I think most who suffer from depression like animals, especially dogs. I actually think that therapy dogs would be a great idea for those with suicidal thoughts suffering from depression. After school shootings, therapy dogs help with grief and I know our dog has helped us deal with the loss of Charles by suicide. Charles adored his dog, Andy who thankfully is still with us.
Dogs can sense when you are about to have a seizure, so I’m going to bet they know when someone is about to experience a major depressive episode, too. That’s the unscientific conclusion we’ve come to on this post, Does depression have a smell?
What is the #griefheart project?
I explain my #griefheart project here. Contact me if you want to honor and remember your loved one who died by suicide or from addiction.
See all #griefhearts so far on pinterest or on this blog by #griefheart category.
Oh. my. gosh.
His big beautiful white heart on his face! I would have loved to see your face when you recognized this for the first time! He is so handsome!
This is actually not Charles’ dog but someone else’s. However, you should have seen my face when I saw it!
I’m fortunate enough to work with dogs, and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to be greeted every day by my favorite pups. They are ALWAYS happy to see me, a nice reminder that I am loved during hard times.
That makes me smile
I agree with you about pets knowing when we aren’t feeling well. My pets through the years have given me comfort in bad times and been right by my side in the good times too. What a good example they set for us!
Such unconditional love they offer. No judgement. Dogs don’t care how thin or heavy we are, how bad or great our hair looks. They just love us.