Contributing writer

By Dr. Nancy Kay*

Dr. Nancy Kay (Photo courtesy of Dr. Nancy Kay)

I facilitate a client support group at my veterinary hospital. We meet regularly to provide support for those struggling emotionally with the illness or loss of a beloved four-legged family member.

The last session had most of us in tears. Some in attendance just listened; others bared their souls, talking about feelings of heartache, guilt, emptiness and loneliness. The mood was somber and supportive.

Two darling dogs had accompanied their moms to this particular session — Hannah, a fawn-colored pug, and Coco, a little liver-colored Chihuahua mix. Throughout the evening, these mischievous girls let us know in no uncertain terms that they were interested in meeting each other. At the end of our meeting, we turned Hannah and Coco loose and watched them run, spin, pounce, posture and play. It was unadulterated exuberance and delightful mayhem.

During this brief doggie romp, I looked around the room and was tickled to see huge grins on the faces of everyone in the room. It was as though everyone had received a drug that transformed expressions of pain and sadness into undeniable joy. The change in the room was stunning and profound, and provided me a unique feeling I shall never forget.

In the midst of this magical moment, the thought that swirled through my mind is the title of this blog entry — dogs are the opiate of the masses.

* Nancy Kay, DVM, is a diplomate from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, a recipient of the American Animal Hospital Association 2009 Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award and author of “Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life.“ Dr. Kay has her own blog and can be reached at dr.kay@speakingforspot.com.

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From left, Frieda, Lola and Geppetto. (Daniela Caride photo)