“Man’s Best Friend” – when folks hear that phrase most immediately recognize and understand it refers to dogs. More generally, it refers to our pets. It is not a controversial statement to say domestic animals are considered by many to be an integral part of one’s family.

When I was about ten years old, I remember seeing a blind person at a subway station being “escorted” by a golden retriever. What I came to find out was that this was no ordinary good puppy; instead, this person was using a specially trained seeing eye dog, or guide dog, to assist her through the crowd, around a pillar and into a train safely. I was in total awe. How could a golden retriever do so much for a human?

One dog’s primary role may be companionship while another’s function is that of a working dog. Specific jobs include herding or guarding livestock, law enforcement assistance, search & rescue missions and more.

This brings me to a type of dog or pet which may be less known: therapy / emotional support animals. As our understanding of mental health evolves, we have learned that pets can be incredibly helpful in coping with and overcoming traumatic experiences. The best part is that pets do not even need to be trained to help us! For example, have you ever been feeling nervous or anxious and while feeling that way you interact with a pet and feel a calming sensation come over you? For me, I can admit there has been more than one occasion where I have been really angry, frustrated or bitter about something . . . and while in that mental space a few times I’ve stumbled into petting my 15 year old Border Collie mix (named Jason).  Better yet, I have haven ended up hugging him and or giving him a good ear scratch and before I know it I realize I feel like I have been able to release much of those negative feelings I was harboring.

For those who struggle with trauma, please know that a pet may help you to be more resilient and feel supported. If this interests you, learn more here.