Annie dog cuddling with me on one of my bad pain days

Last time I wrote about what I am doing to get Annie’s fur back to a healthy, full state. This time I’m going in the opposite direction and writing about how Annie’s helping me.

If you don’t remember from an earlier post, I have fibromyalgia-and the depression that came with it. These chronic conditions wear me down some days, to the point I become an emotional glob, especially if it’s a bad pain day.

But something I love about Annie is her own capacity to love. Despite all she’s been through with the terrible case of mange, spending months in a tiny shelter, and the supposed mistreatment from her previous owners, Annie’s always been eager to love and be loved.

She greets me every morning with a wagging tail, and on those rough days? Well, she does what you see in the photo above: she cuddles up to me as if contact will help me feel better. And, to be honest, her cuddles usually do.

Annie’s not registered as any type of service animal. She’s had no special training. But there’s something about her earnest sincerity that let’s me know she’ll love me no matter what kind of a mess I am in. I don’t have to worry about her being disappointed in me. She doesn’t care if I can’t do all the things I feel pressured I should be able to do. She’s not hung up on my potential being wrapped in what I can accomplish. Annie just loves me for being me.

And I feel that superpower of hers in her cuddles.