I've had my dog for 5 years. I adopted him from a family that couldn't handle their other 2 dogs, kids, and him (he was a very hyper puppy) and he's been a lifesaver. I've been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks since I moved to California and they just got worse in college and even worse after my car accident.
My panic attacks frequently come suddenly and debilitating, to the point that I need at least 2 days to recover from one. Usually I can barely move, let alone breathe. Since I adopted him, he has been able to help me through them. He senses them coming and he starts to hang around me more. He stands up on his hind legs and gives me hugs until I sit down, then he sits next to me and keeps a paw on me until the panic attack passes. He tries to keep me distracted, asks for pets, nudges me, anything to get me to interact with him. After it passes, we lay in my bed and just cuddle and watch cartoons (he really likes Secret Life of Pets). With him, I recover in one day. I still feel depressed, but I'm functional.
This week, I was able to take him to our local dog beach and he had so much fun! It felt good to give him the day off, almost. He ran around and made friends and splashed around in the ocean. The worst part? There was no cell service. No one could get a hold of me, not social media, no posting, nothing. And...its was amazing. For the first time in a very long time, I had time to stop, breathe, and think. Honestly, I recommend going there and just watch the dogs play and disconnect. Take your dog, don't take your dog, just disconnect and enjoy.
