My Nonprofit Reviews

When I was referred to Cath King's organization, Canines with a Cause (CWAC), I was looking for a dog which would help me cope with my PTSD. I have suffered from severe PTSD symptoms and knew that animals provide many helpful things to vets like me. Also, I did already have a dog named Timmy who is 14 years old and showing signs of deteriorating health and was losing his zest for life. Aware that he was likely to pass away in the near future, I feared that losing his companionship while living alone would be a devastating change. I felt that if I had another companion that I have bonded with, That event would be less painful. Also, there was a chance that bringing a new young dog into Timmy's life could bring to him new vitality.

I was referred to Cathy by my Equine Therapist Dr. Laurie Sullivan-Sakaeda when I asked her if she knew how I could obtain a PTSD certified service dog. Cathy And I spoke about my needs abd the needs of Timmy--my loyalty to Timmy gave him veto power over the choice of a dog. She already gad a dog in mind.

Unfortunately, the fiest choice was not successful because the puppy's size and energy bewildered Timmy. It was decided that a small breed and slightly older and calmer dog was necessary. Then came Puck, as he is now named. They were introduced to each other in a large quiet room and allowed to interract. It seemed the match might be a success. Puck was very docile, though he growled at first meeting.

Puck is a little Chihuahua like dog. He was very shut-down when I got him. It didn't take long for him to open up in my home with just me and Timmy. I was very careful to only show him love and patience so as to not set him back. When his personality revealed itself as he felt safe, I gave him the name Puck from Shakespeare's misunderstood and mischievous character from one of his plays.

I actually find those personalty traits in him endearing. It gives me plenty of opportunities ti observe, write about, and photograph his odd behaviors. It seems he is revealing something new almost daily.

The relationship with Timmy is definitely beneficial. Timmy seems to always be happy and more engaged now. He has resumed some of the puppy-like behaviors he used to have (some not mentionable in polite company). Timmy is almost completely deaf abd could not greet ne at the door anymore because he couldn't hear me come in. Now Puck sits on the window sill and waits for me and his bark is loud enough to alert Timmy. Now I have two dogs that greet me with enthusiasm when I come home.

As for a help for help coping with my PTSD, animals like my dogs and even the horses I work with are always about being in the moment. PTSD is an illness that rudely takes one out of the moment into a painful past. Anything that help keep one in the present or helps bring one ba.ck to the present when in a dark place is of great help.

CWAC has provided food for my dog when I was in need, access to good discounted veterinary care, and volunteers to care for my dogs when I was incapacitated. I believe Cathys organization has brought a new light into my life and given me a sense that my service was neither in vain nor forgotten. I have a greater trust for the inherent decency of most people as witnessed in the work of CWAC. Thank you Cathy.

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