Lexie – Jane’s Story
Lexie – Jane’s Story
A blog written by Bath Mind Trustee, Jane Shayler, on how her dog Lexie has benefited her mental wellbeing.
It is much easier for me not to feel lonely or isolated when Lexie is at my side.
Introducing Lexie…
Meet Lexie. Lexie is a puppy full of love, joy and life force. She can also be very naughty – securing treats through charm and balls by stealing them – but she is so lovely mainly she gets away with it (and is sometimes encouraged her misbehaviour). If I ever loose Lexie, I know it is because she has gone visiting a friend or member of her extended family! Her new Best Friend Forever (or just right now) can be four or two legged – she’s happy with either or best of all both.
Easing loneliness
Lexie is vital to my mental health and wellbeing. She is a very important part of helping me, a single woman living alone, to feel connected to my community. It is much easier for me not to feel lonely or isolated when she is at my side. She has taught me how to be joyful. Make friends of strangers. Win hearts. She always assumes people want to be friends and mainly they do – even when she’s putting her muddy paws on them!
There have been times when I have really struggled with my mental health, experiencing periods of depression and anxiety. At these times, having a dog and, especially, walking a dog has made me step outside the front door when otherwise it would be hard for me to get out of bed. I get outside come rain or shine, whether or not I feel like it, and always feel better afterwards. Walking with Lexie enables me to connect with other walkers and dog lovers – even if it is only to comment on the weather, apologise for Lexie’s misbehaviour or agree that Lexie is lovely.
Final thoughts
I know having a dog is not for everyone. If I couldn’t practically have a dog, I would look into dog-share schemes or volunteer for a dog rescue charity or offer to walk a neighbour’s dog. What I do know is for me, time walking a dog everyday is a vital part of my mental and physical wellbeing and helping to prevent me feeling lonely. I would really encourage others who might be experiencing loneliness to consider whether caring for a dog (either full-time or part-time) might be for them.
Thank you so much to Jane, Lexie’s Sidekick and Bath Mind Trustee, for sharing this blog with us for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek!
Posted on: 3rd May 2022