Psychiatric therapy dogs?

[lolabell]

Does anyone know anything about psychiatric therapy dogs?

I didn't know they existed until recently. I am looking into this for my Mother who has been having a very tough time lately and just had to pts her 14 year old Chessie.

I heard there are dogs that can help with panic attacks and depression. Does anyone know what breeds are best suited for this work and what organizations train the dogs. I have done some research online, but I'm not getting very far.

Thanks

Ive checked it out befofe search for it on google I got really good sites

[wehavedogs]

I have bipolar depression and have a female black lab/Newfoundland mix.

Lily was deemed unadoptable by our local shelter and was to be put down. She stole my heart and it took me four days to get her to even come to me at the shelter. Once at home she stays at my side all the time.

Then we started noticing that every time I was having an anxiety attack or panic attack she would come to me and sit on my feet and look up at me.

Sometimes things get so bad she will grab my thumb and pull me away from what is upsetting me.

When I get into that deep depression feeling she will come and sit by me and want petted but looking me in the eyes the whole time as to say "it's alright we'll make it through this." Or she will want me to take her outside for a walk and we usually sit down by something she knows I really like, like my fish pond.

She has been wonder for me and I love her dearly - she goes everywhere with me and seems to understand it more than I do. She has never been trained but seems to know when they are coming and just what to do for me.

I couldn't make it without her!