I adopted Sierra when I was working as a Child Protection Worker. I was struggling with depression, sleep and anxiety (in part - because of the job). My supervisor recommended that I get a dog. I had gone to the humane society to look at some puppies. By the time I had arrived, the puppies had been adopted (in hindsight - this was a very good thing as I have learned I am NOT a puppy person). I decided to take a look at a German Shepard mix breed named “Layla”. She was two years old and had been abandoned and on the street. She was very underweight and very anxious. I spent some time with her in the kennel and the staff told me she would be getting spayed and un-adoptable for the next four days. She recommended I read up on the breed and adopting a dog. I could come back after her surgery and make my decision at that time.
Today I am thankful for:
-my therapist reminding me that it’s okay to give myself time to just experience what being okay feels like before I rush back to work
-financial security
-my cats
-my partners and friends who respect my boundaries
-my internal family system who are all working together to keep us happy and safe
-big blanket
-living independently
-coffee