A woman has gone viral for showing how her "emotional support dog" gives her the aforementioned emotional support.
Em is the proud owner of blue heeler Bluey, a former rescue taken from a "bad situation" who was in foster care when she and her husband fell in love with him.
"It was love at first sight," Em told Newsweek, describing her pet as "super sweet and loving, but also is very wild and crazy. He definitely has an attitude and is very opinionated as well, which we find to be hilarious."
She described Bluey as a "great emotional support dog. He is full of love and is very supportive to my needs, but sometimes his craziness gets the best of him and takes us both for an unexpected ride!"
Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide assistance through companionship, and can help ease anxiety, depression and certain phobias. However, they are not classified as service dogs, which have been specially trained to perform a specific task, such as guide dogs for the blind, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
In a video shared to Em's TikTok account, @blueydoobydoo, in February, she showed what she described as "when your emotional support dog is not emotionally supporting," which has racked up over 21,000 likes.
It shows Em trying to give Bluey, who is wearing an adorable neckerchief, a cuddle—but his excitement gets the better of him, and he wiggles around in her lap, trying to kiss Em's face, until the both of them end up in a heap on the sofa.
She explained: "I'm trying to get Bluey to give me a hug, but he is not cooperating, he is too excited and can't sit still!"
And TikTok users loved it, one commenter joking, "Sometimes mine causes the emotional distress," and another declaring, "They hug, but entirely on their terms."
Plenty of blue heeler owners found the video relatable, with one writing, "Cattle dogs are the best, but definitely not snugglers."
"This is 1,000 percent true," another wrote. "You can only love them when they are sleepy."
Blue heelers, also known as Australian cattle dogs, are related to the native wild dog, the dingo, and are known for their loyalty, intelligence and boundless energy, making them an ideal working dog, according to the AKC.
Em told Newsweek she set up a TikTok account dedicated to her pet after realizing how often he brought a smile to her face and to everyone he'd meet.
"I didn't realize it would take off so fast, but it has been really fun and exciting to connect with so many people from all over the world and to make lots of new friends," she said.
"He is constantly making me laugh and is such a character. I'm glad that so many people have been able to laugh along with us and get to know Bluey."
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