Emotional support animals

CatherineMC

Hello again everyone,

I’m on LCWRA and unlikely I will be working again in the future, due to a number of mental health reasons. I live alone and my purpose feels massively diminished, recently leading to ideation of end of life scenarios.

I wondered if anyone knows of any charity where I can obtain an emotional support animal? I really think I would benefit from this and it would help me to socialise and get out of the house more, giving me a reason to live and look after someone else other than myself.

Any tips massively appreciated.

CatherineMC

(Sorry I have no idea why this went into PIP category….?!!)

Albus_Scope

Hi @CatherineMC sorry to hear you think you wont be working again, I know how tough that can be on the mind, so please be gentle with yourself!
There's a difference between an assistance animal and an emotional support animal (ESA) unfortunately ESAs are still not recognised by law in the UK, so you cant take them everywhere with you, whilst Assistance animals can be licensed and have special laws.
There's a fair bit of info here for you to read. The first step is usually to discuss it with your GP.

Though in my eyes, all pets are emotional support animals. 😊

JessieJ

Hi @CatherineMC

I had looked into getting an assistance dog last year, then gave up, which doesn't help you, sorry.

But, earlier this year, my GP called me in as I wasn't doing so well, after a very long chat, I tongue in cheek asked if she could prescribe me a dog. Her answer, sadly I can't, but I can put you in touch with a breeder, as it would be very good for you. Roll on a good few months & I'm actively looking for a pup, the same small breed as she suggested, that I can train for odd things, but to mainly be an emotional support dog. My GP would give me a letter to support it. I've always had dogs in my life, this is the longest I've been without, just over 3 years. I know that the same thoughts you've been having will be put back in their box, as I will have purpose & a companion.

And I'm with @Albus_Scope, all pets are emotional support animals, you just feel your blood pressure dropping as you stroke them.

poppy123456

Totally agree that all animals are emotional support animals. I live with my daughter and we are cat people, rather than dogs. We have an 11 year old Siamese Tom cat called Alfie, well actually I think he's part dog and human too. 😂

He's an indoor cat and to see him and my daughter together is just incredible. They adore each other. She went away last weekend with her sister and family and I could actually see the sadness in his face. He hardly came downstairs while she was away and wouldn't even go into her bedroom. I honestly don't know what she would do without him. Same for me actually and he's a massive part of our life.

She has ASD and a learning disability and just LOVES cats of any kind. She only has to see one in the street and she always walks towards it. Even when we are in the car if she sees one the smile on her face says it all.

CatherineMC

Thanks everyone, I am aware that animals are already good emotional support I was just asking about dogs that are specifically trained to pick up on different things and calm you down when a meltdown is on the horizon - and one you can take to work with you or to other places where dogs normally aren’t permitted. My moods can be very dark and I find that having one would really help break the ice socially too.

I’ll just have to look at alternatives for now I think.

JessieJ

@CatherineMC, do you have a good relationship with your GP or an MH medic that you see, as you could ask them. As I said, mine was a tongue in cheek comment to my GP. Mainly because I know how I feel when I have a furry companion & also, I know I would never consider doing anything that would mean I left it.

Actually, it seems that the stars were in alignment for me, as I received confirmation on a pup & I can't believe, I'm picking her up tomorrow. Hopefully, she will help me to come off the ADs & give me the positive focus I need, in fact, I know she will. I'm sure my Dr will be happy too.

So have that word with your medico, Catherine & just see what they say. Hopefully it will be positive then you can look for that special one & then with the letter it will be your emotional support animal, not fully recognised in every place, but with the letter, it will help.

Steve_in_The_City

Hello @CatherineMC Hi. You can actually take your dog anywhere; you don't have to worry about rules and regulation. I have taken my dogs all over the country (England, Scotland and Wales) and I have never had a problem. If someone doesn't accept your dog (a rarity) you just go to the next establishment. My dogs have been in really good restaurants and hotels, so don't worry. My advise would be to get a rescue dog. The dog will love you and your dark moods and you will have a companion to love back.

ricky1040

100 percent agree. Animals are the best thing in life. When I'm stuck in the house and cannot go out or get up much my dog and cat are my best buddies. I would be lost without them. In fact my dogs on the bed beside me now. They are so loving and loyal. Give you a purpose when you feel you may have lost your own.

Steve_in_The_City

@ricky1040 Spot on. You couldn't have expressed it better.