The workplace can be a stressful environment, emotional support isn’t exactly a top priority for most companies. Emotional support dogs can really help people that may be struggling at work, regardless of what their job is. The National Football League has adopted it’s first emotional support animal, and the 49ers are thrilled!
Every team should have an emotional support animal, scroll down!
The NFL’s first emotional support animal is helping San Francisco let off some stress.
Zoe is a 1-year-old French bulldog, and she is the first dog that has been hired by the NFL as an emotional support animal! The 49ers have brought her aboard, to help some of the players deal with emotional issues that come along with the job.
It may seem like football is all glitz and glam, but there is actually a great amount of emotional stress that comes along with being in the spotlight. Many players find it hard to cope with the contest pressures, from the league, fans, and media.
Defensive End Soloman Thomas suffers from depression since his sister committed suicide in 2018 and says the dog helps.
Thomas, whose sister took her own life in, January 2018, is open about his struggles with depression since her death. Thomas and his family are now advocates for mental health awareness. Thomas says just seeing Zoe makes a huge difference.
“This is a very stressful job. It’s very hard for a lot of guys. A dog could be a perfect getaway for some guys, and sometimes you don’t know what a dog could mean. Anytime I go in there and see her, it’s just really relaxing.” Said, Thomas, Defensive End for the 49ers.
Zoe became the emotional support dog after a 49er employee brought her brother, Vito, to work and the players loved him!
After a 49er employee brought Zoe’s brother, Vito, to work, the players and coaches knew they needed a puppy. Seeing what the dog did to the player’s morale, quickly convinced Austin Moss II, director of player engagement, that a support dog was the way to go! Soon, Zoe will be a registered therapy dog!
The 1-year-old puppy, Zoe, quickly became a member of the team. She boosts morale and just brings joy to the players when they’re having a bad day.
“I can have a good practice or come in there really mad, or come in really sad, and Zoë races over to me. I can just play with the little puppy for 10 or 15 minutes; that just kind of resets my day and lets me put everything back into perspective.” Said, Thomas, Defensive End for the 49ers.
What an amazing idea! The fact that the 49ers made the extra effort, shows that they actually care about their players. Hopefully, soon, every team will have their own certified therapy puppy, to help players deal with the difficult task of playing in the NFL!
The 49ers hire NFL’s first emotional support dog – She helps players with the stresses of life.
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