Now that September is well underway, it’s been back-to-school season for millions of Americans. And with life as uncertain as ever, many students are taking their emotional support animal to campus. In today’s emotional support animal news report we’re looking at one of these stories. Get your morning drink, sit back, and get caught up with us.
Emotional Support Dogs on Campus? A New Normal
Claire Toomey is a student at Duquesne University, a private university in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She just got back to campus for a new school year. But this time, she brought Charlotte, her emotional support dog.
Charlotte is a black, two-month-old Poodle puppy who has a very important mission in her paws. She keeps Claire company every day, helps her cope with her mental illness, and betters her life.
When Claire was diagnosed with social anxiety, she decided to get an animal companion. Her therapist issued an emotional support animal and, after two weeks, Claire adopted Charlotte.
“She is truly just the light of my life and taking care of her means everything to me,” Claire told a local student newspaper. They have lived together for only one week in the city but already they’re inseparable.
Charlotte’s daily routine includes going for walks and playing with her owner first thing in the morning. Interestingly enough, Claire has noticed that Charlotte loves two things: seeing police cars leave the station, and playing with fallen leaves.
The university has been very open to Charlotte’s presence outdoors on campus. In fact, it’s not the first time that Duquesne University welcomes assistance animals. In November of 2019, the school opened its library doors to therapy dogs, who assisted students by providing emotional comfort. Students reported feeling less homesick and stressed about their upcoming exams.
As we continue to navigate such uncertain times in the world with the current pandemic, stress levels are higher than ever among many people, and the companionship of a faithful animal can make a world of difference for those living with an emotional or mental disability. More and more ESAs on campuses may very well become the new normal, as people continue to seek ways to manage anxiety and other conditions that may be exacerbated by current events.
Source: http://www.duqsm.com/campus-pet-pals-meet-2-month-old-charlotte/
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
We’re happy to see more students embrace the need for an emotional support animal. For many, having an ESA around can mean a less stressful and more productive school year. Students who are prone to anxiety, like Claire Toomey, will especially benefit from getting an assistance animal to live with them.
It’s also great news that Toomey’s university has been so open to animal-assisted therapy. Studies have shown time and time again that interacting with dogs brings people happiness and peace of mind. It would be great seeing even more colleges embracing emotional support animals on campus and in university-owned housing!
If you live with a mental or emotional disability, it might be a good idea to get an ESA. CertaPet is here to make the process as easy and accessible as can be. To get started, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll put you in touch with a licensed mental health professional. If you qualify, they’ll issue your emotional support animal letter!