Here we can all be heard for a little while. Part 3

dandy-candy

I've just got back from my counsellor, I'm feeling rather bewildered. I haven't seen her for nearly 2 years as I've been trying to cope without her and ive been on and off medication for a while etc. I had a good blub and told her about my current stresses and how I'm becoming a hermit etc. Her response was get a dog! I said yes I like dogs and would probably like one at some point (which I would) but I don't think my head is in the right place just now. The last pet I had was a cat that peed on my bed and pooed in the bath and I had to give in back after less than 24 hrs because I couldn't cope. Getting a dog right now wouldn't be fair on either of us. She was just like "Oh you will manage, you can do it"
I left feeling rather dazed, nothing about coping with my current anxiety problems! She didn't even make another appointment for me, just said call me after you get a dog and let me know how it's going. All a bit odd really, I don't know what to think.

elsien

I think you would have every right to feel slightly fobbed off.
As a doggy person, they can be beneficial (even the Gitdogs of this world) and when I was depressed having to walk the dog was the only thing that got me off the settee. But that was a dog I already had - as you say, going out and getting one when your head isn't in the right place isn't necessarily the greatest of ideas.
Could you contact her again and make another appointment? If they ask why, it's ok to say that you didn't feel you had the opportunity to make a proper plan about your anxiety and you need to discuss coping mechanisms that don't involve 4 legs.

Pyxis

dandy-candy wrote: »

I've just got back from my counsellor, I'm feeling rather bewildered. I haven't seen her for nearly 2 years as I've been trying to cope without her and ive been on and off medication for a while etc. I had a good blub and told her about my current stresses and how I'm becoming a hermit etc. Her response was get a dog! I said yes I like dogs and would probably like one at some point (which I would) but I don't think my head is in the right place just now. The last pet I had was a cat that peed on my bed and pooed in the bath and I had to give in back after less than 24 hrs because I couldn't cope. Getting a dog right now wouldn't be fair on either of us. She was just like "Oh you will manage, you can do it"
I left feeling rather dazed, nothing about coping with my current anxiety problems! She didn't even make another appointment for me, just said call me after you get a dog and let me know how it's going. All a bit odd really, I don't know what to think.

It could go either way.
It could be the making of you.....something to look after that gives you unconditional love.
Or it could be a totally disaster at the mo, and then wouldn't be fair on the dog.

If you've not had a dog before, they are very hard work, but it's good hard work iyswim, and most of the time doesn't feel like it is, but to do it properly does need effort. The dog will need lots of training, if it's not to be a nuisance, but it is soooooo rewarding.
And gets you out!

It also costs a lot, too. Even basic vet bills like annual jabs and worming. And insurance is advised in case of other health problems.

But, but, but, they are fantastic companions, and worth all of that.

Only you can decide, though.

Do you know anyone who could lend you their dog for a day or two? As a try-out?



Ps. It's totally different from having a cat.
And yes, you do have to go through the poo/wee stages, plus you have to be prepared to pick up the poo when you're out.

dandy-candy

We used to have dogs growing up so I've had experience living with them but it was 27 years ago (wow, that flew by!) and only went as far as company, cuddles, walking and feeding. If they had to go to the vet or pooped on the floor my dad always handled that. When I see people walking dogs and picking up the poop I do think eww, but I expect it's something you just get used to.
I don't actually know anyone with a dog, but I honestly don't feel ready to take on any pet right now, as much as I would love one in the future.

I'm not sure if I will rebook a session with her tbh, in fact when I told DH about it he reminded me I'd had a few off sessions with her in the past which was why I stopped going! I had completely forgotten that

elsien

There's always the Cinammon trust if you fancy a little light dog walking without the responsibility, and if you would be ok with a few minutes conversation at each end with the elderly dog owners.

jobbingmusician

I think WaS will go into shock when she hears about a counsellor recommending a dog! She's worked really hard at not making any evaluations or recommendations at all. I must say it seems really weird to me to hear about a counsellor giving advice like this. :eek:

dandy-candy

Thinking of you WaS, I hope the "thing-we-aren't-calling-an-exam" went well x

Lambyr

An alternative to getting a puppy which would need a lot of training would be to get a dog from a rehoming centre. Any reputable one would be able to make suggestions as to a good potential match based on housetraining level, activity level, etc. You're also doing a huge favour for the dog itself. Our previous dog was a rehomed dog. She was a naturally nervous dog and her previous home wasn't suitable for her, as there were other dogs there and she was too timid around them so they stole her food and all sorts!

She was a fantastic dog for us, though. Already housetrained, well behaved, quiet and providing she had her daily walk wanted little more than to snuggle in your lap on the sofa (though also wasn't clingy).

Not saying you should rush out to the nearest rehoming centre as it is still a huge commitment, especially with potential vet bills, food costs and all of that but it's an option in the future if you want a dog but are reluctant to take one on because of the training requirements.

But yes, I also agree, it's a very odd thing for a counsellor to suggest.

Waves_and_Smiles

How are we all today?

Ummm.... I did it! :j

I passed the exam and am now a fully qualified Crisis Intervention Responder with a pretty certificate to prove it! Next Wednesday is my first live shift doing it for real. Expect a post soon all about what I learnt from this because I learnt far more than how to do the work. I can honestly say it's changed me as a person for the better.

Dandy what on earth is your counsellor doing?! As JM says I just spent months learning not to give clear suggestions and becoming a blank sheet of paper for my client to write on, how strange for a counsellor to make such an obvious suggestion. That isn't the usual practice at all.

Pyxis

Waves_and_Smiles wrote: »

How are we all today?

Ummm.... I did it! :j

I passed the exam and am now a fully qualified Crisis Intervention Responder with a pretty certificate to prove it! Next Wednesday is my first live shift doing it for real. Expect a post soon all about what I learnt from this because I learnt far more than how to do the work. I can honestly say it's changed me as a person for the better.

Dandy what on earth is your counsellor doing?! As JM says I just spent months learning not to give clear suggestions and becoming a blank sheet of paper for my client to write on, how strange for a counsellor to make such an obvious suggestion. That isn't the usual practice at all.

Well done WaS! :T :T:T

We all knew you could do it!

Does this mean that Sir Pugliet will now have to be callied CIR Pugliet? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

(Not bad for 04:58, eh?)