May is Mental Health Awareness Month – and we’re here to remind you that healing can have paws and a wet nose.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. That means someone you love (maybe even you) could be silently struggling. Awareness helps turn silence into support – and that can be life-changing.
There are many ways you can support mental health (yours and others). You can start a conversation by asking “how are you – really?”, take breaks from work and screens, speak kindly to yourself and to others, or get outside with your dog for some fresh air.
Let’s be honest – dogs aren’t just for pets. They’re therapists with wagging tails, emotional support wrapped in fur, and the kind of companions that never cancel plans. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stress, or just a little blue, having a pet around can do wonders for your mental well-being.
Dogs Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Petting a dog or pet for just a few minutes can lower cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine – the feel-good chemicals. It’s science and softness all in one.
Dogs Keep You Active
Those daily walks aren’t just good for your pup – they’re great for you too. Physical activity is a proven mood booster, and dogs make sure you get off the couch and into the sunshine (or at least out the front door).
They Provide Routine and Purpose
Caring for a dog or any pet creates structure in your day. Feeding times, potty breaks, play sessions – suddenly you have responsibilities that help ground you when life feels overwhelming.
Unconditional Love and Non-Judgmental Company
Dogs don’t care about your bad hair days awkward social moments. They love you for you, and that kind of pure companionship can help ease feelings of loneliness or low self-worth.
Dogs Are Just Plain Funny
Zoomies. Tongue-out naps. Confused head tilts. Dogs have a way of bringing laughter into your life even on your worst days. And laughter is powerful medicine.
Therapy Dogs Are Changing Lives
From hospitals to college campuses and even on military ships, therapy dogs are being brought in to comfort patients, students, veterans, and active-duty military. Their presence can reduce anxiety and help people process trauma in ways that words sometimes can’t.
The Takeaway
Whether you adopt a dog or just volunteer at a local shelter, spending time with animals can be a natural and joyful way to care for your mental health. They may not have degrees, but when it comes to healing hearts, dogs just get it.
Take care of your heart. Take care of your mind. And give your dog a big “Thank You” hug!
To celebrate the emotional support our pups give us daily, we’ve created some mental health dog stickers.
“My Therapist Has a Wet Nose” – no degree, just wet noses!
“Dogs Are Essential for My Mental Health” – because let’s be honest, they’re better than any online group chat!
"Hand & Paw Forming a Heart Together" - a simple, powerful reminder that healing can start with a connection - especially the kind that comes with fur and four paws! 
"Snag yours in the shop and help spread awareness and a little joy.