Angelika Von Sanden’s book Sit, Stay, Grow aids dog owner wellbeing

Karise McNamee, who has autism and ADHD, wears many hats. This is what helps her avoid burnout.

Karise McNamee, with her dog Kobi, in Helensburgh. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

For centuries, dogs have been regarded as man’s best friend.

From reducing loneliness, offering protection and encouraging exercise, health professionals have long touted the benefits of canine companionship.

Fascinated by the wisdom of dogs, Melbourne-based trauma counsellor Angelika Von Sanden has penned self-development book Sit, Stay, Grow.

From handling painful emotions, switching off negative thoughts, and behaving more efficiently, the guide contains dozens of simple exercises for people to perform with their pooches, like gazing into one another’s eyes.

“The more I listened (to clients) the more I understood that animals — often dogs, but also cats, reptiles and once a chicken — are healers who give unconditional support during hard and lonely times,” she said.

“Acceptance and commitment therapy, the approach I based this book on, invites people to change their way of thinking.

“It’s not a tactic or a ‘how to’, it’s an invitation to notice how it feels to be present and choose what matters.

“It gives you the motivation and tools to adopt a rich and meaningful life.

“My purpose is to make you aware of your dog’s therapeutic skills and how their way of being can support you to be how you want to be in the world.”

Von Sanden’s tips have been helpful for social worker and university academic Karise McNamee, who regards her pet staffy Kobi as “the light” of her life.

Karise McNamee with her Kobi in Helensburgh. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“I’m ADHD and autistic and extremely passionate about my work, so Kobi helps me to stay grounded, paced and regulated,” Ms McNamee, from Helensburgh in NSW, said.

“My life gets pretty busy – I’m a social worker with my own telehealth counselling practice supporting ADHD and autistic women, and I work as a university academic, consultant, and public speaker – so my natural instinct is to push through and not take breaks.

“Kobi reminds me to take breaks — looking into his eyes while I stroke his face helps me calm down when everything feels all too much.

“It can sometimes be easy to forget or ignore the things you learn or process in regular therapy, so having Kobi by my side as I work every day means that I can’t ignore his reminders to stop and slow down and enjoy every moment.

“It’s mindfulness but also like having love therapy every day.”

Von Sanden urges readers to enjoy “right now”, concluding her book with a plea to “appreciate the love and trust your dog gives you without fail … and do the same for yourself”.

Originally published as Angelika Von Sanden’s book Sit, Stay, Grow aids dog owner wellbeing