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There is nothing like the love and companionship a pet provides. Be it the excited, wagging tail, a contented purr, or a snuggle, people benefit a lot from having an affectionate pet. In fact, some have either a specially trained therapy dog, while others rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) to help reduce stress and anxiety in their lives.
As it turns out, people are not the only ones who need an ESA; here is a tale of a dog who has his own miniature emotional support dog.
Arnold is a beautiful two-year-old Weimaraner. He lives in Perth, Australia with his owner Carolyn Manalis. She told Metro that when Arnold was a pup, he was mauled by a German Shepherd right outside his home. Arnold was already a bit insecure, but after his incident with the German Shepherd, he started suffering from separation anxiety and was afraid of large dogs.
Worried pet parent Manalis then met Frank, a miniature dachshund who was up for adoption, according to Tanks Good News. Despite his tiny size – weighing in 66 pounds less than Arnold – Manalis recognized Frank’s upbeat, confident nature right away.
Manalis decided Arnold needed an emotional support animal and Frank was the ideal candidate for the job.
Manalis told Metro It was love at first sight! Frank gave Arnold the confidence boost he so needed. “Frank has helped Arnold regain his confidence to be able to play and wrestle, whilst learning that this doesn’t always mean he’s going to get hurt or attacked. Having a little friend to play with has been the perfect therapy for Arnold to heal,” she said.
“Everywhere Arnold walks, Frank will follow. The bond these two dogs have is just insanely beautiful.”
This is a mutually positive relationship, similar to that experienced by pets and their owners. Arnold is convinced he is Frank’s big brother, or maybe his dad. Just like older siblings show the younger ones the ways of the world, Arnold has taught Frank house training etiquette, barking-at-strangers decorum, and even safety rules, such as how to remain still at a road crossing.
Manalis told Metro, “We swear Frank thinks Arnold is his Dad. Being the second child, he definitely didn’t get as much training and attention as the first. Most of what he has learnt, he has learnt from Arnold. Frank copies everything Arnold does, to the point where if Arnold barks or makes a sound, Frank will mimic it directly after, almost like a parrot!”
This is one beautiful reciprocal relationship and it demonstrates how beneficial having more than one dog can be. According to Dogs Health, dogs were once pack animals. Since they used to live in the wild in large family groups, they are social and enjoy companionship.
Some even tend to act out when left alone. Older dogs, who may while away the day snoozing, are enlivened by an exuberant, younger dog as a playmate. Giving a dog a companion dog provides playful exercise, security, and companionship.
People and pups alike can use some emotional support. And, as Arnold and Frank have shown, two heads may be better than one, but two tails are simply adorable!
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