An Emotional Support Animal Isn't Just Your Pet, But Also Your BFF | The Odyssey Online
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My Emotional Support Dog Is Not Just My Pet, But My Best Friend

My dog is always by my side, even when the humans in my life aren't.

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halloween with charlie
Olivia Catherine Wargo

There are not that many people that you run into these days that think life is easy. Between a hectic schedule, school assignments, deadlines at work, drama with friends—I myself barely have time to just sit and think about how lovely it is getting outside with spring in full bloom. But there is one consistent thing in my life that never fails at putting the biggest, warmest smile on my face: my dog, Sir Charles Barkley.


my dog

Charlie, Chuck, Charleston Chew, or King Charles as I call him, my four-legged friend, is the most dependable creature in my life. He is always waiting for me at the door when I get home, always sitting with me when I get ready in the morning, and ALWAYS ready for an adventure no matter what time of the day it is. He is sitting right next to me as I write out this article right now—talk about dependability.

I think people underestimate the power that a dog can have to truly turn a person's life around. I know for a fact that if I did not have my best friend in my life, it wouldn't be as bright and cheery. On a serious note, I actually have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety and depression, and Charlie is officially becoming certified as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). This means that he will officially be recognized as beneficial to my life and allow me to be able to live with him wherever I choose.

This is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. For one, it is quite difficult to find housing that allows for pets, and there are strict rules against allowing my dog especially since he is part husky. Second, pet deposits are often quite expensive, especially for a college student paying her way through college, and the ESA certification prevents a deposit from being required. Having Charlie as an ESA animal truly will impact my life, and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to pursue his certification.

My dog teaches me so many amazing things that I often take for granted, such as appreciating the little things, finding joy in a single sock, eating every ice cube like it's the tastiest, crunchiest ice cube in the world. Charlie is not only my dog, but my absolute best friend, and I can't imagine not having him by my side as I continue to adventure through this crazy life. People underestimate the power of the relationship between a girl and her dog, and I can tell you, my dog and I are ready to take on the world, by each other's side.

charlie

If you know someone with an ESA animal in their life, appreciate the bond they have, because there is nothing like the relationship between a person and their pet.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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