- : Other than constantly bringing a smile to my face, Ivy is now my psychological service dog. She has learned to fight off my anxiety & panic attacks. She evens helps my depressive states. During a panic attack, she’ll force herself into my lap & shove her head into my hands until I pet her and calm down. For anxiety attacks, she’ll snuggle up next to me, “pet” me, and bring me toys until I’m smiling and laughing. Whenever I have entered a depressive state, she’ll lie directly on top of me & stretch her body out. Her weight is distributed so that it’s not uncomfortable, but feels like a giant warm hug. She even helps remind me to take my medications that I need. I didn’t realise how wonderfully she affected my life until I noticed my only anxiety attacks occurred when I was separated from her. She’s made so much of a difference in my life, that I can’t imagine what would things would have been like if she weren’t with us. My boyfriend & I are so much happier, healthier, and overall better people for having her in our lives.
- : I met Ivy at a very pivotal time in my life. I had just moved back to Philadelphia to move in with my boyfriend. I was leaving my family & especially the family dog, Flint, behind, and the distance was taking it’s toll on me. I was missing my dog terribly, while dealing with a lot of personal & professional issues. Thankfully, I was working at the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and was getting a bit of a puppy fix. One day, I came into work & was told to avoid the recovery room in surgery if I didn’t want to see an abuse case. I planned to do so, but ended up needing something from that room. I opened the door & Ivy was curled up in a cage with the cutest “pet me” look on her face. We locked eyes for 2 minutes & I knew I was taking her home. She was scarred up, naked (from mange induced fur-loss), and weak, but she immediately picked up a ball and tried getting me to play with her. Every time I did, she’d have the biggest smile on her face. The fact that she could be so excitable, trusting, and kind despite everything she’d been through, spoke volumes to me. Her positive demeanour is something that rubs off on everyone around her & it’s be crucial in helping heal my personal past issues.
- : Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
- : Athena
- : December 16th
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