This week, we’ll take you to Knox County, Indiana to learn more about an unusual ESA…
Did Someone Say… Emotional Support Skunk?
A dispatcher in Knox County, Indiana, goes to work with an unusual Support Animal by her side – the friendly skunk named Nugget. Nugget’s owner, Heather Blaney, describes the skunk as “calm, sweet, and odorless.”
Nugget found its way into Heather’s house when her daughter brought him from a rescue center. The skunk showed particular interest in Heather and soon formed a strong bond with her. Today, Heather has several adopted skunks, but only Nugget goes to work with her and serves as an Emotional Support Animal.
While Heather and the other staff are working, Nugget is enjoying delicious treats, sniffing around, or simply snoozing on someone’s lap. Heather says he is not doing anything in particular but knowing he is there is more than comforting.
Source: WFLA
Woman Explains How Her Emotional Support Cat Continues to Benefit Her Even After Passing Away
Maya Strong is a young woman and professional writer tackling tricky topics. Based on a personal experience, she explains how beneficial Emotional Support Animals are. She even says that her Emotional Support Cat, Willow, is helping her emotional health after passing.
Namely, Willow helped Maya deal with her emotional issues like PTSD, insomnia, and panic attacks. Maya says that she cannot emphasize how helpful Willow was – without Willow, the emotional symptoms would be overwhelming.
When Willow was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver condition, Maya was more than devastated. However, knowing the definitive diagnosis helped her prepare for the inevitable.
Maya explains that the death of Willow helped her decide in which direction she wants to move on. She also points out the huge impact Emotional Support Animals make and says that contrary to popular belief, Emotional Support Animals are not “just pets.” She also notes that ESAs are not just labels pet owners use when trying to bypass pet-prohibiting laws.
Source: Your Tango
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
We at CertaPet know ESAs can come in all shapes and sizes, including unconventional ones. But remember we do not certify anything but cats and dogs and the occasional rabbit. We understand that other animals may have therapeutic value and we do not discredit that at all, but it is our policy to only recognize dogs, cats, and rabbits due to zoning restrictions, health concerns and regulations, and public safety.
As for bringing an Emotional Support Animal to the workplace, it can also be emotionally beneficial for the owner and staff. Many offices allow animals or even have their own pets solely to keep the staff company and be comforting and relaxing. However, keep in mind it is well within your company’s right to not allow ESAs in the workplace as they are not protected in public establishments.
We understand how Maya feels about losing her Emotional Support Cat and best friend, Willow – we offer our condolences, and we are more than certain that Willow was the ideal ESA. We also agree with Maya that Emotional Support Animals are not regular pets.
We have seen and witnessed the impact ESAs make on people with emotional issues. They are helpful for a range of conditions – from PTSD and panic attacks to insomnia and depression to ADHD and social anxiety. With that being said, once again, we are offering our condolences and hoping that many young people are like Maya – able to find a silver lining in every situation and have a strong bonded with their ESAs.