Love can do wonders

It was about four months since I had to say goodbye to my last dog, Yofi, had had a stroke. Now, I had finally healed from my pain enough so that I could entertain the thought of getting another dog. I started to check the websites of the shelter because I wanted a dog rescue. It took a while until I saw this dog look sweet and funny. What made him seem funny was his tongue hung out via, via. It looked as if it were a mile long. He was in a shelter in Ukiah, Mendocino way North. I decided that Harvey, his name at the time and had to meet. I called the shelter and made an appointment to come and see him.

Dafka (I changed his name almost immediately) story was extraordinarily sad. Had been found on the roadside in November. No one knew how long he was there and who had been a cold and rainy month. Moreover, it was found that he had been poisoned. The shelter did not think he was going to do it. With the tender, loving care he received there, here was the following February, ready for a forever family-sort of. He cowered when very slowly approached him and had his tail between his legs. Still, in the end, he did let me pet him.

We decided that we were meant for each other even though reluctantly entered the car. Vomited while we were driving and didn't think much about it. Having traveled with four children so I just stopped and cleaned up and he and we continued to San Francisco. When we arrived at home, got out of the car very cautiously and looked at everything before you go up the stairs to the front door. His tail was between his legs, all the time and his body would shake off and on.

As a therapist/counselor, one of my specialties is treating the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I know quite well the symptoms. Can be internal, that another person would not know unless told as flashbacks or nightmares; or they may be external that anyone could see, for example, an exaggerated startle response, cowering, or fear. Have and still do, veterans and civilians who suffer the consequences of the trauma.

I didn't think about Dafka have PTSD, though shaken, trembled; his tail was between the legs, especially when we were out; He had a very exaggerated startle response. It took a while for me to realize that Dafka was showing symptoms of PTSD. Fortunately, I have a wonderful dog trainer, sweet and gentle. Brian took home Dafka and trained him. Brian had previously trained me with my other dogs, Mummzer and Yofi. When Brian snagged Dafka, his tail was still between his legs and he had stopped shaking. He trembled still sleeping and not nearly as frequently as he had done previously.

With love, sweetness and acceptance, Dafka has made a remarkable recovery. Now has many, many friends. People stop and ask if they can fondle him and he loves it. Now, when we're out walking, her tail is waving in the wind. He no longer cowers. He is so happy. Startle response yet, and almost is not what it was. I'm not saying that the love and care of themselves can cure PTSD and is an important element.

Post traumatic stress disorder is very debilitating and no one should suffer alone. If you or someone you know is suffering from post-traumatic stress, I urge you to get help. It is available. There are many types of treatment that may help relieve some of the symptoms. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, I am available to speak with you and I hope you will contact me.

Warmly,
Zora

Zora l. Kolkey, MFT (marriage and family therapist)
License # MFC 23012
Website: http://www.therapywithzora.com/
P. S. If you want to see what Dafka looks like, please visit my website. He is my rock.