"PETS can heal your mental health." I once read this while scrolling through social media. At some point, we’ve all probably felt like our mental health was being ignored or invalidated. Stress, anxiety, and sadness can feel overwhelming, and sometimes, it seems like no one truly understands us.

     But what if healing didn’t always have to come from people?

     As a psychology student, I’ve learned about and seen people struggling with their mental health. But whenever they talk about their pets or share stories about them, I notice how their smiles brighten. Even for a moment, it’s as if the weight they carry becomes lighter. I believe our pets provide comfort, reduce stress, and give people a sense of purpose. Spending time with them releases oxytocin—the hormone that makes us feel happy and safe.

     For me, this isn’t just something I read—it’s something I’ve experienced. My dog, Dos, a beagle, has been my safe space since I was in first grade. Over time, my family welcomed more dogs, but Dos remained my senior companion. I grew even closer to him in high school, as he became my greatest source of comfort when things got tough. 

     On days when I felt lost, he was there, reminding me that I wasn’t alone. His presence and his playful energy made a difference in ways I never expected. 

     However, it is not always idyllic.

     As they say, “Pets bring us joy, but they also give us the deepest pain.” I never truly understood that until the year 2024. I noticed Dos losing his appetite and no longer playing. I remember rushing him to the veterinarian, hoping he would get better. 

     After 13 years of being by my side, I believed we still had more time together. But just days later, he was gone. 

     I was well aware of how much Dos had influenced my life, even after he passed away. I never imagined feeling the emptiness so strongly. My pets became a constant in our fleeting lives, loving us without conditions, and demanding nothing from us.

    "It was just a dog," some might say, but to me, he was much more—my haven, my silent guardian, and the one who kept me functioning on both the best and worst days.

     They don’t judge us, they just stay by our side, offering love in their way. Whether it’s their tail wagging, scratching, or simply their quiet presence, they remind us that healing isn’t always about words. And maybe the reason why they aren’t meant to speak is because their love is best felt in the quiet moments, in the way they stay by our side without needing to utter a single word.