When does disability become a superpower? Just ask Cole the Deaf Dog (colethedeafdog.com). Anyone who has spent time with Cole will tell you that his presence is calming. How is this possible—and what can we all learn from Cole?
Adopted from the animal shelter, Cole soon proved he was far more than he at first appeared to be—and way more than his deafness might indicate. Chris, a public-school music teacher who adopted Cole, saw Cole responding to and quickly learning sign language. Cole was named 2023 National Dog of the Year by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Today, Cole leads a very busy non-profit organization. He and his team visit schools and spread the message that being different is not necessarily a problem. Everyone deserves acceptance and love. The impact Cole made at the Veterans Memorial Home of Vineland led him to become their official mascot. Cole cannot talk or hear but he lets you know he cares. Cole is a standout example of an animal who can make a huge difference.
If you have a mental illness, you may want to consider a pet. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org), studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your all-around health. Research has also proven that petting an animal promotes the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, which are hormones that elevate mood. A pet can give a person struggling with mental illness or addiction a purpose. An animal’s non-judgmental interactions motivate and encourage wellness.
Commenting on how dogs help with post-traumatic stress disorder, U.S. Army Col. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, M.D., said at an annual NAMI convention: “Animals are not just cute. They provide support.”
If owning a pet is not within your reach, you may want to consider visiting an animal shelter. Locally there is a fabulous opportunity to interact with a large variety of animals. The Funny Farm (funnyfarmresuce.org) is a non-profit offering a home for unwanted farm animals, domesticated animals, and animals with special needs to live out their natural lives. At the Funny Farm everyone is welcome to visit and walk around. If you want more engagement, you can feed the animals, brush them, or help clean up. Parking and admission are free.
One woman who suffered from agoraphobia and was housebound for two years came to the Funny Farm and completely recovered. Unable to talk to people, she was healed by “talking to the animals!”
Whatever you might be challenged with there is help within your reach. This column is here to help our community learn about locally available resources that can lead to wellness.
Efforts to resume local meetings of NAMI are moving forward. Please follow this column and nami.org for ongoing developments.
