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In this day and age, mental health is no longer taboo for people of color, thanks to social media connecting people to others who have been bold enough to share their experiences. It is also now common to seek alternative ways to get support and help.

Alternative healing and self-help have always been go-to, but sometimes you have to think out of the box, especially when you are faced with new challenges.

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, not a well known autoimmune disease or one that is deemed worthy enough for sympathy from others. With my family's lack of knowledge on the subject, I wasn’t getting the love I needed, so I thought a pet would feel the void.

I went on Craigslist, then to a dog pound, then went back on Craigslist to find my emotional support pet. At that time I wasn’t even sure how to register it as an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) or how to see a doctor to get a letter, but I knew I needed a companion.

It turned out to be the best decision of my life. Now under quarantine, I need him now more than ever.

Here are three reasons why everyone should get one:

quaratine

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