Stefanie DeSimone is a college senior of PSU who has suffered from anxiety and depression since she was 15 years old. Because she had a tough time handling senior year with all the “crazy” schedule and less structured routine, she realized that she needed the company of an emotional support animal.
DeSimone quotes, “I looked for a really long time. It all aligned for me, but I think I maybe went through ten dogs before I finally found the one I knew could work best with me. I wasn’t just looking for a dog to have a companion; I was looking for a dog to help me function. I was looking for an animal that I knew was going to help me in everyday life and help keep me on a routine.”
DeSimone knew that the process of finding a dog would not be an easy task. She understood that an emotional support animal wasn’t just a pet, but also a friend who could offer emotional comfort especially in times of difficulty. After doing a lot of research, she decided to have German Shephard Poodle mix. She named her support animal “Flo.”
The final process of having Flo approved in the school campus was presenting a letter from DeSimone’s therapist which stated her need for the animal. She was ready to handle the responsibilities of having an ESA in the campus. According to her, the benefits of having Flo by her side outweighed the costs.
Article source: The Clock Online
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