emotional support
- lifestyle
The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets
The science-backed ways our pets offer us emotional support, according to experts and real pet parents.
![Valentin Pujadas illustration]()
- lifestyle
Jess Tran and Her Rescue Dog Are Healing Together
The creative guru on taking her dog to therapy, finding community at the dog park, and the “spiritual journey” of pet parenthood.
![Jess Tran laying in a bed looking lovingly at her dog.]()
- lifestyle
5 Ways Minna Lee and Her Corgi Prioritize Their Collective Mental Health
The wellness entrepreneur on living with and learning from her anxious dog, from taking breaks to setting boundaries.
![Minna Lee smiling at the camera while holding her dog, Benny the Corgi, who is dressed in a Sherlock Holmes Halloween costume]()
- lifestyle
How Alison Wu’s Dog Is a Positive Force for Her Mental Health
The lifestyle blogger and creative director’s Spaniel helps her stay grounded:
“When life gets inevitably turbulent, Tilly offers me much-needed stability, support, and calm.”![Woman laying on tan couch beneath large windows showing trees and sunshine with her dog laying beneath her]()
- lifestyle
Gemma Correll Talks Pug Life and Mental Health
How the illustrator’s rescue dogs improve her psychological well-being. (Spoiler: Pugs make pretty great weighted blankets.)
![Gemma Correll smiling and holding up her one-eyed Pug dog against a red backdrop]()
- lifestyle
How My Dog Helped Me Get Through the Pandemic Alone
“She was my lockdown companion, but I had to learn to slowly navigate my fears and anxiety without her as my constant companion.”
![Dog and Woman looking out window moodily]()
- lifestyle
Chemistry Between People and Pets Is Real (It’s Science)
How the “love hormone” oxytocin connects us with our pups.
![Man hugging his fluffy white dog happily]()
- lifestyle
5 Science-Backed Ways to De-Stress Outdoors (Your Pet Is Invited)
The author of Return to Nature on the mental health benefits of getting out into various natural landscapes with your pup.
![A woman holding a dog in her arms while looking at a scenic view of the sea.]()
- lifestyle
How to Take Your Dog On A Mindful Nature Walk
Wellness experts and animal trainers agree: a tuned-in Spring outing can be restorative for both people and pets.
![A woman walking with her dog in a garden.]()
- lifestyle
Rafael Mantesso’s Muse, Jimmy, Helped Him Draw A New Path
The Insta-famous Brazilian illustrator on making art, living with autism, and loving a Bull Terrier.
![Rafael Mantesso & Jimmy]()
- lifestyle
How Artist Grace Miceli’s Dog, Tony, Helps Her Deal
“I was like, ‘How can I draw myself without drawing my actual self?’ We have this sort of symbiotic relationship — he’s become this character that I’m able to explore things through...”
![grace miceli and tony]()
- lifestyle
Doctor’s Orders: Get a Dog
Harvard scientists confirm the myriad physical and psychological benefits of pet parenthood.
![Happy young woman in yoga clothes holding small tan dog in park]()
- lifestyle
Photographer Bridget Badore & Queso Share Zodiac Signs, Personal Spaces, Lots of Feelings
“When I bring out my camera she tries to fight me, which is a shame because she really does know how to find her light.”
![Bridget Badore holding her cat]()
- lifestyle
Pet Parents Get Separation Anxiety, Too
We asked both animal behaviorists and human psychologists how you can deal with leaving your dog home alone.
![Woman holding her dog beside a window in bright morning light]()
- health
Please Be Nice To Your Vet
Veterinarians love their jobs, but it’s not all puppy kisses and kitten purrs. We asked Wildest expert Dr. Zay how pet parents can forge a healthy, honest, and sustainable relationship with their vet.
![A smiling veterinarian holding a cat]()
- lifestyle
How Service Dogs Can Ease Veterans’ PTSD
According to a new study, trained service dogs can interrupt panic attacks, wake veterans from nightmares, and more.
![A service dog for PTSD walking outside looking up at the camera]()
- lifestyle
Flying with An Emotional Support Animal
Are ESA alpacas and peacocks mocking people with real disorders? A service-dog owner and flight attendant get real.
![Person holding a corgi, shot from behind]()
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