[lindamarie]

Most of you already know that I suffer from PTSD which has lead me to other ailments. Although I live a fairly normal life and am very active, things were not always this way.
PTSD can leave a person with great anxieties and fears. As a result of car accidents & previous domestic violence, I have been hit pretty hard. I now have Fibromyalgia which leaves me in pain 24/7 and other related illnesses.

I have so many limitations as to what I would/will do! Driving on expressways, flying, crowded places have been very tough on me.
I am an adminsitrator at a forum for health conditions that I suffer from. Over the years at this forum, we have all shared our grief and help each other out. We know each other well.
My biggest mental issue has been anxiety. Trying to heal a body loaded with worries and fears is impossible.

So....why am I writing this?
Because of BOGART!
Somewhere around November 28th of last year, we brought this fluffy little 9 week old pupple home. My Springer Spaniel had just died the day before Thanksgiving last year. I was a disaster! Within 6 days, I had Bogart.
Things were looking good and then my father became very ill. I was at the hospital every day and night for months.
My husband was left to raise Bogart while I was gone.
When I would get home from the hospital, I would snuggle with this little ball of JOY and much of the hardships of that day and worries were dissolved.
During my dad's final months, we managed to start taking Bogart to obedience classes. He was learning quickly and potty trained within a few days.

As time went on, he just got better and better. By the time dad passed away in April, Bogart was well on his way to being a very obedient doodle. The love and compassion he bestowed on me with the passing of my dad is beyond words.

Over the Spring & summer, I had a whole lot of time to be with him, train him, walk him etc. The bond grew deeperon a daily basis.

Lately, I have been wondering why my mood has been so elated. I laugh more, go more places and DO THINGS!!
The other day,I wrote about this at the healt forum. I said I didn't understand why I felt so UP!
One of the guys asked a question........"Could it be Bogart?"
Then, when getting my hair highlighted last week, my stylist said the same thing.

Bogart is totally doing his job as my Service Dog!! He is completely therapeutic for me!!
I even rode in the car on a busy expressway to my brother's for Thanksgiving!! I was in the back seat and just stroked his back the entire 45 minute ride. Yes! I was nervous, but I did it!!
Crowded malls are fine now.......Bogart is there!
I'm sleeping better.........Bogart is there!

IMO, I don't see any other type of dog that could've been better for me.
I feel so blessed to have Bogart! This will be a Merry Christmas with him too!
He is such a JOY! So delightful!
I have a lot to work on yet with my anxieties especially with driving and flying. But, this little doodle is helping me heal. My days are happier now that he is around. I'm surprised that 2 other people had to help me see this. I should've guessed it on my own!!

Just wanted to share. I was sitting here just now thinking about this as I watched from my window, Bogart running through the yard with the snow blowing and the cold! It didn't bother him. It really got me thinking of just how precious this little furball is to me.