Elias Wise Friedman

The dog doesn't have to ask you a question of like, how are you doing?

Just being in their presence and they have an ability to listen and sense the way you're feeling.

And whether it's eye contact, touch, warmth, letting you connect with them, there's just something that has a powerful way of connecting.

making you feel better and de-escalating and relieving stress.

They're the best listeners.

And even though they don't speak to you, they know exactly what to say.

And there's also a stigma around mental health.

Not everyone's going to raise their hand and say, I need help.

So with a dog, you don't have to raise your hand.

They just show up for you.