Emotional Support Animal

[durbanpoison888]

I was wondering if anyone has had an emotional support animal for bpd and how helpful they think it is. I am considering one for my child with bpd.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Sancho]

We have a cat and a dog and bpdd seems to seek out the cat to pat and cuddle. The dog knows when an angry outburst is about to happen - and starts to shake all over. The shaking makes bpdd even more angry and she puts her out of her room or shouts at her. The dog comes and sits on my feet.
The cat isn't affected at all by the outbursts - just does her own thing and enjoys sleeping on bpdd's bed etc. Not sure if this is helpful.

[wendydarling]

Hi  durbanpoison888  

Great question, one that's often asked here.  My adult daughter homed an abandoned kitten back in 2016 when she was very ill. Hope (the cat) has provided her much comfort and joy during the most difficult of times.

I think I'd start with does your child want a pet? How old is your child?

Sancho that's really interesting, the point that some animals are sensitive be taken into account when a choice is made... my sister had a Collie who turned into a nervous wreck when the children started arriving and had to be re-homed.

WDx

[Swimmy55]

Good question. 
I had 2 cats when my adult son came back home to live with me.  He bonded with one of them and he did top up their food dishes  during the day if they were empty when I was at work.  He did not deal with the litter boxes at all.   It also depends on how much the kid is willing to help with the care ( or not) and if you are ok with that. 

[wendydarling]

We had Charlie the cat from DD being 8 -24yrs old, so yes like you Swimmy we split the care.

As an adult I made clear her choice of a new pet was her responsibility financially ~food,  insurance, jabs, feeding etc and it's worked out. It helps to agree who's responsible for what right from the start whether, child, teen or adult child. While that sounds obvious, clarity is everything.

I've had requests for a second cat. Nope. That's something for you to look forward to when you have your own home.