Later today I’ll be getting an Emotional Support Animal Letter from the counselor who delivered my earlier diagnosis and documentation letter several years ago.

I had to let her know the various ways in which Charli helps keep me on an even keel emotionally to mitigate against the accompanying stress and anxiety I feel whenever I’m with other people or in unsettling (to me) environments.

I described Charli to her as “my emotional anchor.”  She helps me deescalate and relax. I sleep soundly when she’s near… and she always is. (Often she sleeps on my hip.) She keeps her eyes and ears on surroundings and lets me know everything is fine.  She’s like a personal sentinel.

Fortunately, the counselor is an animal lover herself and totally understood what I was conveying to her.

I have never been without a companion animal, and never will be, if I can help it. They do as much for me as I do for them, probably more.