A lot of our weekly emotional support animal news reports bring unexpected (and sometimes less-than-happy) stories.
Today, however, we’re glad to bring you a positive and heartwarming one. So grab your morning cup of coffee and get caught up with today’s sweet story!
Abandoned Puppy Becomes Beloved Support Animal
Oakley is a Labrador mix pup who was found abandoned outside an animal shelter at the end of July in Tennessee. His previous owner had left him tied up to a pole overnight right before a rainstorm broke out. When he was found in the morning, Oakley was scared and in need of comfort.
The pup had been in pretty bad shape. His paws were bleeding after the pup tried to run away from the storm unsuccessfully. Since the whole thing was caught on security footage, the Hawkins County Humane Society is now trying to find and prosecute the man who abandoned him for animal neglect.
Fortunately, Oakley didn’t have to wait for too long before he found a forever home. Chloe Quann, a local resident, contacted the shelter to adopt the Labrador mix as an emotional support animal.
When Quann became pregnant, she had to stop taking her anxiety and depression medication. So when she learned about the benefits of having an animal companion, she decided to welcome one into her life. Because she was looking for a large dog with an even bigger heart to keep her and her future child company, the Labrador mix fit the bill perfectly.
Oakley is now officially Chloe’s emotional support animal. She has gotten an emotional support animal letter from her mental health service provider and is living with her new pup.
The latest member of the Quann family is now home and healing—both physically and mentally. His paws are almost completely healed and the pup is adjusting to family life once again. He has even gotten to enjoy fun playtime with children, and has loved it!
So far, the Hawkins County Humane Society is still looking for Oakley’s previous owner. Quann told a local news outlet that she had never thought someone would do something so inhumane to a pet. Fortunately, the worst is in the past and the two are getting along swimmingly!
Source: https://www.timesnews.net/news/dog-dumped-at-hawkins-shelter-gets-new-start-as-registered-emotional-support-animal/article_4a8834c4-d68f-11ea-994b-b7f44a297099.html
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
Oakley’s backstory breaks our hearts. It’s always devastating to hear about animal neglect. We hope the HCHS can identify the man in the video and bring justice. However, we’re over the moon to hear that the Labrador pup has been recovering well. Plus, since he is in such a loving environment, he can truly give back to the woman who adopted him as her new emotional support animal!
If you’re also coping with a mental illness, getting an emotional support animal by your side could be very helpful. CertaPet is here to make the entire process easier and more accessible. You can start by taking our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a mental health professional who will have a consultation with you. If they see fit, they’ll issue you an ESA letter, opening the gates to you getting an animal companion.