PUPPY THERAPY
Jay's Story...
Jay suffered in silence and was always the most funny in the room. He loved to skateboard, dance, draw, beatbox, read and write. He loved making jokes, sticking his finger in your ear, up your nose or trying to fart on you. He was a vegetarian for over 10 years and a silly, but ambitious teenager. He did an extra year in high school so he could take an art class and was loved by anyone who encountered him. Jay's mental health began declining at 19 years old. He was admitted to the mental health hospital where he spent a few nights before being diagnosed and prescribed medications. He was taking his medication, he was getting better, he was back to his old self again and looking for a job. Jay ordered 10 boxes of pepperoni pizza, ate almost all slices, grabbed his backpack and skateboard and didn't return home. Police would later go through his bag, show up to his mother's home in the middle of the night to deliver the news. Jay wasn't coming back.
When packing up his belongings we found beautiful artwork, but also concerning things in his notebook. Things about the voices in his head, things about voices telling him bad things were going to happen, how sad and unhappy he was. Jay was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia.
As a family we educated ourselves on what this meant, the signs and symptoms. Jay went from a skateboard, jokester and ambitious teenager, then he turned 19 and things changed. Jay hid it well until he couldn't anymore.
BENEFITS OF PUPPY THERAPY
Reduces stress and anxiety...
Interacting with puppies lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin, the “feel-good” bonding hormone. Even a few minutes of petting can calm the nervous system.
Boosts mood...
Puppies naturally spark laughter, playfulness, and positive emotions, which can help reduce feelings of sadness, depression, and emotional heaviness.
Encourages connection...
Puppy therapy creates a low-pressure social environment. People often feel more comfortable opening up, talking, and connecting with others when animals are present.
Grounding and mindfulness...
Focusing on a puppy, its warmth, movement, and presence helps bring people into the moment, which can reduce racing thoughts and emotional overwhelm.
Supports emotional regulation...
Interaction with animals can help improve emotional balance, increase feelings of safety, and offer comfort during times of distress.
Non-judgmental support ...
Puppies provide unconditional affection. They don’t judge, rush, or expect anything, just presence, which can be deeply healing.
OUR GOAL
Hosting puppy therapy means a lot to us because we can bring community members together and help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, etc. even if it's just for a second. We also plan to use some of the funds and visit men's shelters and take someone for a haircut, visit women's shelters and take someone for a mani/pedi, visit family shelters and take them somewhere fun like bowling or out to eat. Shelters have people who are unhoused and at their lowest and we'd love to support them and help boost their mental health.