We have all had those times in our lives that are in need of a hug or just an act of comfort. Maybe we are in the middle of grieving the loss of a loved one. It could be the stress of the job or school. But to have someone sit with you and just offer the chance to comfort without saying a word, can be enormous. Yes, our friends and family could be that one to offer the comfort, but then talking is involved. I realized recently that there is something better, my pets.
Doggie Love
I have 2 dogs in my life right now. We have our 11 yr. old beagle, Ratchet and we recently adopted a now 6-month-old puppy, Atlas. I have had other dogs in my life, but Atlas was the first dog I personally picked out. When I walked by his kennel, I saw him sitting there watching everyone and not reacting much. He would come up to us for smells and pets on the head. It was then I knew this puppy was coming home. (We won’t mention that his breed is a pit bull terrier, rottweiler, and chihuahua mix.)
Always there
There has been something special about Atlas. It started right away too. He would only listen to me for the first few days. Then, when I am home with everyone else, it is me he sticks to. But there is something more. Occasionally, I have had days and moments of high-level emotions. Remembering my dad, stress at work, or whatever the case may be, I would find myself in tears. Atlas made sure that he didn’t leave my side at all during the whole time. Just to have this puppy lay his head on my lap to remind me that he is there when I need him the most.
Not Just Dogs and Cats
It has been proven that pets and animals in general, have shown to aid in depression, anxiety and more. It is not just dogs either. Emotional support animals come in various species. Birds, cats, mice, monkeys, horses, and pigs are very common. So why is it that animals are so perfect in giving us the comfort we need?
10 Uniquely Awesome Emotional Support and Therapy Animals
Wordless Comfort
Well, in my opinion, they don’t always talk back. Of course, some animals do talk back. Picture this…you just broke up with your significant other and you are crying. Your best friend come over and after you tell them what happened, they probably would immediately start saying how the other person was a jerk and several other (not so nice) words. Not exactly what you need at that moment. I bet you having someone come up to you and say, “I love you and I will always be here for you”, would feel so much better. That is what our animals do for us.
How They Help
So, my mom has been trying to cope with the loss of my dad earlier this year. Recently, she found herself a very cute 4-yr-old puppy dog that she just fell in love with. He has now been with her for a few weeks. She told me that her depression has been better controlled since MAK has come home with her. That very special dog of hers has never left her side and cries whenever he cannot find her. So how is it that my mom is feeling better? Simple, her mind has not been focused on her loss, but now redirected to this sweet puppy.
Support in so Many Ways
Many people tend to worry that by getting pets, they are in turn replacing what they have lost or one stress for another. Not entirely so. First of all, when we lose a loved one, they will never be gone from our hearts. Just because you do not think about them 24 hours a day, doesn’t mean that you do not love them. It just means that you are adjusting to your new life, your new reality. Adding in a pet offers you additional love as you guide your way through the change. For those that have the strain and stresses of life, doesn’t mean that the stress goes away when an animal is a part of your life. Does it add a little extra stress? Yes, however the benefit of having a pet outweighs the stress.
Animal Love
Another way to think about it, can you name one person that is 100% excited to see you each and every day the minute you walk through the door? You could step outside just to take the trash out, and your pets are happy to see you when you walk back in. When you add in the specialized training for support and service animals, you cannot lose. I challenge you to take one look in the eyes of your pet and not feel even a little bit better. Go. Go find your pet, your animal that brings you the support each day and give them a pat, a hug, or a kiss. These wonderful creatures know how to touch our hearts that make our days brighter.
With great warmth.
