A New Puppy - The Natural Antidepressant

Photo Credit: Rod Moser

As many of you know, I recently lost my seven-year old canine companion, Herman, as a result of a tragic accident. Dogs become such important members of your family, when they die, it can take time for those wounds to heal. Some dogs are just extra-special and touch your heart and soul. Herman was one of them.

Working in medicine, we deal with tragic losses quite often, so you would think I would be used to it. You NEVER get used to it, but you can certainly learn to deal with these sudden, tragic events.

I am a firm believer that situational depression does not usually need medications, so I rarely prescribe them for patients. We should not hide from our natural feelings or try to mask them with drugs, unless of course, the depression is profound. Personally, I have never taken an antidepressant, not even during some of the saddest periods in my life. I have taken an occasional anti-anxiety medication, during some of those white-knuckle, high-turbulent air flights. It sort of keeps me from screaming and running down the aisles. Most of the times, I just close my eyes and imagine that I am in a car driving down a very bumpy, potholed road...like those in Mexico, or Michigan.

When you lose a beloved pet, people are very supportive. I received dozens of comments on my Blog, on the ENT Board, and from friends. Dog lovers know other dog lovers, so we support each other.

The question that always arises is the issue of getting another pet. Although you cannot really replace a loving pet, we can certainly learn to love another. Some people (my wife, included) did not want to get another dog. We have a lethargic, ten-year old Sheltie that is about as exciting as a stuffed animal. Although Maggie is a sweet dog, and the mother of Herman, she is really not the kind of companion that I need. I want a dog that chooses to hang out with me; to go for rides in the car; that will sleep on my feet and become excited when I come home.

There is something to say for the simplicity of a pet-free household: No pet sitters when you go on vacation. No poop mine fields in the grass. No veterinarian bills. Someone once said that life really begins when the kids leave the house and the pets die. I don't really believe that I am ready for a life without the companionship of a dog. I started my search for a new puppy.

I first called the breeder that I knew. She did not have any puppies. Then, I searched the newspaper. I found a breeder located about five hours from my home and checked out the web site. She had a litter of puppies that were nine weeks old; born on my grandson's birthday - a nice coincidence. Finding a good breeder is important when looking for a quality puppy. Never buy a dog from a puppy farm. I informed my wife that we were going to have a road trip.

About ten hours and hundreds of miles later, we arrived home with our new dog. Her name is Lexi. Lexi is the name of a character on a BBC series that takes place in Scotland called Monarch of the Glen. Since Shelties are really called Shetland Sheepdogs, a Scottish name is quite appropriate. Lexi is also short for Lexapro, a popular antidepressant medication. Since Lexi is my antidepressant, the name was a perfect fit.

Already, I feel better.

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Pets and Health
• 5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health

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