Living with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) has always been difficult for me. The symptoms that are triggered daily can turn my world upside down, and I never know if I’m going to have a good or bad day.
In addition to physical symptoms like extreme bone pain, gastrointestinal problems and brain fog, I have lived for years with stress, anxiety and PTSD due to this disease. Eventually, I accepted these things were just a daily part of life.
Learn more about SM signs and symptoms
A gift I didn’t know I needed
Five years ago, things began changing for the better when my son and his wife gave me a miniature dachshund puppy. He has since become my best friend. He keeps my stress level and anxiety down because he is always by my side. He knows if I am upset or in pain and he never leaves me. He is not trained, but I see him as an unofficial emotional support animal.
I have never had to consider making him an official certified emotional support animal because I don’t often go anywhere that I can’t take him. The days that I must travel to my doctor out of state, he is so upset that he lays by the door waiting for me to come home. My husband must lure him away and do his best to keep him calm. Coincidentally, I feel the same way–I worry constantly about him while I am gone.
I have several friends that do have certified emotional support animals, and the only difference I notice is they can travel with them to most hotels and on planes. If you have never had a dachshund, then you are missing out. This is my first one, and he is what I call a “velcro dog,” because he is stuck to me. The love he has for me is unconditional. He really does keep my stress and anxiety levels down, and this, in turn, helps keep my symptoms at bay.
What is an emotional support animal?
\In the U.S., an emotional support animal is defined as any animal that provides emotional support, alleviating one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. They are not required to be trained and can provide support through companionship, affection and unconditional positive regard. Some common conditions that qualify someone for ESA’s include depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, social phobias and a host of other conditions.
A letter from a certified mental health professional can show that an animal is legitimate. There are also sites that take that letter and register your animal. Registering your animal will provide documentation, equipment and support. There are so many different organizations, such as USA Service Dogs, that provide this service that can help you navigate the guidelines and federal laws so you can gain complete access to facilities without unfair pet rules, fees or required deposits.
A necessary aid
A very good friend of mine who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks is afraid to fly. She lives here in Louisiana, but her family is in Utah. Lulu, her chihuahua and terrier mix, goes with her on the flights and keeps her calm. She does have her registered, and she has no problems with the airlines. Lulu is on her leash and sits in her lap during the flight.
If you travel and depend on a pet for comfort and support, then it might be good to look into getting your pet certified to make life easier on you. The goal of an ESA is to keep your stress level down, and you don’t want to end up running into any problems that would cause undue emotional distress.
