My name is Sandra or Sandi for short. I live in California, the sun state. I read a post about what to look for in choosing an emotional support dog. I copied the tests and will start using them wherever I see available small dogs up for adoption.
I wanted to ask KOALA a question too.
I also live in an apartment and have filled out all the paper work in addition to submitting a letter from my doctor suggesting that I get a service dog. the letter does not sat the words "emotional support" dog.
My manager has told me for the last 2 or 3 weeks that he still has not gotten permission from the overall supervisor for HUD properties in my area.
I feel like they are dragging their feet and want to know if I am wrong to just go ahead and get a dog myself without their final approval from the CEO of some company who doesn't seem to respond to phone calls or emails.
Sandi

Hello Sandi, and welcome to neuroTalk. It's so great to meet you.

I'm not sure what you wanted to ask me though seeing I don't live in an apartment, nor do I have a service dog, although I do love dogs and would get one in a flash if I could!

I'm wondering if you have me mixed up with some-one else, but I'm more than happy to help in any way I can. If you could voice your question, I could maybe refer you on to the right people here at NeuroTalk who can answer your questions a little better than I could.

Ask away dear Sandi, and I'll help in any way that I can.

I hope that I didn't post twice. I'm not quite used to this style of messaging on the forum. I found out that the lady who posted about service dogs is Kirsten07734. I sent it to you, not realizing you aren't the one who did the post I referred to.
It is sad that so many landlords are trying to avoid having service dogs in apartments and charging pet deposits too.
Nice to meet you, Koala!
Sandi in CA

Sandi

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

I am hoping this link will give you some help, there a great number of members there that proberbly have been in your shoes.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread27071.html

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

Hi, Sandi! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

Hello Sandi and Welcome to NeuroTalk. Glad you found us. Look forward to hearing more from you.

Hi Sandi:

I had never heard the expression "emotional support dog".

I am not allowed to have a dog or a cat, so years ago, we had fish, hamsters, etc. No dogs though.

Here's hoping you are allowed to get your pooch.

By the way What is an Emotional Support Dog??

Thanks much
Melody

The best way I can describe it is that when a person has a psychiatric disorder like depression, post-traumatic-stress-syndrome, panic attacks; the dog helps ease the symptoms. The dog offers nurturing and support and distraction.

Ah, I get it!!!

I feel the exact same way, when I'm approaching a crib of a little one, and the baby reaches out their arms and gives me a big smile and everybody goes oohh and aahh.

Same feeling.

And let me tell you, it can translate into AN ACTUAL FEELING in one's body.

I remember when I was hospitalized with pneumonia for 2 weeks, when my son was 6 years old.

I was released and told "you can't hug your son, you can't touch anyone for one more week". I said 'can I hug him through a sheet?" and the doctor laughed and said "oh, okay".

I will never forget the day I came home. I took the sheet, wrapped it around my son and held him.

The feeling of pure joy that emanated throughout my body, was one I shall never forget as long as I live. And that was 20 years ago.

He is no longer in my life, but I do have that memory. I don't access that memory because it's too painful. But sometimes (like today, which is my 28th wedding anniversary), when I think back to when I walked into the house, and hugged my son, I remember the joy.

And we all need joy. Whether it's from puppies, babies, whatever.

I think little puppies are the cutest thing.

The girl across the street was given a baby golden retriever. You should have seen all the neighbors running over wanting to hold the little guy. And she had him all bundled up in some kind of bunting. We thought she had a baby, and we all went oooh aaah, when this little head popped up.

She explained that she couldn't put him down because their feet can't go on the floor until they are a certain age. Never even knew that.

So good luck to you hon.

Feel better.

Melody

I found this...
http://www.bazelon.org/issues/housing/infosheets/fhinfosheet6.html


I'm not good with words right now but it appears that it explains your rights regarding emotional support animals and housing.



I hope it works out for you...

Abbie