A Girl’s Best Friend

You can only relate to how special and strong a bond between a pet and their owner is unless you have that and have experienced it, particularly in times of need. And  I am fortunate enough to say that I have that relationship with Chocolate, my puppy, my little boy.

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You don’t understand how special doggies are unless you have a special bond with them. Almost had an anxiety attack today. The first one in a while. And it was happening in front of him. He was able to calm me down before it got bad. He knew something was wrong. And this is not the first time. Whenever I’m sad, he knows without me saying a word. Dogs just have that sixth sense. I don’t know what I would be without him. . . . . . . #summer2019 #june2019 #memories #vacation #vacationmode #doggie #doggielove #bestestfriend #bestfriendgoals #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyrelief #grief #depression

A post shared by Aaliah Joseph (@aaliahjoseph) on Jul 22, 2019 at 5:08pm PDT

I always wonder what I would have done without Chocolate in my life and how different it would have been. Its hard enough leaving him behind every few months when I go back to Canada, that I do not know what I am going to do when he’s permanently gone. I can barely deal with my issues on my own, so without him, I would be a complete wreck.

Dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, grief, even suicidal thoughts, is already isolating and hard to deal with on your own. You feel like you are alone and that no one cares about you or can understand what you are going through. No one lives a perfect life, so I know that we have all been through that feeling before, one way or the other. Some, stronger than others.

So when you have a dog or any pet for that matter to help you get through those tough periods, it is your saving grace.  They have this sixth sense to know what you are going through, whether it is being sad, worried, scared or sick. If they can, they will try to make you feel better, whether its giving you a hug, sitting in your lap, smiling, bringing you their favourite toy, following you everywhere. Its no longer about them and how they feel. Its about you. And if you do not believe me, there are so many stories and videos out there to prove that. Just look at the Instagram or Youtube videos of the dogs or cats, protecting  the babies when they are sleeping or playing.

That is why I am so grateful to have Chocolate by my side. He has helped me deal with grieving, depression and anxiety, whether that is playing with him, talking to him or petting him. And when I do not have him near me, I look back to the silly photos and videos I have of the two of us on my phone. Whatever I am going through, he is the only cure that I really need.

And that is why he is my best friend and will always be. I have no shame in admitting that he is my best friend and takes priority than other people in my life.