Kin
Support, comfort, and unconditional love are just a few of the benefits of having a support animal. We asked six local women to share the pawsitive impact their support animals have on their lives and others. Read on to meet each pair and learn more about their special bond.
“Sydney came into my life not long after I lost my first dog. I always knew she was a special girl. Sydney absolutely loves everyone and showed signs of empathy before she was even a year old. She could always tell when I was sad and knew when I needed some extra love, so I thought maybe she could do the same with others. Sydney passed her evaluation to become a therapy dog in September 2023 and became fully certified the following December with Love on a Leash. She’s been making people smile ever since! We visit schools, hospitals, assisted living homes, businesses, and recently started working with Isaiah 117 House. She knows it’s time to go to work when we put on her harness and hair bows. She leaves joy in her wake everywhere she goes, and I can’t imagine not being able to share her love with everyone.”
“Most people see Bailey and notice a well-behaved dog. What they don’t see is the quiet work she’s doing every day to help keep me safe. Bailey is my service dog and constant partner as I navigate life with PTSD and physical challenges after years as a first responder. Trained through the Puppies Behind Bars Foundation, which prepares service dogs for veterans and first responders, Bailey has an incredible ability to detect subtle cardiac changes before I feel them, giving me valuable time to respond. She also helps ground me during moments of anxiety or stress, bringing calm when my body feels overwhelmed. Because of Bailey, I’m able to live and work with greater independence and confidence. She isn’t just a service dog – she’s my teammate, my protector, and a daily reminder that I don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.”
“Watson is more than just a dog; he is truly part of my family and my steady companion through every part of life. Living with epilepsy brings uncertainty, but Watson has given me back a sense of safety and confidence. He has alerted me before seizures and helped me get to a safe place, making it possible for me to continue working with patients in the dental field again. He is incredibly intuitive and often senses changes before I do, grounding me with his quiet presence. In our dental office, his impact reaches far beyond children. Adults with severe dental anxiety often find the courage to proceed with care because of him; some even schedule appointments just to be with him. Watson reads people beautifully. He waits to be invited onto a lap and steps back when he isn’t needed. Watson connects, comforts, and heals in ways that go far beyond words.”
“My certified pet therapy dog, Obi Wan, belongs to a national group called Love on a Leash. I adopted Obi Wan when he was 4 years old from the Humane Educational Society. What he has given back to his community is amazing. He visits schools, hospitals, assisted living homes, and businesses about five to six times a week. He loves his visits! The comfort he has given many is more than a human could ever give. He loves getting pets and especially all of the hugs he has received. Having a certified pet therapy dog is wonderful! It is my own personal therapy. Seeing all of the beautiful smiles and excitement when he arrives has been one of the most gratifying things I could do! Obi Wan brings so much joy to all!”
“Meet Chattanooga Sports Chiropractic Institute’s Director of Greetings: Daisy Lance! She is an 8-year-old Golden Husky mix that is the emotional support of the office and life. She is an absolute angel as long as she’s involved in any and all adventures. Whether working at the office, exploring the restaurant patios, trail or road running, paddle boarding, or any other opportunity Chattanooga offers, you can find Daisy spreading joy, confidence, and calmness. Daisy teaches you that it is okay to laugh at yourself, to not be shy about asking for what you want, that daily movement fills the soul, and that you never know how you might positively affect someone’s day with kindness. Daisy is the best part of every day, not just for me but for anyone that crosses her path. We can learn so much from our special companions.”
“Derby is an 8-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi. I met him when he was four days old and fell in love with him immediately. He is so good around kids and loves the adoration and attention people give him. These traits are what led us to pet therapy. We started our pet therapy journey in September 2023 and became certified in December 2023. With well over 100 certified visits under his collar, Derby has found the perfect job. All I have to say is ‘Derby, time to go to work!’ and his ears perk up and he bounds out the door to the car. He really enjoys visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Hearing someone say, ‘Thanks, I needed this today,’ makes pet therapy such a rewarding experience for the both of us.”
