Emotional support animals

Hi, I don’t have a support animal that is registered, but I can honestly say that without the love I get from the two animals I own and the fact that I’m lucky enough to be around a lot of horses helps me a great deal. I have my husky that lives with me and is there every day when I come with love and cuddle and I have talked to him, cried on him and opened my heart to him, so never underestimate the value an animal can bring to those of us that suffer with mental health issues. My horse lives on a property about 15 minutes from me as I’m a renter. He is only 9 but the head of the herd he lives with and on this big property are other paddocks with peoples horses in them. My daughter has one horse in a separate paddock and one in the herd with my horse. Sometimes when I’m feeling down I will go and either sit in the paddock with the herd and just watch them, it’s amazing what they do if you just observe them, or I get him out and just groom him and give him cuddles and kisses and he will stand around me and eat while I talk. His mum died giving birth to him so he’d been hand reared which means he’s actually a bit spoilt, made ten times worse by me now! He’s very head strong and we have learnt so much together as a team. I’m now taking dressage classes and doing obstacles with him and I’m 52 years old and my daughter taught me to ride at nearly 50. Yes I’ve had a few accidents, not on my boy but on her horse when I was learning but now I’m comfortable in the saddle and it’s honestly the greatest thing I’ve ever done for myself. I never do anything for me, I’ll give endlessly to my daughters and 3 grandsons but I don’t go out or drink or smoke, I don’t have friends which is why I have enjoyed joining this forum. You get support and to hear other peoples views on things, you can say what’s on your mind or upsetting you and people understand and don’t judge you. I think that’s why I love animals, they don’t judge. Personally I would recommend that if anyone is struggling with mental illness and you can get a pet, any pet, do it for yourself. They will give you a reason to get up every day, they’ll make you smile and laugh and give unconditional love to you. Good luck animal lovers I hope you can get a pet of your choice that brings to you what my two animals bring to me. Take care, be safe love Anna53 ❤️

@Anna53 just jumping in to say thank you for sharing your experience. It left me feeling really warm and fuzzy. I'd love to spend time with horses, I hear they're amazing with people who experience PTSD. Your boy sounds extra special 🐴

Hey Rhye, Thanks for the nice comment, he is super special to me. I’ve put some pics of him up on my page. I actually rode him that Friday then had some serious cuddle time. To be able to hold such a big animal and kiss his soft lips is an incredible thing. He really is my saviour 💙💙🐴🐴