SOCIAL IMPACT

The Social Impact of animals from Catherine Yeoman // Owner of Unleashed and The Good Dog Groomery:

40 million. 

That’s the number of adults living with an anxiety disorder. Statistics are nothing more than numerical data until you are the statistic.

I fell to the floor rapidly breathing with a debilitating feeling of impending doom. I could hear my heartbeat. This was it. My life was going to end right there on the bathroom floor. Hyperventilation caused my body to go numb and my hands to contract inward. My mouth was dry, my heart was seconds from beating out of my chest and the oxygen mask the nurse put on my face was merely a band-aid for my end-of-life experience. Thirty minutes of hell passed before the ER doctor intervened with an injection to bring me back to a “normal” state of mind. Panic Attack. That was my diagnosis. Little did I know, that term in conjunction with anxiety and depression would follow me for the rest of my life. 

After multiple miscarriages accompanied by anxiety and depression, I decided to become a foster to animals! Long story short, I went to the Fayette County Humane Society, filled out the necessary form, and walked out with a litter of puppies. As I was driving home, my car started to fill with the aroma I like to call “code brown”. At that moment, it became clear to me that I had actually lost my mind! I got home, cleaned everyone up, nestled them into their designated spot and they all fell asleep. It was the first time in months that I mentally felt “free”. Only an hour passed, I was exhausted, sure, but I was free! In the upcoming weeks, I developed a bond with these puppies! I was greeted every day with their puppy breath and wagging tails and it filled my heart with so much joy and happiness! That was it. That moment committed me to be an advocate for animals and those suffering from mental health.  

Nine years have passed. Just as my shadow never leaves my side nor has my anxiety or depression. Over the years, I’ve sought God, first and foremost. Secondly, I’ve sought treatment, education, and pets.

As owner/operator of Unleashed and The Good Dog Groomery, it is my privilege to continue supporting the Fayette County Humane Society and its mission to promote and protect the welfare of domestic animals and to honor the human-companion animal bond. Through compassion, commitment and change we envision every domestic animal having a loving home.

The human-animal bond is a powerful relationship that produces a positive impact on our mental and physical well-being. That’s why for us at both Unleashed and the GDG, animals are not just our pets but they become part of our day-to-day lives, our most loyal companions, our calming presence in times of mental and physical need, and most importantly, our family. Every animal that walks through our doors becomes a part of our family for however long you trust them in our care. Whether we have them for an afternoon, one night, a week, or even longer we understand the privilege and responsibility it is to care for your animals because we understand most of all how they help every day to take care of you.

We proudly partner with organizations like the Fayette Regional Humane Society because, like us, they are FOR animals. Next time you go to drop off or pick up your furry friend at our luxury dog boarding suites, ask us how your pet’s stay can help, or ask us how you can do more!