It is True, Dogs are Therapy!

I never had a dog growing up. In fact, I used to be terrified of dogs! I eventually grew out of that fear by the time I hit my teenage years. In December 2020, my family decided to get the most adorable chocolate lab you will ever meet. I never ever thought I could be so connected and emotionally attached to a dog until I had to leave home for college after Christmas break.

Fast forward to when I came back home to do my gap semester. Hoyt was the most excited I have ever seen him when I walked down those stairs into the basement where he was sleeping on the couch and avoiding the cold weather. When he came to greet me, that tail of his was wagging like crazy along with the rest of his body. He actually moves like a snake and I’m not kidding. He is the most affectionate dog and wants nothing but to just be around people. Hoyt does not have a mean bone in his body. Since my gap semester was primarily focused on my mental health and eating disorder recovery, Hoyt was always there to cheer me up because dark days were still happening when I just got back home. Even when I accidentally trip over his paw, I know he still loves me even though I feel absolutely horrible about what happened. Dogs are such loyal beings, which is sometimes rare and hard to find in human nature.

According to the American Heart Organization, pets help manage anxiety, give you reasons to be active outside to get some fresh air and provide a sense of togetherness and companionship. Being around your pets releases oxytocin and dopamine to the brain. Those are the chemicals that promote responses to happiness.

Even though I am back at college and having the time of my life (for real this time), I always have to Facetime my mom every day so that I can talk to Hoyt in that silly voice everyone makes when they see a dog. To still have that connection even though I am not home as often is very wholesome. If you have a dog, pet them and hug them extra tight because they will always be there for you no matter what.