Not everyone hates you. I found that out about myself the hard way. I used to have huge anxiety attacks and deep, deep depression from feeling exactly the same as what you say. Then I talked my case worker into suggesting to my psychiatrist that I would benefit greatly from having a ''live-in-companion/helper'', but since I am, out of necessity, a very private person, I asked for a dog. Then I put my trust in God and prayed and prayed. I prayed the ''Lord's Prayer'', I prayed the ''Hail Mary'', I prayed directly to God Almighty. I checked repeatedly through every day the postings on Craig's List. Eventually, there he was. True enough, he was damaged goods. His eye had been damaged severely, he was walking with a fore-paw that pointed inward, in juxtaposition to his other. I had to be very careful in handling him (putting my hands on him) He was terrified of men. But over time, he healed. Most importantly, his emotional trauma lessened. He was now, I felt, safe to be around other people. I let him make physical contact with my neighbors. I let him make contact with neighbor children. They all loved him. They loved the way he loved them. And in time, they all got to know me, and have accepted me as a person. Not as a criminal. But, I have to admit, this dog is adorable. |