This is the story of how I went from not being a dog person to being an extreme dog lover. It all started when my eldest daughter approached her father and me and told us that not only did she want a dog, she needed an emotional support dog. She, like many children, was feeling isolated and distraught because at the time she was forced to do distance learning, wasn't socializing, and felt like every single day was the same. She told us that a dog would help her have something to look forward to every day, help her feel needed and wanted, and would make for a great companion. We didn't disagree, but not only did I not consider myself a dog person, we rent and aren't allowed to have pets.
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Still, my daughter was adamant that a dog would make her life and our family's life better. She would not stop advocating for an emotional support dog. So we got her a therapist to help her cope and discuss ways to make her feel better. Guess what? The therapist prescribed an emotional support animal (ESA). Yes, you read that right! She was prescribed an emotional support animal. The prescription came with a letter, signed by the therapist, to present to our landlord that basically says that under the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the support animal should be allowed to live with us. We live in California where landlords cannot evict or restrict a tenant for having an emotional support animal.
And so we got a dog! Now I am such a dog person and can't wait to share with you all of the mental health benefits that a wonderful dog can provide for a family.