New Arrivals in 2020

I am welcoming a new team member to my counseling practice this year.  This new member happens to have big floppy ears, lots of fluffy fur and an adorable teddy bear face.  His name is Elvis and he is a 60 pound golden doodle with lots of love to give.  I have been training him for the last two years with the help of a wonderful professional dog trainer and my hope is to one day have him officially trained as a therapy dog.  

Over the last few weeks, I have been pouring over articles about the benefits of pets for both mental and physical health.  An article on Psychology Today included a section about dogs encouraging increased mindfulness in humans (see link).  Dogs tend to have an incredible curiosity for life and they use their senses to navigate the world.  Pets can help us awaken more fully to the world around us and can bring out a playfulness that may often lie below the surface.  On our drive to work, yesterday, I noticed Elvis leaning his face out the open car window and basking in both the sun and the wind.  His presence in that moment served as I reminder to me to also be present through the richness of my senses.  I am hopeful for both the presence and the comfort that Elvis will bring to my counseling practice.    How have pets impacted your own life and mental health?