http://lovemeow.com/2014/08/elisas-caring-cat-helps-veteran-dad-ptsd/

I'm so sorry for your terrifying trauma. Thank you for sharing your story and that beautiful video!

I wish my cats were more like that. I think my cat has PTSD herself because when I pet her she purrs and purrs and then goes off without warning and attacks me as if she were fighting for her life. It makes me sad and angry. I wish I could take comfort from her without fear.

That's a lovely video link! thanks! And for your story, as well. That's horrifying. Gentle support to you.


love animals. Without my pets? I'd never have survived y childhood, and my current fur-buddy? Huge help in my recovery from physical trauma. When I was so exhausted and sick-feeling and hopeless-feeling inside? He'd walk a few steps ahead of me, and meow as if to say, "C'mon, boss, I miss our walks, just a little more, please?"

I made my first 100 yards so I didn't let down my *cat*. Now, 3 years later, he's too old to walk much more than that himself, but we walk together every day, just like before my accident....

(BTW< read a thread called LOL in my life---it's about my cat!)

BTW, Donna, sometimes when cats purr? They purr for various reasons---injury, fear, anger, affection. I've heard 'em all. It's a tone thing. Trick I s, when the purring starts to shift gears and they get a bit "energized"? Switch to play time. Works on 80 precent of traumatized anger-management cats I've had (including those with histories of abuse in other homes). And I've had some *angry* cats. My "other" cat has that issue, too--- so does a feral I've socialized --- when you listen, you can often hear that "tone" enter the purr. Then you back off, play with something with th ecat (something on a string is good, keeps your hand out of harm's way!) and then you and cat are both kept from being sad and angry.

Sorry. Like I said. Lot of rescue animals in my life. Not sure yet who rescues whom....

I have been frequently amazed throughout my healing journey how often an arch-nemesis can become my greatest ally. So far, my allies who have fit this pattern have all been human, but there is not a doubt in my mind that animals are fully willing, ready and able to fill the need.

My furrballs bark and fetch, but the therapeutic effect is equal. They always seem to know when I need to be drawn out of my internalized suffering. They are always willing to simply be there 24/7 while I work through the yaddahs of my blahs. They have even woken me from nightmares.

So sorry for the tragedy. So glad for your bond.

P.S. I drive a squirt mobile. The engineer in me still sees vehicles as a tool and cannot find the logic in using more tool than the job needs. When I need a bigger tool, I rent. Gas savings alone prove allot of rental funds. SUV drivers scare the ____ out of me. Their protection is my number one danger... Sigh.

Tragic story that has haunted you no doubt. You did an excellent job of saving others that day by keeping your rig under control. I am so sorry this happened.

I am very glad you had a little ball of fur to help you with your healing process. Animals just seem to know when you need the warmth and loving support they can offer without judgment, unconditionally. Mine is a 13.5lb Shih Tzu who is curled up in a ball beside me, touching me to let me know he is here for me. His favorite position and mine too.

hugs

That's such a vivid description of your accident that I imagine it has replayed in your mind many times over as PTSD for you. So sorry such a moment changes a life forever. So glad, though, that you've got your furry friend. My late friend Mempo (made up nickname, long story) was my furry buddy no matter what through thick and thin. Thanks for sharing!

My cat helps me when she feels like it. :)