Emotional Support Animals Save Us From Darkness

My Mental Health Story

For most of my entire life, I've been fighting an “invisible” battle referred to as mental illness. Managing more than one mental illness diagnosis makes things even harder. Barely making it is way from easy, especially when you are attempting to manage suicidal ideation on top of the diagnoses you have. I have always felt that something was missing from my entire life but identifying what that something was always proved extremely difficult. Little did I understand that years later this “something” would be a psychological support animal named Dakota. Emotional support animals truly do save us from the darkness.

The Search For Dakota

Dakota happens to be my emotional support animal who I eventually hope will become my service animal. I met him on November 20th, 2023, and instantly knew he was the one. I used to be searching for months just before finding Dakota because this process is far from easy when you reside in a college dorm. Most shelters don't want to adopt dogs to university students living in the residence halls – despite my need for a life-long companion. Colleges will also be very specific about what kinds of animals may come to campus as emotional support or service animals, which means this process seemed never-ending. Despite living through what seemed like an eternity without my companion, one shelter finally came through and for that, I'm forever grateful.

First Encounters With Dakota

When I first met Dakota, he was anxious and hiding in the corner of the room. He would not come by anyone in the beginning, but he chose to open in my experience inside the first five minutes. This felt amazing since i realize that trusting someone is not an easy thing to do. I understood Dakota and that he understood me. That was the way i knew he was the main one when I first laid eyes on him. I always like to say that eyes tell a tale, and I knew Dakota’s story within those first couple of minutes because I lived it myself. He knew this too and chose to show me that he did by becoming my new best friend. I am thankful that he trusted me.

Dakota The Hero Dog

Ever since I brought Dakota home, he has not left my side. Wherever I go, he goes. Despite me liking my time alone, they know that I need him there constantly despite the fact that I've trouble admitting this myself. When I am alone, I tend to fall under the trap of thinking negatively, which frequently leads me to self-harm or contemplate suicide. Since I never get a moment of privacy, these thoughts have lessened. Dakota also provides endless cuddles, which helps elevate my mood whenever I am down. After i cry, Dakota makes sure to sit down on my lap and luxury me by licking my face. They know that I need him without me even saying the words. Dakota understands when it seems like nobody else does. He is a great comfort for me personally and I love him very dearly.

Together We'll Overcome

Dakota has truly helped me heal. I had been extremely nervous about getting an emotional support animal at first since i never had a pet before, but I am so glad I faced my fear. He is the greatest blessing this life has to offer. I strongly encourage anyone who feels lonely, anxious, or fearful to obtain a psychological support animal simply because they become all you have ever needed. Pets truly are a gift, especially the ones that understand your pain. Dakota and I are helping one another heal from past trauma, and that is one of the best experiences of. Together we will overcome!