My service dog

[Firesticks]

iShe is a beautiful black lab. I got her as a youngster because she was so smart. I trained her myself She received her certificate as a licensed companion dog for my PTSD. I think she may be more. With my cancer when the pain reaches levels that begin to really bother me she rises up form her bed and lays at my feet. She often lays her head gently on the arm of the chair waiting for pets and some ear scratching. I think she knows this distracts me from the pain somewhat. I sit on the floor when I get tired and the mood takes a nose dive. She is right there to lay in my lap. I rub her throat and massage her paws and always finish with a good base of the tail scratching. It makes us both feel better. Not sure what i would do without her. EVERYONE loves Mz B (Bailey). Well except those who come in uninvited. Neck hair goes straight up and the bark turns to a bark with a low growl. By now most everyone knows I need to open the door and let you in unless she knows you. Not sure what i would do with out her or how i could handle things and the stress.

 

[FifthWheel]

Great story. Sounds like Mz Bailey has a sixth sense.

 

[crazyphil]

It's great that you have a "best friend".

 

[JH1951]

You have been blessed with one of the wonders of God. The unconditional love and comfort that a good pet can give is a healing tonic unmatched by that of which modern medicine can provide.

 

[Watchdog]

What a beautifully worded testimonial to your Service Dog, Bailey. In spite of some physical and mental issues that bother you, you are a lucky man.

Until they witness it, or experience it themselves, so many people still don't really understand the whole service dog/therapy dog concept. It's hard to wrap their brains around the fact that an animal can make someone feel better...that a dog can accomplish things that a therapist or psychiatrist cannot. In the case of people suffering from PTSD, it a dog can make them feel better mentally, then feeling better physically will often follow right behind.

Again, I believe you're a lucky man, and I hope you and Mz B have many happy years together.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to see a photograph or two of Bailey (hint, hint).

 

[billwill]

Thanks for telling us about you and Bailey. That makes you feel good. Lots of goofy stuff in the world but a man and his dog....that's a happy story!

 

[Andy Lowry]

One of the things I really admire about dogs is that they have a very simple idea of BIG FUN. Car ride? Tennis ball? Walk around the neighborhood? Run full-tilt in circles in the back yard? That's all BIG FUN, and they're grateful as can be to experience it.

I'm delighted to hear about your friend, Firesticks! Please give her a pat from me.

 

[norm]

good doggy

 

[16thVACav]

You know your phone has a built-in camera, don't you?

 

[walkin jack]

To repeat Watchdog's hint, Love to see a pic or two...maybe one with the two of ya....

I'm very happy that you have this wonderful friend. Just thinkin' about it makes me smile...

 

[Firesticks]

Well I may try and get a pic and post it if I can figure it out. Right now I have to prepare to go to Portland to meet with the surgeon who will remove the tumor after, hopefully, treatment has shrunk it with chemo and radiation. He is a specialist in esophageal cancers and surgery. Been extremely busy with 6 different Dr,'s and 4 different hospitals trying to coordinate it all. That's what you get when you are dirt poor and live in the sticks. With my health I may end up moving out there after this is over.

 

[Firesticks]

 

[Firesticks]

 

[Firesticks]

Baileys ID pic for our residence.

 

[walkin jack]

Thank you firesticks! That is one charmin' pooch you have there!! Prayers up for a good outcome and fast healing on your surgery. We'll be a pullin' for you in here!

 

[les.b]

Good thing I can touch type. For some reason, the keyboard has become a little blurry. Thanks for sharing your touching story with us. Watchdog summed it up nicely.

Best Regards, Les

 

[lkabug]

Beautiful member of your family.
My daughter works for an organization that's trains service dogs to give to veterans that need them. It is a big task, the need out there is so great.

 

[Watchdog]

It's great to see what you and Bailey look like! Really can't hit the "Like" button enough for your photographs, and I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite.

I know Bailey's calming (and fun loving) presence will continue to have a positive effect on you. I know from personal experience what a beneficial experience it can be, just sitting on the porch or out in the woods with my dogs next to me. And even talking to them. Words like "calming" and "beneficial" really can't cover it, but they're all I could come up with for the moment.

Thanks for posting the photos for us to see.

 

[Firesticks]

It's great to see what you and Bailey look like! Really can't hit the "Like" button enough for your photographs, and I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite.

I know Bailey's calming (and fun loving) presence will continue to have a positive effect on you. I know from personal experience what a beneficial experience it can be, just sitting on the porch or out in the woods with my dogs next to me. And even talking to them. Words like "calming" and "beneficial" really can't cover it, but they're all I could come up with for the moment.

Thanks for posting the photos for us to see.

For me the words faithful and undaunted devotion come to mind. She is my forth Labrador. Last one was Otis. He had his leg amputated when he was about 3 1/2. My ex always said he would follow me into the flames of hell and never look back. Big (106#) and bold. He was a true gentle giant with the brains of Einstien. Mz B came before We had to be put down. i wanted her to pick up on some of his traits and I think she did. She is almost 9 now and I hope we are BOTH around for quite some time yet. Well off to Portland tomorrow. may the winds of luck fill our sails.