Pets can offer an unmatched level of support to trauma survivors attempting to cope with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic event.  A beloved and trusted pet can act as a lifeline when the person they live with experiences post traumatic stress (PTSD) or is otherwise emotionally distressed. In short, a pet’s very presence can often work a particular kind of healing magic.  Pets known to offer support through the roller-coaster journey to heal from emotional trauma may be referred to as emotional support animals. Emotional support animals differ from working service animals in that the latter are trained rigorously for the purpose of helping people with particular, individualized needs. Our pets, on the other hand, do not need to be trained to provide natural healing.

By simply playing with or cuddling our pets, we can benefit from the calming, soothing effect of their company. Even without training, our pets can help us cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression, fear, and the handful of other tough emotions likely to follow a traumatic experience.

Emotional support animals do not require any particular training, but they are still often able to soothe the emotional upsets of owners who have experienced trauma by being present as loving friends and offering support and connection through simple companionship. This offers us a unique way to cope with emotional entanglements and other challenges throughout the process of addressing trauma-related struggles.

One way animals can provide emotional support is by helping increase oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is beneficial because it slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and helps prevent stress hormone production. Thus, increased levels of this hormone in the body can help people feel calmer and more at peace. This chemical alone can help us battle the negative emotions and mental health effects often experienced following trauma, and scientific observation supports an increase of the release of this so-called “happiness” chemical as a result of animal interaction.

4TH: WOT OFFICE CLOSED
8TH – 9TH: WOT OFFICE CLOSED

1ST: WOT OFFICE CLOSED
5TH – 6TH: Sudlersville Peach Festival – Godfrey’s Farm
6TH – 14TH: WOT OFFICE CLOSED
8TH – 13TH: Queen Anne’s COUNTY FAIR – 4-H Park
29TH: First Day of school for QACPS Students in Grades 1-6 & 9
30TH: First Day of school for QACPS Students in Grades 7, 8, 10 & 12
31ST: First Day of school for QACPS Students in PK & K

2ND: All QACPS Shools Early Dismissal Day
5TH: WOT Office Closed & QACPS Schools closed

21ST: QACPS Schools Closed
31ST: QACPS Schools Closed

1ST, 2ND, 3RD: QACPS School Half Days
8TH: QACPS Schools Closed
23RD – 25TH: QACPS Schools Closed

2ND – QACPS Schools Half Day + Centreville Christmas Parade
22ND – 30TH: QACPS Schools Closed
24TH – JAN 1ST: WOT Office Closed