Is having a dog good for recovery?

[supportme]

My mum and I want a dog, just persuading my dad is difficult.

Would a dog help me recover from depression?

[Zaf]

thats very difficult to say,  my animals help me a lot but if its going to cause aggro in the household probably not a good idea

[Ezel]

It may help.  I have two dogs and a cat all of whom help me.  Dogs need looking after and they are dependent on their owners.  They can be hard work depending on what you get however the positives are being loved, they give you something to concentrate on, they know your moods and simply going out for a walk with a dog can improve your mood.

I have a rottweiler and a lurcher / border collie x that looks like a whippet.  The rottie is a great house dog and she sits with me when I'm very low so is nearby for me to stroke which is relaxing.  The lurcher x is simply my dog so if I move he is there right by my side.  Both help me to cheer up.  

[Sweetpea]

Our dogs 2 spaniels, cats and other animals help me a lot.  But a dog is a big commitment, and it should not be taken on lightly.

S x

[winter]

My old dog sue. We used to call her &$%+sue. Because in truth she was a little menace being as brainy as she was. She was great to have as comfort and would sit on your lap when you were weeping and give you this look as if to say 'dont cry mum'.
I have always had dogs but we lost sue and then tessas, she was sues pup. Not so supportive to crying.  a couple of years back and have only just got another called Tilley. She is 9 months now and as barmy as they come. springer again like sue was.
Tilly is barmy. bit like me then

[Munchroom]

My dog has been a huge help on the days when I'm here by myself and I'm very low. He follows me everywhere and gives the best hugs  :)

[alancue]

If it wasnt for my dogs I'm not sure where i would be right now !
I can feel SO low but then take them for a walk and life is worth living again

[Pistol Pete]

where does the dog fit into these comments!

[Ezel]

Well my mutts are spoilt rotten and know they are loved.  Our rottie likes watching anything to do with dogs on the tv such as dog training.  She is that bad she will sit in front of the tv  ^*^ 

[Scafell]

I got a hamster 18 months ago and he does me the world of good! I even told one of my doctors and she said she was going to prescribe hamsters to other patients    he's just so funny and does the cutest things! Really easy to look after too.

We also have a family dog, and I adore him just as much. He's a big golden retriever so is great at cuddles which the hamster isn't so good at...

I think pets are very therapeutic  :)

[Jae]

I think a dog is probably better than a cat, in some ways, because my little girl cat is so independant she just goes waltzing off every morning and I hardly ever get to see her    Then when she *does* come back in, she's clawing at the furniture, the carpets, etc, so I spend half my time telling her off 

I wouldn't be without her though

[Jae]

I wouldn't be without her though

Oooh, I've just seen this smiley I could've used  ^&^ .. awww!

[Got]

It wouldn't help if it was one of those depression causing dogs. You need a depression alleviating dogs...a chiwawa.

[lost rolex]

Dogs pick up on our feelings so if you are depressed don't get a dog i love animals so choose not to have one because i know i could not look after it properly

LR