Front Seat Ryder is a blog designed to inspire, encourage and empower the modern dog mom to improve her mental health and live a full, happy life by maximizing her doggie companionship.
I have been there.
Actually, I am there often.
I have suffered from stress, depression, and anxiety for more than half of my life. Now as an adult, I want to give back. I want to help others going through some of the same feelings.
Dogs have been a source of therapy for many years now. But very few pet dog owners hone in on the relationship between dogs and mental health.
Did you know that dogs can get depression, too? They can. And it often leads to Separation Anxiety.
That being said, I am a strong believer that communication and trust is a two-way street. By working withyour dog, you will achieve a life with much less stress for both of you.
I will share dog training tips as well as tips on how to cope with mental health issues. All while building a stronger bond with your four-legged.
Ryder and I have been together since 2014 when I adopted him at the age of one. He was the sweetest little guy. The first time I saw him he was in his room with his “cellie”, a beautiful yellow lab. Ryder (then known as Bruno) was gently enjoying a game of tug-a-war with a shelter volunteer.
While on a “test walk” with him down a little trail in the woods, he impressed me with how calm and happy he was. So content. Then and there, the decision was made. That day, he was coming home.
I have been in Washington State my whole life. I’m pretty sure, Ryder has too. When we meet he had just been transferred to Stanwood’s Noah Center from a shelter across the state in Tri-Cities.
He had only been there for about a week. Long enough to do all his health checks and get his vaccines.
He was calm, docile, and his eyes were so full of love. … Little did I know he was still drugged up on pain pills from his neutering. Ha.
I knew the name Bruno had to go. It did not fit his personality at all.
Looking back at our first selfie together, anyone could see he was the sweetest little car “Ryder”.
However, Mom didn’t come to that conclusion for a couple of days.
Do you have a special co-pilot? A certain pup who is always by your side? That is my boy, Ryder. No matter what is going on in life, Ryder is by Mom’s side.
From the moment he came home, I knew we were going to make an incredible team, but most importantly best friends for life.
I originally came up with Ryder’s name because he was very well behaved on car rides. He was my little car Ryder. However, as we rode through life’s twists together I realized that there is always only one occupant I ever want in life’s “front seat”…Ryder.
Here is to you and your four-legged sidekick!
