When I say this I mean literally. I could not survive without my dog, Hugs. I know this is not for everyone, but having a dog helped me so much during my darkest points of Postpartum OCD. Dogs give so much to us, and they expect nothing in return.

How I got Hugs is actually kind of a sad story. Back in 2019, I wanted so badly for Dalton to propose to me. That summer we were looking at golden retriever puppies online. I never thought Dalton was being serious because there was no way we could handle taking care of a dog. I mean we both still lived with our parents at the time. This would never work.

One evening in July, I was at my grandma’s house with my siblings. She asks me, “did you meet the puppy yet?” Instantly, I was overwhelmed with rage. Dalton got a puppy without me?! I was literally a category 4 hurricane according to my dad. I come to find out later that Dalton had intended to have Hugs with my engagement ring on his collar, and he was going to propose at our property where we were building our house. Sounds really nice right? I know. I wish so badly I could go back in time and change that reaction, but I cannot. Dalton ended up proposing to me on our family’s vacation that summer at the beach, but it would have been so special to have be proposed to with my favorite Hug.

I have had Hugs for almost 4 years now, and he has been the most loyal, sweet, and special dog. He brings so much joy to my life and my family. He follows me everywhere and is the best listener. Hugs sleeps with me every night in my room. When I was working, I could not bear leaving him alone at home, so I drove him to my parents’ house for day care. I would literally pick him up like he was my child after work.

When I started suffering with Postpartum OCD, Hugs never wavered on his support of me. He let me cry into his fur countless times and would sit with me all day when I was sad on the couch. Hugs would listen to me cry every night and still sleep with me in my room. I never once felt abandoned by him. Since I started my virtual therapy, Hugs has never missed an appointment with me. He is always right by my side as I pour out my heart to my therapist.

Like I said, having a pet like this is not for everyone, but I genuinely could not have survived my dark times without Hugs. Just knowing I had him to love and support me always gave me a bright spot when I was dealing with so much darkness. If you are dealing with something as serious as Postpartum OCD, it really can help to embrace your pets. They will never not love you and will always stand by you and support you no matter what. We all need that kind of love in our lives.

The website where I got my amazing Hug. https://www.lancasterpuppies.com/puppy-search/breed/golden%20retriever