Dogs are great companions for people suffering from all kinds of mental health issues. And even if they are not trained, they are so empathetic that they can tell when something’s wrong.
About a year ago, someone found Picaso alone on the streets of Charleston, and he took him to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. He didn’t have a collar or a microchip, so the shelter took him in.
They wanted to name him after the artist, but when typing they missed an “s”. So, his name stayed Picaso. After just 19 days of being there, he earned a spot walking with other homeless dogs in a local parade. Kim, a shelter volunteer, had noticed how kind-hearted he is, so she decided her goal that night was to get the little guy a home. As the pair walked the parade, a girl grabbed Picaso’s attention.
Kim says she was sitting on the curb, and she looked clearly upset. So, Picaso went to her and put his head against her. In a few seconds, the girl started smiling. It was clear by her body language that Picaso was helping her.
The girl was Abby Ellis, a 16-year-old girl who is suffering from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This condition can cause her to faint and makes her nervous all the time.
On the night of the parade, she was having an anxiety attack. But Picaso was there to help her. He got his body underneath her and kept her from falling over.
He made her feel safe and calmed her down. At that moment, Abby’s mom knew Picaso was coming home with them.
Now, Picaso has a home, and Abby has someone who will help her battle her condition.
Image Credit: Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association