Man Creates A Dog-Walking Group For Guys Who Need A Buddy To Talk About Their Problems
Rob Osman from Bristol, England, has battled numerous problems. This 38-year-old man has struggled with anxiety and depression for most of his life. At one point, he was living in his sister’s basement, without any windows or daylight, and consuming large quantities of weed. However, he decided to make a change.
He pursued a degree in psychology and counseling at the local university, which helped him significantly. However, the most effective remedy was the long walks with his Hungarian Vizsla, Mali. As they walked, Rob could feel his body relaxing and the tension dissipating.
He quickly realized the considerable healing potential of this basic everyday activity that most people take for granted, and he created a group called Dudes & Dogs. It’s a psychological wellness group that encourages men to get out in the fresh air for a stroll and discuss their feelings.
“Talking helps. It really does,” Osman says on the group’s website. “It’s helped me immensely, but sometimes, as men, we aren’t the best at it. Well, Dudes & Dogs wants to change that for the next generation. There is no doubt that things are changing. We want to be a part of that. By simply getting outside and talking things through, we can start to change our mood.”
It all began during one of those windy, cold, and wet days that the UK is so well known for. Rob didn’t want to go out, mainly because of how he was feeling.
But the dog didn’t care that her owner felt terrible. She didn’t care that the weather was lousy; she just needed to go out and play. “It’s been the best therapy I’ve ever had,” Rob said.
Soon, Osman started inviting his friends on walks with Mali. Some days, they would talk, but often they just hung out. What was most important was that he noticed his buddies were also benefiting from the dog and the fresh air. This inspired him to include more people—more men.
Men often hesitate to seek mental health treatment. A study by Priori showed that 40% of men don’t want to talk to anyone about their mental health. However, dogs seem to help ease them into discussing it.
“They need someone to listen,” Osman says. “The idea of using a dog gives people an hour away from family and gets them out. Dogs are like four-legged antidepressants. When people are around them, they drop their defenses and play with the dog.”
To find out more about this program, watch the video:
Here’s what guys who took a walk with Rob have to say about it
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