How My Emotional Support Animal Saved My Life?
There is always a lot of confusion involved where emotional support animals are concerned. Most people think of it as a way for pet owner’s to take their pets everywhere and they can’t seem to look beyond the free airplane travels and other accommodation privileges.
I have been in situations where I had to explain to people that my dog is an emotional support animal (ESA); they were quick to judge. I don’t blame them because people don’t understand the purpose of keeping an emotional support animal let alone its benefits.
In a country with twenty percent of its population suffering from mental illness, it is important to understand the use of emotional support animal as a treatment.
According to several licensed therapists, “Emotional support animals provide help to their owners with dealing and overcoming an emotional disability. They can take a patient's emotional stress away in a way that other forms of therapy can’t.”
You need to understand that not everyone can keep an ESA, people suffering from real emotional/mental disabilities are provided with an ESA Letter, after careful assessment.
So, your concerns about people wrongfully taking advantage of an ESA might not be valid.
Here’s how my emotional support dog saved me:
1. Constant Companionship
If you have a pet dog, you would agree that they bring you a sense of comfort and companionship. Your furry friend can fill out the missing void in your life and make you look forward to coming home to someone.
Or, if you looking for an ESA you must read out an emotional support dog letter sample available online in order to have one issue compatible with your mental disorder.
Now imagine someone struggling with depression and anxiety, having trouble getting out of bed every morning; the joy and happiness having a dog would bring them.
My story is similar when I first met my support dog, Beck; I was in a dark place battling depression. Beck with her constant love and support made me look at the brighter side of life, having her accompany me everywhere put my life in order.
2. Traveling Together
Before Beck, while taking flights, my anxieties were at an all-time high. I stopped taking vacations and restricted myself to the walls of my home. I didn’t realize how important traveling was for my emotional health until I took my first vacation with Beck.
She helps calm my anxieties on the plane allowing me to travel easily — to meet my parents and take trips.
If you see someone with their ESA on a plane, give them the benefit of the doubt.
3. Social Support
There were times when I felt suffocated at work, felt like the walls were crashing down on me. I found it impossible to interact with my colleagues, and it ended up with me quitting my job.
After having Beck accompany me to work, I started feeling better and motivated to perform better everyday. Having my constant support with me at work changed my life in a way medication couldn’t.
I hope that people will now understand the need and benefits of an ESA. Have you experienced the same with your ESA?
How do I celebrate my dog’s birthday?
Are you someone who loves throwing your friends a surprise birthday party? Then you should start thinking about your four-legged furry friend too. People in America celebrate their dog’s birthday every year, getting them actual birthday cakes and candles.
The first time I got my black Labrador pup, who is an emotional support animal a cake for his birthday, the look on his face was priceless. Dogs are always brightening up our lives making us feel happy and stress-free. So why not dedicate a day to reciprocate the love making them feel special.
My ESA’s first birthday was a simple and intimate celebration with the two of us, but since then I go a little extra every year – let’s be honest, he deserves every bit of it. Dog’s are a man’s best friend after all and deserve the best treatment.
Here’s what I do when throwing my dog a birthday party:
1. Plan Fun Games and Treats
Every day is your birthday in your dog's eyes; the attention they give you is the same that you get on your birthday. They provide you with constant love and comfort so take this day and treat them to fun games and a delicious homemade cake. I love playing games with my dog; it’s a fun activity and gives us a chance to bond.
Play these games to make sure that your dog has a memorable day:
· Scavenger hunt, have them find the treats
· Hide and seek
· Fetch
· Chase bubbles
· Tug of war
Or simply break into a dance party.
2. Treat Him to New Toys
Who doesn’t like being pampered on their birthdays, right? You can pamper your dog by taking them for a trip to the pet supermarket or book them a spa session.
I let Jackie my ESA, pick out his own toys at the pet store. And later take him for a grooming session at the salon. You can also plan a movie night afterward, snuggle with your furry friend and put on a funny dog movie.
3. Put Up Birthday Decorations
Birthdays aren’t complete without proper décor. I always go the extra mile finding the right decorations for Jackie's birthday. Birthdays come once a year, and any reason to celebrate with shiny colorful lights should be taken advantage of. You can find several custom doggie goodies when planning your pet's birthday. Get them to wear a funny costume
4. Invite Other Dogs
We invite our friends and families over for our birthdays so why not do the same at your dog’s birthday? Invite your neighbor’s or friend’s dog’s over for the celebration. It will give you and your pet a chance to socialize. Plan a playdate and remember to take birthday photographs.
Don’t go overboard celebrating your dog’s birthday; keep it simple and affordable. Take your best friend for walks and treat them to a day neither of you will ever forget. Do you celebrate your dog’s birthday and what do you usually plan?
If you looking for an ESA you must read out an ESA letter sample available online in order to have one issue compatible with your mental disorder.
