Every sense I was a little girl I have had an obsession with dogs. I grew up with labs for most of my life and then when I became an adult, I owned Pitbull’s.
In owning dogs, I started to see how much they experience and how much they help us humans.
As I went through school to become a clinician, I had this dream of having a support dog. It is amazing to be able to achieve that goal. I now bring my 25-pound chihuahua mix to sessions for my clients.
Her name is Alita and she has a trauma history of her own. Abandoned in Oklahoma, pregnant, she then ended up in a high kill shelter. Luckily, she was saved and brought to Colorado where she and I met.
Alita has this beautiful desire to love on EVERYONE!
While I am a dog person, animals of all sorts have the ability to act as our little supports. I have personally witnessed Alita help many of my clients ground in the therapy room and bring a smile to their face when smiling felt impossible. Sometimes connecting is difficult with other people.
My encouragement is to start with animals.
Dogs especially are none judgmental! I could leave to take the trash out, come back, and Alita is soo excited. She acts as if we haven’t seen each other in ten years. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed that your animal helps you get through times of difficulty. This is a positive! When we are in the depths of darkness we all have to grasp on the hope we can find. If that is through animals I highly encourage you to do so!