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T.G.I.F.! Have you been following my A to Z Challenge story this month? What a journey! I have been studying and trying to give a voice for child abuse and sexual assault awareness this month.
Today, I am excited to introduce: SHADOW. Shadow is my beautiful German/Australian Shepherd mix dog, and what a beauty she is!
Dog Therapy:
There were dozens of times when I was knee-deep in tissues and my face looked like a punching bag thanks to all the tears. And who was always there for me? Shadow. As if she has a sixth sense, Shadow would come to find me and burrow in close for a cuddle. And this a dog who does not like to be cuddled close.
SAFE HAVEN:
At Safe Haven, their dogs are seen as excellent therapists for child abuse victims because they:
- Do not judge
- Can provide safe, non-threatening touch & channel for communication
- What a child sees is what they get
- A four-legged spa
Let’s Talk:
Do you have a four-legged pal? Are they always good for a safe and comforting hug?

P.S. In no way am I suggesting you do NOT visit an actual therapist when necessary.



Aww, she's so happy looking. Sending cuddles!
Shadow is beautiful! I'm so glad you have such a wonderful four legged friend! I adopted my Emmie girl last year, and she has quickly become my best friend. I suffer from chronic pain, and Emmie helps make the days a little less bad :) Dogs truly are man's best friend. I love seeing them work as therapy animals.
~Katie
TheCyborgMom
She is very special. We wish we had trained her as a therapy dog when she was a puppy.
That's one very photogenic puppy! :)
I do have a dog, and he is the best source of endorphin in the house :) All cuddles and no questions. They also bring therapy dogs to campus every semester during exams week… they are super popular.
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
Shadow is beautiful in photos but silly girl hates selfies. Sees the iPhone and runs or hides her face :P
I can completely relate to this post. Dogs can be healers. Pets in general can help when faced with grief and other issues.
:)
Shadow is beautiful! I follow a Youtuber who recently got a dog and he found it helped so much with his depression and anxiety issues. People shouldn't underestimate how helpful animals can be to healing.
~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
O that is good news! Thanks for sharing :)
Shadow looks gorgeous. I've heard horse therapy is also really effective for people – there was an article I read in a magazine once. BTW, I'm admiring the layout and design of your blog, it's very clean and simple. Maui Jungalow
Thanks Courtney. Newish layout so appreciate the positive feedback!
She is a beautiful dog!! Sounds wonderful that she is part of your life :)
No, not currently any dog pal here, but hopefully soon :)
betty
hope you find a special furry friend :)
I don't have an animal friend, but I totally agree that they make amazingly sensitive, caring and non-judgmental friends. Shadow is lovely.
Nilanjana.
Ninja Minion, A-Z 2016
Madly-in-Verse
Thanks Nilanjana. Shadow's pretty awesome :)
I have learned so much in recent months about animal therapy. My most recent novel included a woman who was developing a horse farm that offered equine therapy. Animals are incredible companions and so non-judgmental.
@Kathleen01930
Meet My Imaginary Friends
#AtoZchallenge
Awesome! What's the title of that novel?