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PunkyKat
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06 Mar 2010, 10:20 pm

I have a pet bearded dragon named Pippin. I've handled her religiously since she was a baby and socialized her religiously as well. Bearded dragons are said to be sweet and docile on their own and as a result, Pippin is so paient and tolerant. Whenever I have a panic attack, I get her out and cuddle her. She seems to know I need her and dosen't try to get away. Sometimes she's so eager to get down and explore she'll get all squirmy and thrash around until I set her down. She has never done this when I am in the midst of a panic attack. I think playing with her and cuddling her is a stim. I've been so upset I had to wake her up and get her out of her cage in the middle of the night just for a snuggle. I wish I could have her registered as a service animal and take her more places. I like to rub my nose against hers and rub my cheek against hers and I think this is a stim. Can interacting with a animal a certian way be a stim?



pensieve
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06 Mar 2010, 10:32 pm

I suppose it can. I used to hug and wrestle with my cats and dogs when I was upset. I don't really have panic attacks in my home but when my mum angers me I would go outside and sit with my cats.


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ColdBlooded
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06 Mar 2010, 10:37 pm

Could be. I think i "stim" with my dogs. Petting their soft ears over and over again and smelling their fur.



chaotik_lord
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07 Mar 2010, 1:20 am

I smell my cats too. I didn't even realize that most pet owners didn't do this until, as so often happens, one of my roommates commented on it.
I will pet Girl Cat when I'm overstimulated or upset or such, but not Midas, because Midas is an attention whore who has a strange tendency to believe he is a dog, and he will lick my face, hands, and hair for hours. He's very demanding once you give him the first sign of love. Girl is passively loving. Cats shouldn't act like dogs.



PunkyKat
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07 Mar 2010, 9:09 am

chaotik_lord wrote:
I smell my cats too. I didn't even realize that most pet owners didn't do this until, as so often happens


I sniff her all the time too. She has such a nice smell. Lizards do NOT stink.