Dogs and Depression: How Pets Provide Comfort, Structure, and Healing

Can pets really help us survive depression? In this episode, Lori shares her moving story of how her dogs gave her the structure, love, and grounding she needed to make it through family struggles, divorce, and deep depression.

She explains how walking her dogs gave her purpose, how their unconditional loyalty kept her going when she wanted to give up, and why their companionship brought peace in her most painful moments.

Along with Terry and Bridget, Lori explores the unique ways pets act as lifelines—whether through daily routines, calming presence, or simple, unconditional love. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt saved by an animal’s companionship—or wondered if pets can really make a difference in mental health.

Primary Topics Covered:

• How dogs provide grounding and structure during depression
• Lori’s family history of depression and silence around mental health
• Surviving divorce with the help of loyal canine companions
• The healing role of therapy dogs and rescue animals
• How walking pets creates purpose and accountability
• The calming presence of pets in chaotic times
• Distraction and redirection: focusing on pets instead of pain
• Ways to experience pet companionship even if you can’t own one

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
 01:13 - Why dogs can be powerful allies in mental health
 01:35 - Meet Lori: lifelong dog lover and advocate
 02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness
 03:42 - Lori’s struggles and painful divorce
 04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year
 05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles
 06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times
 06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose
 07:17 - Dogs as a lifeline during chaos and depression
 08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side
 09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression
 09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net
 11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring
 13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets
 14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend
 15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet
 16:29 - Closing reflections and resources

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