My girlfriend (now wife), constantly would look at shelter dogs online. This never bothered me, as I love dogs, and shelter dogs are incredibly underrated.

We had only been living together, and dating really, for a short period of time. She gave me a look, a look I know all too well now. The “I really want it but won’t say I want it,” look.

So that day we took the 20 minute drive to the local humane society. I had been here before, as my brother and I adopted a German Sheppard/Black Lab mix a few years before when I lived with him. I still love seeing that good boy every time I can.

We walk in, and my wife went straight to find the dog from the website. We found that dog, and it just didn’t really click. I kind of knew immediately that the dog was sweet, and cute, but it wasn’t our dog.

We kept walking, at my behest, and we said hi to each pup down the row of what can only be described as “noce jail cells.” Now to put this in perspective, it was feeding time and most dogs didn’t give us the time of day.

As we passed what I thought was the last dog in this row (each “row” is in its own separate part of the building,) I saw about four empty kennels. I thought it was done, no more dogs, but something told me to go to the end.

As we reached the last kennel, there stood a small, tan colored dachshund mix. He was clearly emaciated and very alone. He immediately stopped eating and locked eyes with my wife.

He pitter pattered over to the gate and stuck his nose through the bars. I read his sheet, “Name: Badger, Breed: Dachshund Mix, Weight: 18lbs.”

I said, “Well hey buddy, how are you?” He began wagging faster than I’d ever seen a dog wag. I walked to the front desk as fast as I could, “Can we do a meet with Badger, please?”

We sat in a small room, two chairs, a computer desk, and a small table were all that was in the room.

Click clack click!

I heard the sound of little nails on the hard floor approaching fast. The door opened, a nervous little Badger hesitantly entered the room. He saw my wife, and ran right to her. He crawled in her lap and started licking at her face. I saw the look on my wife’s face, pure happines.

We took Badger home that day, and he has been my best buddy ever since. He has also served a very real purpose for me, other than being a great companion.

You see, I have Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. I have almost crippling depression more often than not, and I also suffer from aggressive rheumatoid arthritis.

Badger, and years down the road, his two siblings, Nora and Zsa Zsa, have helped keep me active. They also have kept me sane. Let me explain.

At my worst depression, I was bed ridden for three days straight. I didn’t eat, drink, or even use the bathroom. I didn’t really even move. My wife was moments from calling 911 for medical assistance when she realized something. Badger had hardly left my side.

When Badger would jump up into bed, I’d move to put my arm around him. My wife then said, “Badger needs you to take him on a walk, he doesn’t go very far with me. He pulls me back to the apartment to see you, and then he won’t leave the bed. Don’t get out of bed for you, that’s fine, but do it for him.

I got out of bed, with some assistance, and the rest is history. You see, I had 10 people I was incredibly close with die in a matter of 3 years, inuding my infant niece. I’d really struggle with my depression due to the grief, but walks with Badger kept sane.

Another way my pups have helped my mental health, other than exercise and companionship, is knowing whether I was sane or not.

An example of this is when I am in a manic episode, or just before or after an episode, I will sometimes see or hear things that aren’t there.

I will get auditory and visual hallucinations. Things going bump around the house, foot steps, the click clack of paws on the sidewalk behind me at night. I will also see shadows, or things in my periphery. This used to keep me paranoid in those times, until one day I reacted and Badger didn’t.

I realized then that he was my reality sensor. If there was something strange going on, ge was really in tune, and he would react accordingly. He is the world’s sweetest boy, but he would, based upon the past, put his own life at risk for us.

Now, whenever I’m getting paranoid and hallucinating, I go to my dogs. Holding them, feeling their warmth, and their calming heartbeat really has a cathartic effect on me. It helps me see that what I’m seeing, or hearing, isn’t real. I can match their heart rate and start to calm down. The added cuddles and kisses help too.

Since having those revelation some time ago, I have helped many others through my suggestions about using animals, and more specifically dogs, to assist in mental health struggles.

I make informed statements, backed up by studies, when asked for more than antidotes, as well. I also point out this may not be for everyone. There are a lot of responsibilities to owning pets, their lives are in your hands. I have my wife to help out when I’m really not well, not everyone has that support system.

Don’t fret if you live alone. There are dog therapy groups out there, for physical and mental health rehabilitation. A simple search online can help with that, or reach out to some mental health professionals in your area and ask for recommendations on animal therapy.

For those that have a good support system, and can financially support a pet, look to a shelter dog. They feel just as broken, if not absolutely shattered, as you do. Adopting them can give you both a new start.

Thank you for reading, and reach out with questions anytime. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.

Take care of yourself, and your furry friends.

Badger — 2022