Personal space isn't something that many dogs are familiar with, and they will dutifully stay by their owner's side whether they are in bed or in the bathroom. But one rescue dog has taken this approach to a whole new level after intruding in her owner's therapy sessions.
For some time, dog owner Isabelle Glancy, 28, has been doing weekly sessions with her therapist online, but as it turns out, they aren't just for her anymore. During a recent appointment, Glancy captured the moment her dog, Hera, sat in front of the camera and waited for it to begin. The 11-year-old rescue pup evidently had many things to get off her chest.
Hera has become quite fond of her owner's therapist now. Glancy told Newsweek that, whenever she hears her voice, she "makes sure she gets on camera" to say hello. Thankfully, Glancy, from Falls Church, Virginia, doesn't mind the intrusions as she says they provide "comedic relief" during her weekly sessions.
The clip was posted on May 8 on Hera's dedicated TikTok account (@herathepuppymillsurvivor), much to the delight of many. In just a few days, the video has been viewed over 615,300 times and gained more than 60,300 likes.
"Hera loves to be involved in anything I'm doing and wants to be with me all the time," Glancy said. "If I'm watching TV or cooking something, she's with me; she even follows me to the bathroom.
"When I do therapy, she is just happy to be included. My therapist was a couple minutes late, and Hera kept trying to paw the computer. She was waiting so impatiently like she was waiting for her session."
Pets are a wonderful addition to the family, but they aren't just good for keeping us active and keeping the sofa warm. Indeed, a poll by the American Psychiatric Association in 2023 revealed that owning pets can also provide mental-health benefits, too.
Results show that 86 percent of owners say their pet positive impacts their mental health, that includes by reducing stress and anxiety, providing unconditional love, companionship, and being a calming presence.
Fortunately, Glancy's therapist loves Hera and "always greets her" whenever she appears on camera. And of course, having the pit bull mix by her side is helpful for Glancy, too, as she told Newsweek that she provides "emotional support" to calm her down.
Layered over the viral clip, the caption reads: "When you're in the virtual waiting room for your therapist and your dog decides today's session is for her traumas from not getting three dinners daily."
Glancy never expected her TikTok video to go viral, but she has loved showing people the gentle and fun side to pit bulls, even if Hera is a bit impatient.
Glancy added: "The social-media reaction has been awesome as it's been validating and also funny. Other people have shared similar scenarios with their pets during therapy. Not only does it provide us with funny stories, but it also forms a community of openness about therapy.
"Sometimes I feel like therapy is still not talked about enough, so for this many people to come forward and share their stories was amazing," Glancy said.
Among the comments on the hilarious video, one TikTok user wrote: "she's about to tell on you."
Another person posted: "My dog thinks she's the star of my therapy sessions."
A third comment reads: "Aww I think she's protecting you [because] she knows therapy is difficult!"
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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