Hello fellow cultivator,
You don’t need to know me intimately to know that my dogs are essential to my life.Â
I adopted my dog, Diana, in 2018, right around the time I came to terms with my history of depression and anxiety, and nothing has been the same ever since. I am not sure if I have the words to describe precisely how impactful Diana has been to my mental health journey.Â
And now, I have two dogs, because my partner brought his own dog to our home.
However, I can share an example from a recent ADHD group therapy session to give you an insight into the positive impact I’ve experienced. We shared some emotional stuff during the session, so the therapist mentioned soothing techniques a person can do, like taking ice baths. At that moment, the only thing that I could think of was hugging my dogs. Almost like my dogs sensed it, they both came to my desk, asking for affection. The simple act of embracing them calmed me down immensely. Their deep breaths reminded me to breathe deeply; the smell of their necks and ears reoriented me - pulling me out of the emotional spiral to simply be with them in the moment. The way they looked into my eyes, asking for nothing but love (and maybe some treats, obviously), helped me put everything into perspective because, at that moment, everything seemed to be background noise - not important at all.
Studies1 have shown how getting a pet can help with ADHD symptoms. Medication or not, Executive Dysfunction does not get better on its own. It takes practice, doing, and failing something over and over again to rebuild the neural networks needed for executive function. This is where a companion in the form of a pet can help!
How can pets help?
Here’s how a pet can help:
Build a Routine.
There are days when getting out of bed, let alone leaving the house for a walk can be challenging, even though deep down somewhere, we know that being outside in nature is good for us. This is where a little floof can help! Taking them out for a walk, even a short one, can lead to a change in the scenery. It can pull you out of the headspace where nothing feels good.Â
Build a Community.
I am not the biggest fan of dog parks, but I have connected with people in person and online, thanks to Diana. Although Diana is a flirt and has a lot of boyfriends, it might be a little different, but even if you have a dog with some boundaries, I guarantee that you will meet fellow dog lovers and make new friends.
Build Emotional Regulation.
I pointed to this initially, but touching my dogs’ bellies as they inhale and exhale helps me regulate my emotions.
Furthermore, have you seen a dog shake itself after something stressful? Turns out, that’s what we all need to do: let stress out of our bodies. Well, Diana’s shaking is really, really loud because she flaps her ears. Once I understood the reason behind the loud flapping, it turned into a reminder to do it myself. I have to admit that I don’t do it as often as I should, but I like being reminded of it every now and then.Build Energy Regulation
Remember the H in ADHD? It stands for Hyperactivity. Guess what can help you regulate that energy? A PET! Taking a dog out for a walk, or in my case, a wild play session with my rowdy pitties, can tire you out real quick and manage some of that hyperactivity.Â
I am not saying that getting a pet is the end-all solution to all your mental health issues, but I am saying that it can be highly beneficial!
What if you don’t have the space for a pet?
It would be wrong not to mention that getting a pet can be a lot of work and a massive commitment - physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I remember bawling my eyes out in front of my book club friends two months after getting Diana because her social anxiety inhibited me from doing anything on my own. I could not even go to the gym without her losing her goddamn mind. Eventually, I learned to ask for help. Furthermore, financially, I was in a place to get a dog walker and a trainer to help me with her social anxiety. I know that might not be the case for everyone.Â
However, I hope that you can still find a way to incorporate some time with animals. It can look like:
Volunteering at a shelter.
There are various ways to help out the animals at a shelter, based on your availability.
Take the shelter dogs out for a walk.
Foster a dog or cat or bunnies.
I'm unsure if I have mentioned this before, but this is how Angel (my partner’s dog) came into our lives. I was fostering animals for Pets In Need, and my partner fell in love with her. He did not want her to go back to the shelter.Â
I need to mention that I had fostered four other dogs before that. So, I’m not saying that you should foster to adopt. However, foster-fail is a beautiful phenomenon (and highly encouraged by all!).
Just sit with the animals with your favorite book and read to them.
Most of the animals at these shelters are traumatized by humans. By simply sitting in close proximity to them, you can help them regain that trust and feel safe around humans again. The staff might not have the time to do that, and that’s where they can use volunteers. Additionally, socializing with humans can increase the animal’s chance of adoption. Essentially, a win-win-win for all!
Watching Your Friend’s Pet.
Trust me when I say this: Your friends will appreciate it. Heck, watch mine! My partner and I would love to go on a date without having to manage our doggos’ social anxieties.
Help Out Your Neighbors.
Let your neighbors know that you are available to help with their pets. Maybe house-sit for them while they are away. Whatever you, your neighbor, and their pet are comfortable with. As a bonus, you get to know your neighbors and build a community!
Visit Animal Sanctuaries.
Instead of meeting for brunch or happy hour, find an animal sanctuary in your neighborhood that organizes community tours or special events like Goat Yoga. I have mentioned Charlie’s Acre in a former post I wrote and how my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed their picnic with rescued animals. 10/10! Would recommend.
I am curious to know about your experiences with your furry companions. Do you have a heartwarming memory, a moment of triumph, or a lesson learned? If you have a story that resonates with what I shared here or a different perspective, I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Your stories inspire and connect us all, creating a vibrant community of fellow neurodivergents. Let's rejoice in the joy and comfort our pets bring to our lives together.
This is a great article, Asmita. Very heartfelt and warm.
Great dogs too! Also, someone can use the Borrowmydog app too if they can’t fit a dog in their life but need a pup fix 😊
As a side note, I am wondering if you’d be open to collaborating on some ADHD content in the near future? I’ve just set up my ADHD page and going to start posting content on managing and harnessing ADHD symptoms at work and socially. Also some fun bits on the side. My first piece came out today! Would appreciate your support :)
If only I wasn't allergic! Love this, Asmita. Your pups are beautiful. xo