I know there is quite a trend sweeping the nation for emotional support animals. The types of animals being claimed to give emotional support run the gamut. It’s kind of ridiculous. People are trying to get onto airplanes with alligators and rare birds. While these things may bring you comfort, odds are they are going to freak the fuck out of the person sitting next to you. I beg you to consider your emotional support animal very carefully. Keep it traditional. It’s hard to go wrong with a dog or a cat.
I personally feel dogs are the ultimate emotional support animal. They have endless love to give and seem to know just when you need it. I have had dogs my entire life. They have never let me down.
I’m currently the owner of two female German Shorthaired Pointers (GSP). My husband fancies himself a bird hunter. These are his dogs of choice. I couldn’t care less if they are good in the woods. I just need them for cuddles and they bring those in spades.
GSPs are not for everyone. They are a high-energy breed. We run and hike often, but it is never enough to suit them. Luckily, they are pretty chill in the house and love their people more than life itself. They are known to most who own them as “Velcro dogs” because they never leave your side.
It is not an understatement to say I have not used the bathroom alone in nearly a decade. Even when I actually make an attempt and shut the door, Mavis has figured out how to open it. We have lever door handles, not knobs, and she can push that shit right open. Opposable thumbs be damned! Alas, there are worse things than loving on a dog (or two) while you are peeing.
Not a day goes by when I’m not extremely grateful for Hazel and Mavis. I work from home. They are my co-workers. I have beds in my office where they lie during the day. They also take plenty of opportunities to come and put their head in my lap for some pets.
I sometimes worry they will tire of me. I talk to them all day long and I’m always hugging and kissing them and telling them how much I love them. I’m that crazy dog mom.
As a sufferer of depression and anxiety, my girls seem to know when I need them most. If I’m having a bad day, one of them is always right by my side. If I lay down, you can bet they will be with me and at least one will be touching me. They have to be touching me at all times. It’s an unwritten GSP rule. Contact is critical for survival.
I realize that might bother or annoy some folks, but I honestly love it. Both girls are about 50 lbs. each, so they are not huge. They believe with all their heart that they are lap dogs, especially Mavis. If I’m sitting on the couch, you can bet she is lying across me. I call her my paperweight.
To be perfectly honest, I don’t trust people who don’t like dogs. I mean seriously, what’s not to like? They are some of the cutest creatures on the planet and they want to love you. They just hope you will love them back. That I certainly do.
I have never met a dog that I didn’t want to pet. I’m so grateful for these wonderful creatures that we do not deserve. My pups keep me sane and pick me up when I’m feeling down. I’m just not sure an alligator can do that.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
