Hi everyone!
This is my first post on here and I'm just hoping for some help or someone to relate to the situation really.
My younger sister (nearly 17) and only recently diagnosed (been trying for around 4 years for a diagnosis) has the most extreme anxieties towards the family dog. In most cases, pets are supposedly helpful for those with autism or anxiety in general but she gets to the point where she can't even be in the house with the dog and has to stay at our grandparents'.
She goes above and beyond for the dog, providing all of the best food, supplements, enrichment etc etc. But she is a large dog (American akita) who is reactive to other dogs which makes her anxious about walking her in case of an 'off lead, no-recall dog' situation. She relies on our grandma to accompany her on the walks as our mum has awkwardly timed shifts at work so isn't always able to do the walks herself.
My sister is very anxious and becomes extremely distressed if the dog hasn't been on at least 2 walks per day or visited a secure field as an alternative (however, to get to the secure fields she has to rely on our grandad to take her and the dog).
She is often extremely distressed and feels like the dog isn't happy (even though she's the most loved dog in the world) and overthinks the dogs' body language etc.
I'm 23 myself and no longer live at home but as sisters we are very close, I hate to see her so distressed and unable to help. She can't wait to learn to drive as this will give her more control over the dog and what she can do with her, but again this is at least 6 months away.
Any input would be really appreciated.
Thanks,
Meg.
