Reactive Dog helps Dog Mom with PTSD
I met Spidey while working at our local humane society. He was a wreck, and to be honest, so was I.
I separated from the military a few years prior to meeting Spidey. Having been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, to say I was a mess may have been an understatement. Working with animals was the first step towards stability in my life. Once I met Spidey, committing to adopt a reactive dog was my saving grace.
As reactive as Spidey was to the outside world, he reminded me so much of myself. We were both riddled with constant fear and anxiety. Spidey’s training consisted of daily walks, slowly exposing him to more of the world: a quiet world. We took walks in large, open parks where seeing others was minimal. Who would have thought that those walks were not only was helping him, but helping me too?
Talking Spidey through his problems was a constant reminder and training for me. He has made such a dramatic change with his own life as well as mine. I don’t feel so alone, and I feel more confident going out and exploring the world (things I was unable to do before). I rescued a dog from death row, but he was the one who truly saved me. @spideythebully
