Tippi Emotional Support Dog Extraordinaire

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are more than a mere pet; they are companions that enhance the quality of life for people diagnosed with mental health challenges. Not everyone gets the importance of having an ESA but for some, the ESA's presence is critical to their ability to function normally. A pet becomes an ESA when a human needs them.

Tippi is my fourth ESA. I really struggled during the pandemic. I realized that I needed help to survive intact; I needed a small dog with soft fur that I could cuddle endlessly! As we started our routine of daily walks and I began experiencing the world through her eyes, my angst was calmed and I was able to enjoy bits of life again. It's always a good day when I'm treated like a celebrity by Tippi.

I am a photographer working with black and white images that I hand color. When I felt like making art again after the pandemic, I found painting images of Tippi to be very therapeutic. This collection of my art is combined with introspection about how wonderful the world is with a special companion that has kind eyes, four paws, a wet nose, and an open heart.