As some of you may have remembered, we recently adopted a rescue dog. His name is Bruce.
While I would like to tell you that is he is cute, fluffy and the most beautiful thing ever, I would be lying. Bruce is allergic to his own skin, covered in scabs and has a nasty habit of sneezing in people’s faces. But, damn do I love that dog and I’ll tell you why. He has been my savior.
Over the past few months I have been suffering some panic attacks. Not just small ones, either, but ones that have incapacitated me. While I have meds for them, they can take up to forty-five minutes to work and during that time, I still have to suffer.
One day, I was in bed, fighting one off when the most amazing thing happened, Bruce jumped into bed, curled up next to me and snuggled into me. Slowly, but surely the panic attack eased up. It didn’t go away completely, but at least it eased up enough where I felt like I could breathe again.
So, now whenever I feel a panic attack coming on, I grab my Bruce security blanket, clutch him to my chest and hold him tight until I feel better. The funny thing is he holds still the entire time. Almost as is he knows how much I need him.
A lot of people tell me how I saved Bruce that day we took him home, but now I realize that we saved each other. Sure he may have itchies and boo-boos and he may bark at anything that moves, but he’s my mangy mutt. I wouldn’t trade him for the any top dollar breed dog out there.
So, I urge all of you out there, if you are thinking of getting a dog, go the rescue route. You just may find your next best friend.
I agree ..I rescued a put bill boxer mix about 13 years ago and he was my baby , he passed and we miss him greatly but we have his son to carry on his name …but he rescued us as we’ll …whenever feeling down he would do the same and cuddle love him always
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I agree with you. Several years ago my family adopted a puppy from the local animal shelter. She was a mix breed but a wonderful dog. She died over five years ago but I will always remember her with love and tenderness because she was just that awesome.
its good to adopt a dog or a cat. i am glad that bruce found someone that love him and take care of him its so good i love my kitties they are my life and i love them sooo much
Stephani, I’m sorry to hear about the panic attacks I have them myself and they are so awful. You described them so well. I hope to give you hope in that once you learn your triggers and how to cope it gets better. I also have rescue dogs, 2 right now, and they are my saving grace, they always know when to come snuggle and help fight the panic away they are true blessings.
I have several rescue dogs. They are my babies and keep me going even when I would choose just to give in. We may rescue them in one way, but they return the favor many fold.
My animals are all special. Some are rescues and in the case of my cats. Half are litters my females have had and the ones not adopted we kept. I suffer with mental illness and they can tell when I am having a bad day. Our newest dog, Winchester is also sensitive to when I am not feeling right
I come from a family of animal lovers. We have everything from dogs and cats to horses, rabbits and pot-belly pigs. My sister has a Great Dane that suffers from a skin condition that sounds similar to Bruce’s. Kula would scratch and gnaw until she was covered in sores. Fortunately they live in the same town as one of the best veterinarians in the state. He said he thought it was a food allergy and to remove all dog food that contained corn from the dog’s diet. Sure enough within a couple of weeks Kula’s skin began to clear up. I don’t know if this will help but it is something worth looking into.
Thank for the advice and all the kind words. *hugs* Right now I’m keeping a coat on Bruce and that seems to be helping him with his itchiness. He is still helping me with my panic attacks and he is still being mighty.