Hello
RadhaShankar and welcome
You ask great questions, some parents are in similar situations, you are not alone. You've been dealing with this for 11 years and an attorney told you your daughter is likely to fill the criteria for disability is good news. I'm in the UK so unable to comment on the time it can take.
Your story sounds familiar, your DD is struggling and its truly exhausting. The key is how to turn it around collaboratively, that's what we learn here.
My 31 DD (dear daughter) lives at home she receives a small disability allowance, so yes along with many here my goal is to support towards independent living. I have a simple plan, joint goals with my DD. 1. Treatment (ongoing). 2. Get back to work (present goals in therapy), or full disability allowance. 3. Independent living. Treatment underpins everything, it's where DD builds her confidence and skills for life. It's tediously slow …. and requires great patience, she is doing brilliantly. I am clear in my mind I won't be supporting her financially once she's living independently and DD knows that too and understands the reasons why. The only thing I will financially support is therapy, if DD is working it will be a contribution towards. I will of course support her emotionally as she problem solves and builds her skills living independently.
So my question, is your DD in treatment, therapy? What's the history here?
Yes, pets are great for our mental health. My DD homed Hope, a kitten in 2017 (her cat passed away 2015) and Hope gives her much comfort and joy. I was very clear with DD the cat is her financial responsibility. Vet fees, food, cat care for when we are both away from home. DD pays this from her small disability allowance, I have not paid a penny
Does your DD love dogs, has she owned one before? I have read here parents homing a pet and end up having to looking after it themselves.
I'm glad you've reached out for support, it's critical as many of us learn.
WDx