Paws-itively Good for Your Mood: How A Dog Can Help Your Mental Health

Let's be honest, dogs are awesome! They're not just fluffy companions, they're actually amazing for our mental well-being. That’s why, at kindred roots, we welcome you to bring your well-behaved dog to session.

 

Stress Less: Spending time with a dog can seriously chill you out. Petting them, playing fetch, or just having them by your side can melt away stress like a summer snow cone.

Beat Loneliness Blues: Dogs are the ultimate social butterflies (even if they mostly bark at squirrels). Walks, dog parks, and training classes give you a chance to connect with other dog lovers and make some new friends.

Find Your Rhythm: Life with a dog has a built-in schedule. Walks, feeding time, playtime – it all adds up to a routine that can really help if you're feeling overwhelmed or lost.

Get Moving: Need motivation to get off the couch? Your dog's got you covered! Daily walks and playtime are a surefire way to get your blood pumping and stay active.

Unconditional Love, Always: Dogs don't judge. They're always happy to see you, no matter what kind of day you've had. That unconditional love can feel like a warm hug on a rainy day.

Boost Your Confidence: Training your dog can be a real confidence booster. Watching them learn and grow, and knowing you played a part in that, feels amazing.

 

Bring Your Best Friend to Therapy?

At Kindred Roots Therapy in Okotoks, we're dog-friendly! We know that having your furry friend by your side can make a big difference. In fact, on Thursdays, you might even meet Tucker, our therapy dog in training, who loves to lend a paw during sessions with Dom Bonneville.

Bringing your dog to therapy can:

Make it Easier to Talk: Sometimes it's easier to open up when your dog is there. They provide a comforting presence and can help you feel more relaxed.

Spark Conversation: Your dog can be a great conversation starter. Talking about your dog's quirks and personality can help you connect with your therapist in a more natural way.

 

A Few Things to Remember:

Safety First: Make sure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved in the therapy setting.

Focus On You: Remember, the focus is on your mental health. Don't let your dog distract you from the therapeutic process.

Before you bring your dog to a session at Kindred Roots, please contact our admin team so they can send you some advance paperwork and make sure you understand the processes in place to keep everyone comfortable and safe.

Don’t have a dog of your own but would like to have one in your session? A few of our therapists bring their own dogs to session on certain days of the week. The pups have their own schedule. So, book with Dom to see Tucker, Jessica Donovan to chill with Boy, and with Jed to see Prudence and/or Twiggy.

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