Chapter 1: The Unexpected Encounter

I had my first encounter with a delightful little dog while visiting my local market. This fluffy creature resembled a snowball, captivating and irresistibly cute. Eager to bond, I approached him with a handful of treats, only to find that cookies were not his preferred snack. The vendors informed me that he enjoyed milk and tofu instead.

Desperate for a listening ear, I found myself confiding in this charming four-legged friend for about 15 to 20 minutes. It felt as if he was genuinely attentive to my tales. I even asked a friend to snap a photo of him, which I hope to find soon.

Photo by the Author

From an outsider's perspective, this might seem odd—sitting on the ground conversing with a stray dog. However, he became my first therapist, and it turned out to be a positive experience. I've always longed for a dog, but my parents were apprehensive. Now that I live alone, I'm unable to adopt a dog due to my roommates. Nevertheless, I cherish stray dogs and am more than willing to care for them as if they were my own.

The dog’s disinterest in the biscuits lingered in my mind. Reflecting on it, it’s fascinating how we often present treats to animals as if it’s a generous act. Like us, dogs have their own emotions and preferences. Perhaps he was in search of companionship just like I was. So, the following day, I returned to the market with some biscuits and sat beside him, hand-feeding him each piece. To my delight, he devoured them all. This simple gesture spoke volumes. Sometimes, all we need is a little love. I fed him biscuits while he listened to my thoughts.

Our bond blossomed from there. Each day, he recognized me from afar, his tail wagging joyfully. Our brief conversations, lasting about five minutes, became a source of therapy for me. He was a listener who asked for nothing but those biscuits and my presence.

As I write this, nostalgia washes over me. I lost track of time until one day he was simply gone. I sincerely hope he is content and happy. Our connection, though fleeting, left a significant mark on my life, teaching me the importance of kindness and cherishing the relationships we encounter. I encourage others to be gentle and kind as well.

Writing my reflections has become my best form of therapy. Those unexpected sessions with the dog were a delightful surprise and have inspired me to consider becoming a dog mom someday. When that day arrives, I will fondly remember my fluffy therapist.

If you’ve reached this point, thank you! I invite you to connect with me on social media.

Chapter 2: The Benefits of Dog Therapy

Exploring the advantages of therapy sessions with dogs, this video highlights how these furry companions can provide emotional support and improve mental well-being.

This video showcases dog therapy sessions at Centre College, illustrating the positive impact these animals can have on students' mental health.