The therapy dog that is changing my life

If you had told me that at 23 years old, I’d be a Mum to a 5 month old cockapoo puppy who we are training to be a therapy dog, I’d have told you there’s no way - but here we are. Back in January, the opportunity arose to get Bear through the charity Dogs for Health - based in the UK, they work with members of the community and their dogs to provide dog therapy to isolated and vulnerable people. I may be biased because I am a trustee of the charity, but the work they due is truly life changing.

Bear forces me out of bed at 6am every morning and as someone who struggles with BPD fatigue, this can be really hard. However, waking up at this time with the sun streaming through the windows really helps the mornings seem like a less scary place. The companionship, unconditional love and responsibility that Bear gives me is unmatched. Seeing him happy makes me happy, and seeing him playing with my girlfriend Fern is the best proud Mum moment there is.

Don’t get me wrong, there are days which are really hard. When I’m too scared to walk him by myself, or when I don’t have the energy to do any training with him - but then I remember his priorities are just as important and he needs me to show up for him and, at the same time, show up for myself.

Whilst getting a dog is not accessible for everyone and some don’t like dogs, Dogs for Health are growing - though based in Somerset, they travel far and wide to provide support to those that may benefit. Leave a comment below if you’d like to find out more!

Bear, thank you for teaching me the importance of caring for myself so I can care for you. You are changing my life one bark, kiss and excited wee at a time.

Be brave,

I x