided to get a cat even though my apartment complex didn't allow animals. I saw a woman with a dog in the apartment over so I assumed they were relaxed on the rules. They ended up finding out about my cat and I asked why the other woman had a dog. My landlord said it was a therapy animal for emotional support. I told her about my cystic fibrosis and she said if I got a doctors not stating that the cat provides emotional support, then I could keep the cat. This was coming from a really strict landlord also. Hope that helps, I couldn't imagine being with out my cat, she makes me so happy.
running4life
New member
I would guess that a psychiatrist would write off on that. If not one, then find one who will. I have anxiety and depression and has been really bad in the past, and my dog (a big golden lab) helps me greatly. He also helps me with my CF because we go for walks together and gets me moving every single day. Otherwise, I would probably stay in bed some days when my depression and lungs are not doing so well. My dog keeps me running, lessens anxiety and depression, and overall improves my mood and lowers stress. Do what you can to get a dog!
M
marycd
Guest
cf and therapy dog
my husband gave me a jack russell after i found out i have CF, she is the best therapy ever. she brings such laughter and joy to me.
my husband gave me a jack russell after i found out i have CF, she is the best therapy ever. she brings such laughter and joy to me.
beautifulsoul
Super Moderator
I think a dog is great to have. Just remember you have to take care of it though. (Buy food, walk it, take it to the vet for shots) Make sure you are healthy enough to do those things if you are living alone the majority of the time. Dogs are very loveable and have such high spirit and joy. Also, great companions when you are lonely and/or sad. I'm not sure about the living situation. I guess it depends on where you live and if they are willing to bend the rules for you or not. I know a lady who has a daughter with CF and they were able to buy the dog and train it themselves to be a certified therapy dog so she can take it everywhere with her (L)
An emotional therapy dog only has the right to live with you and travel on an airplane with you. You need a letter from your doc or psychiatrist. If you want the dog to be able to have access everywhere, you will need a trained service dog. My son has autism and cf. e has a service dog to help with wondering off. These are two different types of dogs with two separate rights. If you would like your dog to be able to go with you everywhere, it will need to be taught at least one task related to your anxiety. My sons dog has been a god send to us. We don't have to worry about him running off, his anxiety level is way down, and he is more relaxed. Good luck, Janelle
LittleLab4CF
Super Moderator
I think a therapy dog or cat is a wonderful idea. Maybe having a therapy animal could be provided on a visiting basis. If you use a therapy dog, in cases I know, the animal has been pre selected for temperament and then especially trained. Therapy animals can be owned and in the case of mental health this seems preferable since you can't plan anxiety attacks. The difference in a prescription for a therapy animal and an animal for emotional comfort could be the trick.
Therapy animals trained for the purpose have better sanitary protocol than most people. A pet dog might clean your nostrils whereas a therapy dog only opens its mouth on command and that tongue stays put. They don't peel the flooring up, rip up slippers or eat your socks. Above all therapy dogs don't trash a home environment. A good pet owner can raise a well behaved companion but if it is going to pass for a therapy dog a book and a volunteer trainer for therapy dogs are invaluable and generally available. This is fair in an apartment complex that is otherwise pet free. I have taken every dog I've owned through obedience school. The first school was all I needed to know how to train a dog. The answer was obedience school where other dogs, people and foreign ground produce the worst possible place to teach a dog. And the best possible place to see learning.
LL
Therapy animals trained for the purpose have better sanitary protocol than most people. A pet dog might clean your nostrils whereas a therapy dog only opens its mouth on command and that tongue stays put. They don't peel the flooring up, rip up slippers or eat your socks. Above all therapy dogs don't trash a home environment. A good pet owner can raise a well behaved companion but if it is going to pass for a therapy dog a book and a volunteer trainer for therapy dogs are invaluable and generally available. This is fair in an apartment complex that is otherwise pet free. I have taken every dog I've owned through obedience school. The first school was all I needed to know how to train a dog. The answer was obedience school where other dogs, people and foreign ground produce the worst possible place to teach a dog. And the best possible place to see learning.
LL
Taylersmom
New member
We got a Mini Pincher, he immediatly took to my son , who is 15 w/ CF. We call him his medneb buddy... No matter what's going on, when my son does a medneb (neb treatment) Mo MO (mini pin) has to be in his lap.... it is the cutest thing... so I do think he is a therapy dog..litterally....
azdesertrat
New member
While my dog isn't an official 'Therapy Dog', she most assuredly therapeutic to me!
She's part of the reason I'm still around.
She was just a pup when I really started going downhill. She had so much personality I kept telling myself, 'I can't die now, I gotta see how this pup turns out!'
She has never disappointed.
There's never a day that she doesn't make me smile or even laugh out loud.
If it weren't for my Wife & Crissy-Dog, I don't think I'd be typing these words.
She's part of the reason I'm still around.
She was just a pup when I really started going downhill. She had so much personality I kept telling myself, 'I can't die now, I gotta see how this pup turns out!'
She has never disappointed.
There's never a day that she doesn't make me smile or even laugh out loud.
If it weren't for my Wife & Crissy-Dog, I don't think I'd be typing these words.