When I think back on how dogs have helped me, I have a lifetime of memories to choose from.
As a child, my dog was my best friend - a constant source of fun, comfort, and curiosity as we explored the world together. During my teenage years, when everything felt confusing and I often felt misunderstood, he was the steady presence I could always count on. He never judged, never asked for much. He simply loved, wholeheartedly and without question. Back then, it didn’t feel extraordinary - it was just the way it was.
As an adult, I’ve come to understand that what dogs give us is, in fact, extraordinary. Their love feels simple, but it’s healing in ways that words can’t quite capture. During my battles with anxiety, my dog was a calm, grounding presence. During periods of agoraphobia, he gently coaxed me outside - first just across the street, then a little further each day. There was no pressure, no expectation. Whatever I could manage was enough for him. To the outside world, and even to myself at times, I appeared broken. But he never saw me that way.
He’s propped me up through grief and loss, through the moments when silence felt heavy. It’s the quiet companionship when you feel alone, the paw on your hand pulling you back to the present, the gentle nudge reminding you to get up and move, the eyes that don’t just look, but truly see you. It’s the comfort of routine, and the sense of purpose that comes from being needed.
It feels strange to call a dog a role model, but when I look at Sammy, that’s exactly what he is. He’s a rescued stray who survived being hit by a lorry. He knows pain, trauma, and hardship more than most, yet still greets every day with joy. He doesn’t dwell on the past or complain. He just carries on, with quiet strength and optimism. He’s our protector, but also soft, gentle, and endlessly kind.
Anyone who has ever loved - and been loved by - a dog knows the inexplicable support they give us. So, in honour of World Mental Health Day, we wanted to share some stories from our community. Stories that celebrate the dogs who’ve helped us heal, grow, and rediscover ourselves when life feels too overwhelming.
- Natasha (Founder, Nutrivore)
Every story is different, but they all share a common thread - the way a dog’s love makes our lives better in countless small ways.
I’ve always believed O’shün was a gift from the Universe. In 2020, we met during my 30th birthday at the beach — a bittersweet season of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth. Change is never easy, yet Oshy holds such a humbling presence — a grounding kind of energy that reminds me I’m never truly alone amidst life’s ebb and flow. 💙
Little did I know, he would be the one to rescue me — gently guiding me back to shore whenever I find myself adrift in the deep. Through every shifting tide, we continue to teach each other how to swim a little better through the waves. 🌊
Water has always been a healing element, and it feels only fitting that he bears the name O’shün - the Goddess of Love, Renewal, and Flow. 🪬
O’shün may be my partner’s dog, but he has become my own in every way that matters. I’m proud to be one of his moms. He’s the kind of company you don’t realise you need until he’s there -always present, always comforting.
During times when I’m not feeling well or going through something difficult, he somehow knows. He shows his love simply by being there, reminding me that I’m not alone. It’s amazing how dogs can express their love without words - I can feel it just from the way Oshun rests his body against mine, as if to say, “I’m here.”
And just like how he finds comfort in us during thunderstorms, I make sure to be by his side too. Oshun has taught me calmness and grounding - to breathe, to be patient, and to find peace even in stressful moments.
To re count a specific instance that my dogs have helped me mentally would be difficult. Everyday, in small ways, I’m reminded that my life is a little bit better with my doggies around. Through them I learn the idea of compassion and unconditional love. They give my life some semblance of a meaning.
In hard times (re: lockdowns, typhoons, etc.) I unknowingly lean more on them, even if all they have to offer is a warm body to cuddle. In happy times, they are more than eager to celebrate with you.
I count myself blessed to have these angels around. They not only protect against intruders (no stranger could ever approach our house without us knowing) but they also guard against the troubles of life that are unseen.
In December 2021, I scribbled on a napkin at a bar that I wanted to slow down and smell the roses a little more. The following year, Duchess came into my life and made sure I did. Our early morning walks forced me to pause, breathe, and notice the world waking up around me. Waking up early became a quiet ritual that showed me how much more I could accomplish when I started my day with intention.
Duchess also brought structure and calm at a time when I really needed it. Although we no longer live together, I think about her often and remain grateful for the lessons she left behind - to slow down, stay present, and make time for the simple things that matter most.
Life can throw us into moments that feel beyond our control. But one glance at your dog, content and carefree, is a reminder that peace comes from not overthinking what others expect of you. Do it because it brings you joy, not because someone else says you should.
They just make me smile with their antics. Serotonin boost every time they sleep funny and in a weird pose, every time they wag their tails and jump for joy when I come home.
I still remember the day I came across Dood’s image in a Facebook group. It came with a caption that said he was the last of his litter and that he was still looking for a home - that struck a chord with me. I didn’t have immediate plans of having a dog, but that photo - him looking right into the camera with a precocious stare and an odd half-mask for a corgi - was all it took. I decided I wanted him more than anything (I had to ask for my partner’s blessing, of course).
Since then, Dood is someone I look to when I need a quick reprieve from the mundane and stressful aspects of life. Like, while I’m working at home and a tad overwhelmed with work, I’ll jump right into giving him a big tight hug and tiny little kisses while he “sploots” on the floor. He just resigns with exasperated groans. He has no choice!
Since we got him, life has changed a lot for me. I can’t imagine life without his loud barks filling up the house and his huge powerful paws running over my foot every now and then. To this day, I still find it surprising how we are alike in more ways than I thought possible or even dare admit. I am just happy that I have a buddy who’s a constant source of comfort and stability. My only hope is that he finds the same amount of joy and love in the time we have together.
Since I work from home, and somehow have social anxiety, I don't really like to go out much, (except if I really want to). I mostly stay in, and having dogs (I have plenty! But I'm going to talk about Mushroom especially cos he's my soulmate) always makes me feel less alone. They bring so much joy, and having Mushroom around, always following me around, makes me feel special too. He makes me less anxious.
It's amazing how animals can't speak words, but their actions hold so much meaning.
When I started experiencing panic attacks, Luna became my shadow. Always close enough that I could reach out and feel her. She’s not trained in any way as a therapy dog, but she has an incredible way of sensing my emotions and just seems to know I need some help. If I’m anxious, she’ll press against me like she’s grounding me. Her calm, steady breathing has helped me find my own more times than I can count. She reminds me that I’m safe, that I’m not alone, and that I don’t need to fix everything at once.
When I first adopted Pudding I thought I was rescuing him, but in truth, he rescued me. He came into my life after a loss I didn’t think I’d recover from. Pudding pulled me into the present. His routines gave me structure. He’s such a clown, always making me laugh, and his joy reminded me what matters. And being a good dog mum to him reminded me that I was still capable of giving and receiving care.
Dogs don’t fix you; they stay with you until you find your own way to heal.
Each of these stories is a reminder of just how much dogs give us. Their patience, comfort, and unconditional love can quietly change the course of our lives.
If you know what we're talking about, we’d love to hear your story too. 💛
✨ Share your story here → https://forms.gle/BZmTh7o5PiKkz61a6
Let’s keep celebrating the incredible bond between people and their dogs. 🎉
Nutrivore is Singapore’s fresh dog meal subscription service, creating gently cooked, human-grade meals made from real, wholesome ingredients. Each recipe is designed by pet nutrition experts and portioned for your dog’s unique needs - helping them achieve a healthy weight, shiny coat, and more energy for life’s adventures. We believe dogs deserve the same quality of food we do, and that better nutrition can transform their wellbeing from the inside out.
If you’re curious about how fresh food can make a difference, read our guide: Why Fresh Food is the Best Choice for Your Dog.
