One of the best feelings is going to a friend and being able to talk to them without fear of judgment. Knowing they will love you regardless of the stupid decisions you make or the struggles you may be facing. This is comforting in every sense of the word.
I am blessed with many incredible people in my life who provide this to me and I do my best to thank them for their constant love and support, but there is one beautiful being who has played an essential role in my recovery: my dog. I know it may seem like a silly idea to some, but I genuinely believe that my dog has helped me through some times that I wouldn't have been able to get through otherwise. She has been able to provide comfort, love, and definitely tons of laughs when I found myself needing them most.
When my depression was at its worst, I would find myself laying in bed, wide awake, either too afraid or too anxious to fall asleep. After my beagle, Duckie, came into my life, things quickly changed. Not only did she help me sleep at nights -- partially because raising a puppy is absolutely exhausting -- but she also helped me in other little ways. She sat on my lap after a meal to keep me from engaging in some eating disorder behaviors, or she greeted me with tons of kisses after a rough day at school. She has always listened to me without passing a single judgment and has always managed to provide the unconditional love that comes along with having a dog in my life.
I'm a firm believer in the healing powers an animal can provide. In fact, studies have shown that pets can positively impact both physical and mental aspects of our lives. According to a German study conducted in 2001, people who said they had pets also had the fewest number of doctor's visits, took fewer sick days off of work, and exercised more than those who reported having no pets. In a similar study, children without siblings were observed. The children who had no siblings but had pets in the family had more empathy and self-esteem and showed higher participation in various social and physical activities. These studies prove how beneficial pets can be in our lives.
The relationships we have with our pets can be very complex. We don't speak their language and they don't speak ours, yet we still manage to build beautiful and loving relationships with them. Without the complex barriers of language, we are able to expose our true, raw selves to our pets; this kind of depth and exposure can not only teach us more about ourselves, but it can also lead to healing and growth. I encourage you to thank your four-legged friend today for their presence in your life. Whether you realize it or not, they're helping you along the way and aiding you in your journey.
