This is why we have a dog...

[StillMedusa]

DS2, autistic with learning disabilities, (won't ever marry or be independent ..will need supported living one day) wanted a dog. So we thought long and hard..and got our girl.
It's taken over a year but he can now walk her independently, he does a bit of training every night with her and she has filled his world (and ours.. we adore her).. she loves him unconditionally.
Took this snap tonight as he was giving her treats for 'down' .. she has transformed his world.
Why do you have a dog...?

My reasons are partly similar - I know how beneficial the relationship with a dog is for neurodivergent children but also for myself- I love watching how much she enjoys things.
When we get back from her morning walk she runs upstairs and play bows and acts so excited about breakfast.

I love her company on walks and the routine that gives.

Weird things like she tries so hard at the randommest achievements. She has spent the past year working out how to wee higher than boy dogs and just worked it out this month. It's not how I would prioritise but she's so chuffed with herself.

What a lovely photo.

Yes, the bond between a human and dog can be transformational.

A dog is particularly wonderful when you have mean teens. You have someone who adores you, and the teens can be heard moaning about you and life in general into dog's fur...

What a gorgeous story and photo.

We also got a dog for our son who is autistic (dogs are his current special interest) but she's been wonderful for the whole family. We recently spent our week's holiday taking the dog to various dog parks near and far - the kids and the dog had the best week ever! Dogs are just the best.

BTW op your ds is a very handsome lad!!

Ah Op what a wonderful picture.

We've got a dog this year and have a child with similar difficulties- their relationship is developing slowly but it's noticeable that our dog is different with our daughter than she is with the rest of us - very gentle.

And we are all besotted with her.

Awww...that is a fluffy doggo.
I regularly walk a dog I don't own (owner has disability). I consider this activity mental health therapy sessions. Does me as much good as it does the dog.

Our dog made our house a home

This is such a beautiful post to read and has warmed my heart! My family always had dogs growing up and they were always an integral part of my life. Since becoming an adult I’ve had one rescue dog and when he died we got a very large breed puppy. He is my third child and I adore him!

Beautiful post OP. I'm so happy for you all.

Really lovely. Dogs are better than so many humans (not all, but many).

That's a lovely photo, thank you for sharing it - it made me smile after a crap evening. What a wonderful bond they seem to have, so much love in your ds eyes 🤩

Mine is for the cuddles. She is such a lap dog and so affectionate and cuddly and I love it.

I wanted a warm dog on my lap each night, I wanted a happy little tail wagging when I got in the house, I wanted my son to grow with a dog and develop his caring and empathetic side.

She has done all of that, and completed our family totally, the best money I have ever spent.

I love my dog so, so much. I never believed I could love an animal so much. She makes me laugh and smile every day. And when she's sat next to me on the sofa, she puts her paws on my shoulders then leans in for a big doggy hug and my heart just melts.

I was on antidepressants for 10 years. Within 6 months I went to my GP and said ''I don't need them know, I've got natures antidepressant.''

The bond between your DS and dog is so clear in that picture, it's absolutely beautiful to see!

I'm so happy things worked out for you all

My dog was my only coworker and my best friend (since covid we now share our home office with DH too). He helps me manage my anxiety and ensures I exercise daily plus he's ridiculously cute.

What would we do without dogs?

Ah this is so lovely! We got our dog at what I consider the end of my recovery from brain surgery ( a year later) she's got me out walking so much and is just brilliant ( as well as being a huge pain in the ass atm at 7 months)

The trouble is, where to get a dog? Rescues all seem to have the less problematic dogs reserved from day one. We have a cat, and the vast majority of dogs don’t seem suitable to live with cats. We also don’t have a totally secure garden.
We could offer a great life to a dog, but I don’t want a puppy and adult dogs without behavioural issues who can live with cats seem to be like golddust.
I had thought about rescuing from abroad, but it seems such a lottery.
Gumtree is an option, but again it’s very risky as the owners won’t always be honest about reasons for Rehoming.

I’m also thinking about getting a dog and wanted a rescue, but last night I went on dogs trust and the behavioural issues really put me off, it was things like needs to be muzzled when outside, can’t be near kids, can’t have visitors, can’t be left alone etc.

We also can offer a great life to a dog, and can dedicate time but I can’t have a dog that prevents me ever going out and prevents me ever having visitors, and is apparantly reactive to people, children and other animals.

It’s terribly sad, but also incredibly difficult.

Your dog looks wonderful op and your son very happy indeed.

I have mine mostly to get me out of the house in the fresh air exercising which is great for my health.
Companionship
Security (she's a barky bastard!)
Keeping my garden/house intruder cat free for my lovely elderly cat.

What a lovely success story for you all - so pleased for your ds. My dog (Golden Retriever) is still at the 7 months 'oh no, what's he doing now - stop him stop him!' stage, but I know he will grow into a wonderful member of the family.

That is so lovely. What an amazing bond

@Runningdownthathill - get yourself on the waiting list for all your local rescues. Some will do home-checks in advance and let you know as soon as a potential match for your family arrives.

That is just such an uplifting post to read, thank you OP for sharing! Gorgeous dog! ❤️

My sons support workers kept telling me to get a dog, at the time I was home schooling him as the education system just couldn't meet his needs, I didn't want a dog, I didn't like dogs, but I got our staffie lab cross and it's been magical, nearly eight years and my sons is an independent well adjusted adult who still relies on the dog and she's my constant companion

Beautiful!