For a long time when I graduated college I contemplated getting a dog. I weighed all the pros and cons but finally I just said, “Why not?”
Fast forwarding to present day, I don’t think I’d be here today if it wasn’t for him. I went through some really rough periods with anxiety and depression. My family was always there for me, and I’m grateful for that, but having my dog, Junior, was different. He depended on me completely. He was my responsibility—every day, no matter how I felt.
In a way, he became like my son. That might sound strange, but knowing he needed me gave me a reason to keep going when things felt overwhelming. I couldn’t imagine leaving him alone or giving up on him, and that helped me not give up on myself.
He didn’t fix everything, but he gave me purpose, routine, and unconditional loyalty when I needed it most. Sometimes that’s enough to make all the difference.
Michael V
