Fostering a pet can bring a lot of happiness to families and homes. By bringing home a companion dog, Companion Dogs are reclassified dogs. This means they are puppies with extraordinary personalities or other traits that make them apt for adoption, making them lifelong companions for families. Therefore, a companion dog, as the name rightly suggests, is very helpful in making individuals with mental health issues maintain their calm and balance.
Understanding companion dogs better
Unlike other service dogs, a companion dog isn't trained to perform tasks. Instead, it serves as an emotional support animal and provides comfort to its owner by being present around its owner. Their calming presence is also helpful in bringing happiness and peace to people's lives. However, it is essential that a mental health professional officially prescribes an emotional support animal to someone if they deem the animal necessary for the person's mental health and well-being. There are also different types of emotional support dogs belonging to any age group or breed. So, individuals can easily choose to foster a dog and find a loving friend for life.
Support from a guide dog organisation is essential
Dogs considered best companions are paired chiefly with individuals who are already receiving services or support from a Guide Dogs organisation. With their calming presence and unique training, such companion dogs can bring an incredible sense of stability and friendship to people's lives. Adequate support and care from a guiding organisation can help the pooches settle quickly. They can also guide the pet owners on how to care for the dogs.
Companion dogs can help in anxiety alleviation & stress relief
Research findings have pointed out that people suffering from anxiety, stress and other mental disorders often feel uncomfortable. They also find it difficult during any instances of grief. During these trying times, the company of a pet can help them tide over challenging times with ease. So, when they decide to foster a dog, they pave the way for love, kindness, friendship and harmony to flow into their lives.
Who qualifies for a pooch as a companion dog?
Anyone with a significant mental health problem that would benefit from the companionship a dog provides qualifies for a companion dog. This determination needs to be made by a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Those who could benefit from an emotional support animal include people with anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and substance use issues. They also offer the benefit of encouraging regular exercise through walking and playing.