Rob Osman from Bristol, England, battled a lot of problems. This 38-year-old man struggled with anxiety and depression for most of his life. At one point, he was living in his sister’s basement without any windows and daylight and consuming large quantities of weed. But he decided to change something.

He pursued a degree in psychology and counseling at the local university, and that helped him a lot. But what was the most effective remedy were the long walks with his Hungarian Vizsla, Mali. As they were walking, Rob could feel his body relaxing and the tension disappearing.

He quickly realized the considerable healing potential of this basic everyday activity most people take for granted, and he created a group called Dudes & Dogs. It’s a psychological wellness group that motivates 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 no end, 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 things are changing. We want to be a part of that. By simply getting outside, talking things through, we can start to change our mood.”