The Healing Power of Pet Adoption

The French writer and Nobel laureate, Anatole France, famously observed that, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” This is all too true for anyone who’s ever lost a dog and feels a void that comes from their gut. This is also why the common question, “So, when are you getting another dog?” can be, at once, hurtful and frustrating (as good-natured as that comment may be). Grief is unpredictable, and you often have to rely on your instincts to know when it’s time to move on.

Happy beginnings, presented by Zoetis

After the Edmonton, Canada-based Karla and her family had to send their beloved dog of 14 years over the Rainbow Bridge, they knew they wanted another pup. But they were waiting for a sign to know that the timing was right. That ultimately came, four months after they lost their dog, thanks to a picture on the Edmonton Humane Society’s website.

The absence of their beloved dog, Karla says, “left a huge hole in our lives — especially mine. I had occasionally been perusing adoption sites…it wasn’t until I saw a picture of Rocky that I had that moment where I knew I just had to meet this dog.” So, Karla and her partner went to the Edmonton Humane Society first thing the next morning, making sure to temper their expectations. “My partner was wary of adopting just any dog, and so we agreed we wouldn't adopt him unless it was a perfect fit.”

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Pets assist us in managing grief and mental health.

Pets have a lovely, storied history of giving their humans mental health boosts when they need it the most. That holds true even for families welcoming a new dog after the loss of a previous one. According to an American Psychiatric Association study, more than 60 percent of pet parents attest to their animals offering unconditional love and support, providing a calming presence, and helping reduce their stress and anxiety. And sometimes, that’s a job for a gentle giant: Although pups of all sizes can provide comfort, there’s a reason why many big dogs become emotional support animals.

Taking the leap, one more time

“From the moment we saw Rocky, it’s like, we knew. We spent time with him through the meet-and-greet, and it only became more apparent that he was our dog,” Karla explains. “He was goofy, playful, full of energy, and very affectionate — everything we could want in a dog.” Just four months old at the time, Rocky and his two siblings had been taken in by the humane society after being picked up by city officials. But a rough start at life couldn’t keep this little-big guy down.

At the time, Rocky was already 48 pounds. Four months later (at eight months of age), he had grown to 76 pounds. “He’s a big, goofy boy who forgets his size and just wants to be a lap dog,” Karla says. “He’s so affectionate and playful and has such a loving spirit.” He’s also a smart, curious guy who, to their delight, is a pro at learning tricks and a big fan of enrichment toys. “We are so incredibly happy and grateful to have Rocky in our lives, and couldn't have had this joy without adoption.”