Comments on: Could A Dog Really Be Man’s Best Friend?

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:00:11 +0000

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!

By: Bruce Goldstein

Bruce Goldstein — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:09:20 +0000

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

By: Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader

Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:05:51 +0000

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.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:31:08 +0000

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.

By: Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader

Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:44:08 +0000

*gasp* Such an honor to have you comment, Bruce. Thanks so much. Looking very forward to reading your story!

By: Bruce Goldstein

Bruce Goldstein — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:22:19 +0000

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)