This story is from a community member, edited for clarity and to protect privacy
Richard had battled anxiety for as long as he could remember, but it really hit him hard in his 30s. The excitement of partying had worn off, and he found himself feeling lost and questioning his life’s direction.
So, he reached out to his therapist for some guidance.
During one session, his therapist casually suggested, “Why not get a dog? It might give you a sense of purpose.” Richard, being the impulsive type, thought, “Why not?”
A week later, he couldn’t contain his excitement and told his therapist, “Guess what—I got a dog!” The shock on her face was almost as surprising as his own excitement.
Of all the impulsive decisions Richard had made, getting a dog turned out to be one of the best. The initial days were a breeze, but then Minnie’s true personality started to show.
She was surprisingly demanding—she had to have her water bowl in just the right spot and was very particular about her food. Adjusting to these quirks was a bit of a struggle.
But as Richard and Minnie spent more time together, he started to see how much she was helping him with his anxiety. Despite her little demands, Minnie brought a huge amount of love and companionship into Richard’s life. Just having her around made him feel less alone and more at ease.
Minnie’s needs brought a new sense of routine to Richard’s life. With her feeding schedule, daily walks, and playtime, he found himself getting more organised.
This new structure didn’t just help manage his time better—it also gave him more control over his anxiety.
The walks with Minnie became a calming ritual. They allowed Richard to step away from life’s stresses and appreciate the simple joys. Watching Minnie’s playful antics reminded him to enjoy the moment and find happiness in the little things.
Minnie also helped Richard connect with others. He started chatting with fellow dog owners at the park, something he hadn’t done before.
Although Minnie was a bit possessive and preferred Richard’s undivided attention, she had a way of making social interactions easier.
Richard soon realised that Minnie seemed to have an uncanny ability to sense when he was anxious. Her presence was comforting, as if she could understand his feelings without him having to say a word.
Grateful for the positive impact Minnie had on his life, Richard found that even small moments like petting or cuddling her brought significant relief from stress. Minnie’s companionship helped him through tough times and added joy to his life.
If you’re thinking about whether a dog might help with anxiety, Richard hopes his experience encourages you.
Opening your heart and home to a pet could be the start of a wonderful journey.
Please remember: While a pet can provide comfort, companionship, and support, they are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on managing anxiety and mental health concerns.
Mental Matters is a resource and information platform. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the information on our website is for general awareness and support, it should not replace professional advice. For any mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
Brooklyn Family Therapy Centre Pretoria
Sandra Terblanche Clinical Psychologist Hospitalpaark
Joy Clarke Marriage Counsellor Edgemead
