Could A Dog Really Be Man’s Best Friend?
March 14, 2008 by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Oh. My. Gawd. Is that not just the most precious little thing you’ve ever seen? Ozzy is his name, and according to Bruce Goldstein, Ozzy is more than a ridiculously cute canine.
He’s also a lifesaver.
In his new book, Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac, Bruce Goldstein tells the story of how bipolar disorder sent his life spiraling out of control ($18,000-helicopter rides over Hawaiian volcanoes? Sure, we’ve all been there. Mine was more of an eBay spending spree, but hey, we BPs tend to work with what we have) until Ozzy stepped in and proved to be just the anti-depressant Goldstein needed.
Thanks to Da Capo Lifelong Books I’ll be receiving a copy of Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac to review. Until then, you can learn more about Goldstein and Ozzy when you watch their clip on FOX News Network’s The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet and on the official Web site, Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac. (Or, you can always buy the book and get ready to discuss it with me.)
And, for more adorable pictures of Ozzy, check out The Ozzy Photo Gallery.
Rock on, little pooch.
Like me? Hate me? Rate me at Psych Central:
Hi everybody,
My name is Bruce Goldstein. I’m the author of PUPPY CHOW IS BETTER THAN PROZAC. It’s been a long road to recovery but thanks to Ozzy I made it back. I hope this book finds you and your loved ones well.
Much Puppylove,
Bruce and Ozzy (America’s Furry Antidepressant)
*gasp* Such an honor to have you comment, Bruce.
Thanks so much. Looking very forward to reading your story!
I’ve read Goldstein’s book and I’m shocked that nobody in the media has commented on the fact that this author actually puts medication/therapy as a recovery tool BEHIND a pet. It’s 2008 – - wake up. This guy has a lot to learn about mental health.
I don’t think I understand what you mean, Lynn. Are you saying that you think medication should always be the first line of defense against mental illness? And that anything else that happens to help should come after? If so, I have to disagree. In my opinion, the first line of defense should always be whatever works best for the patient. I can’t speak directly about Goldstein’s case because I just received the book a couple of days ago, but I can say that whatever steps he has taken (medication/therapy/dog – whatever the combo may be) seems to be working for him, which leads me to believe he’s learned a lot about his own mental health – and that’s the key – we each have to learn about our own mental health needs. We each have to do what’s best for us.
Dear Lynn,
I am the author of PUPPY CHOW IS BETTER THAN PROZAC.
In my book, I said medication did help balance out my chemicals, (and I still take meds today) but medication can only take you so far. It didn’t give ME a reason to get out of bed. Loving and a dog, loving Ozzy did.
Ozzy gave me structure, he provided me with unconditional love. Dogs give people a companion, a best friend, a reason to live.
Everybody else that I have spoken with, all of the comments that I have received, people understood that. They related to that.
I’m sorry if you missed the message that is clearly stated throughout the story.
Best,
— Bruce and Ozzy
Bruce and Ozzy
Have you considered being certified as a service dog team? I have struggled with bipolar II and anxiety disorders for 30 years…….the last 20 of those years I’ve been paired with an assistance dog (actually I’m on my 4th dog!) It’s not for everyone…..but it saved my life and made it all the more worth living. I too take meds, but the therapies for me are much better when applied together!