Moving out of your home and into a new place is stressful in more ways than one. for students with disabilities such as myself, this presents more than just a minor fret, and medication can only do so much. when people think of support animals, they usually think about golden retrievers guiding around their blind owners, or Facebook videos of dogs opening fridges. but in reality, there's a wide array of things that an emotional support animal can help us with.

This is Fluffy. two years ago she was born to one of my family cats, and i helped to birth her myself. this sweet kitty was the runt of the litter: this meant that i would have to help her feed for almost a month of her youth. i began to look to her as my own.

before moving into kennesaw, i experienced a rough time with my family, and due to issues in the home i moved out, upon staying with friends while waiting for the move in date, i found myself somewhat lonely, a void that was filled by fluffy during this time. she came with me everywhere, loyally sweet and always a comfort. i'm not sure how i would be as happy as i am now if it wasn't for this cat.

So, while officially fluffy is to help me with my anxiety, i would say that she's done much more. she's been around when i was alone. she's cuddled with me when i was sad. she's played with me when i was bored. and to those who fall for the misconception that emotional support animals are simply an excuse, or perhaps that they aren't capable of assisting mental health, i would like to introduce you to my cat. i promise you i can change your mind.