EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG |
Emotional Support Dogs
Dogs have been coexisting with humans for thousands of years. They have been our closest allies since the days we were roaming the plains as hunters and gatherers. Dogs have evolved needing us, but have we evolved needing them? People who adore animals will be quick to tell you how much joy and unconditional love they receive on a daily basis from their furry friends. It’s for these reasons that mental health professionals are now also acknowledging those emotions, and the consequential endorphins they release, to help children and adolescents who demonstrate behavioral and emotional issues. An emotional support animal can provide a feeling of connectedness and unconditional love that children may struggle to receive from others (Martens, Enders-Slegers & Walker, 2016). Have you ever been having a really bad day and your dog will come over and lay his head on your lap? Some animal behaviorists suggest this submissive gesture is your pet’s way of showing empathy, (Enders-Slegers 2000; Kurdek 2009; Wang et al., 2013). Animals tune into our moods by our body language, tone of voice, and actions. It’s for these reasons that emotional support animals are being used to help out those that truly need it, and for those of us that just want the unconditional love and benefits a loving pet provides. The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of both (Martens, Enders-Slegers & Walker, 2016). This includes, but is not limited to emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment. One of the main reasons why people seem to experience better health conditions when around dogs are the chemical reactions in the brain that are produced through human-animal interaction. According to a study conducted by the multidisciplinary journal, Anthrozoos, the positive health consequences associated with human-animal interaction may be caused by oxytocin release induced by positive emotions such as affection and love, and by the physical interaction that takes place between the human and animal, (Martens, Enders-Slegers & Walker, 2016). "Emotional support animals can greatly assist an individual at times when their emotions are dysregulated. When they are feeling particularly down, highly agitated, very fearful, or anxious, the animal's steady state, neutral but supportive stance, and affection on demand can help an individual divert their attention from the situation and focus on the animal. Because the animal is not agitated, not depressed, not anxious — the individual can begin to reset and recalibrate their emotions, (Kurdek, 2009).” Dogs increase dopamine and other neurochemicals associated with love and bonding. "There are studies that show that dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with feeling pleasure) production is boosted by looking into a dogs’ eyes, (Wang, et al., 2013).” This is a double win — it makes you feel less depressed and increases your capacity to love and care for another being. So, for people who tend towards loneliness, having an animal around can be an important tool in the toolkit to feel a little bit safer and more loved. Dogs provide unconditional love! There is very clear research showing that the presence of an animal, as well as petting an animal helps individuals to reduce daily anxiety, keeps physiological arousal regulated, and serves to improve mood. Because the animal provides attention on demand, unconditional connection regardless of the day or time, and a steady presence, human emotions tend to stabilize in the presence of an emotional support animal, (Martens, Enders-Slegers & Walker, 2016). As the benefits of using ESA’s grow, mental health professionals are now expanding their clients to include those that suffer from:
If your child or adolescent experiences symptoms related to anxiety and mood regulation difficulties, doctors are noting vast improvements with their clients in the following areas with the aid of an emotional support animal (ESA):
About Paschal “Pat” Pat was born sometime in February 2019 and he came to live with Dr. Gunne and her husband in the middle of June 2019 when he was approximately 6 months old. Pat’s Veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Crownover, DVM, told us that Pat was a Papillion Mix and he weighed 7 pounds. Dr. Crownover said, it is likely that Pat may weigh up to 8 or 9 pounds when he reaches 1 year of age. Because Pat was born in February, we have selected February 14, 2020 as his official 1st birthday. Paschal was named after Dr. Gunne’s best friend, her “Big Daddy.” Paschal C. Shelton, Jr. passed away August 20, 2018 at the age of 88 and he was Dr. Gunne’s beloved father for 57 years. Pat carries on the spirit of unconditional love that Mr. Shelton showered on his family all of his life. How did Dr. Gunne get Pat? Pat was dropped somewhere on our 60 acres of woods and sadly left on his own to survive. We do not understand why this happened, but luckily our neighbor was hiking along our old wagon trail and Pat suddenly appeared out of the deep woods and followed our neighbor for a mile. Our neighbor brought Pat to our front door and inquired if he belonged to us, and although he didn’t, we adopted Pat on the spot. He met our other dog, Cutie Pie, and they instantly became friends! Where does Pat sleep at night? Pat has his very own crate in our barn room. His crate is his second comfy home. It has a mattress and chew toys, soft toys, squeaker toys, and a small baby blanket. Pat goes outside on a leash and is trained to do his business outside. When does Pat come to Dr. Gunne’s office and what does he do there? Pat comes to work with Dr. Gunne every day. He has food and water and stays on a leash to go outside. Pat has his own comfy crate at the office with lots of toys, just like the one he has at home. When a child or adolescent comes in for their appointment, they have the opportunity to meet Pat immediately. Children and adolescents who are shy, cautious, and a little bit afraid of the evaluation process warm up instantly and gain self-regulation of their emotional state prior to beginning the “work” for the day. When Dr. Gunne is working at the table with a child or adolescent, Pat stays all cozy in his crate. He does not bark or disturb us while we are working. During the evaluation process, there are times in which a child or adolescent may become upset, uncomfortable, mentally fatigued, or overwhelmed. There are other times in which a child or adolescent may suddenly become emotionally-unregulated (tantrum), oppositional, or uncooperative. When this happens, Pat comes out to provide emotional support for about 5-10 minutes, returns to his comfy crate, then work is begun again. After the work for the day is complete, the child or adolescent has full free time with Pat on the floor to play ball, cuddle, hold or pet Pat for several minutes. Parents also have the opportunity to interact with Pat in the office. What does Pat do when he arrives home from the office? Pat immediately goes outside to eat, drink water, and play with Cutie Pie. They both run, jump, chew bones, dig holes, or play with our three cats (Momma Cat, Brett, and Chuck). Sometimes, Dr. Gunne’s nephew Zack comes over to play ball with the dogs, help give the dogs a bath, or just play around outside. If it is bad weather, all the animals come inside the barn room to ruff & tumble on the floor, eat a bite, get a fresh treat, or take a nap. Questions? Feel free to ask Dr. Gunne all the questions you can think of about Pat. He is a very specially trained dog who offers emotional support to those who come to visit us. We sincerely hope that Pat makes a difference in your child’s experience at the office! Do you feel your child or adolescent would benefit from an emotional support dog? Please speak with Dr. Gunne about how to go about obtaining and training an emotional support dog. Dr. Gunne can supply you with an official Letter of Certification for an emotional support dog. However, emotional support dogs are not the same as “service dogs “or “therapy dogs.” There are laws in the State of Tennessee that define the type of support dog, along with the legal rights and privileges the owner has for different classifications of support dogs. Dr. Gunne can fully explain this to you. About the Papillon Papillons were originally bred as charming and attentive companions for noblewomen, and for hundreds of years these enchanting lap warmers were great favorites in the royal courts of Europe. They appear in many portraits of long-ago queens and princesses. Papillons were developed in Renaissance times by crossing existing toy breeds with spaniels. The breed’s French connection is strong. But it was in the early breeding centers of Italy and Spain that Papillons were refined and popularized (Wood, 2005). The AKC registered its first Papillon in 1915 over 100 years ago. The Papillon is a tiny, friendly, elegant toy dog of fine-boned structure, measuring 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder. Papillons are light, dainty and of lively action and they are distinguished from other breeds by their beautiful butterfly-like ears. The most iconic aspect of the Papillon is their ears, which are large and well fringed, giving them a butterfly wing-like appearance (Truex, 2004). The word Papillon is French for “butterfly-eared.” Papillons are very intelligent and self-assured dogs that have a very easy time learning new commands and tricks. These dogs are very sociable with children and strangers. Widely known as great companion dogs, they have the spirit and energy to keep up with active families, but can also be calm enough to be happy with sleeping in the arms of an equally affectionate owner (Gagne, 2010). They can withstand heat, but are more sensitive to cold temperatures, because of their single-coated fur, and they should not be left outside unattended in cold weather. The temperament of Papillons is happy, friendly, and adventurous. They are not shy or aggressive. Papillons make excellent family dogs and their lifespan is 13 to 15 years.
References Enders-Slegers, M. J. 2000. The meaning of companion animals: Qualitative analysis of the life histories of elderly dog and cat owners. In Companion Animals & Us: Exploring the Relationships Between People and Pets, 237–256, ed. A. L. Podberscek, E. S. Paul and J. A. Serpell. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. |
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Allison J. Gunne, Ph.D. 311 North Jackson St. Suite 4 Tullahoma, TN 37388 Phone: 931.273.7119 |
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