Lake Villa therapy center's comfort dog helps ease stress, anxiety

The energetic, affectionate white cockapoo approaches each person with gleeful anticipation.

She loves to be handled. Almost everyone who walks past her stops and reaches down to pet this fluffy bundle of love. Although she's only at the Gateway Foundation for a little more than two months, 6-year-old Cricket already has touched the lives of all she encounters at this Lake Villa therapy center.

Especially for those who have experienced a tragedy, loss and/or addiction, dogs can reduce the depression, anxiety and stress that often are present, said Lake Forest psychologist and author Elizabeth Lombardo.

"Guilt and shame are often very high in those struggling with addictions," Lombardo said. "Those with addictions tend to have strong negative judgments of themselves, as well a strong sense of worthlessness and failure. A dog offers unconditional love and a lack of judgment can help the individual feel better about her or himself."

Rachel Obafemi, Gateway's program director for adult services, said organizations are beginning to recognize the importance of dogs as comforting. Knowing this, and that Gateway had a provision to allow animals, she and clinical supervisor Jonita Jacobs began the search to find one that would fit their needs.

"A lot of our clients have undergone trauma and need help to let down their guard. When they see Cricket, they become like kid," Obafemi said. "They spend anywhere from five minutes with her to whatever it takes to lower their anxiety through her unconditional love."

Gateway staff psychologist Mark Zissman said he has seen a lot of the clients bond better with each other since Cricket has been involved. The dog is "a mutual interest" that helps them feel closer to each other.

Cricket, who lives at the facility, seemed a bit nervous at first, but works well with all the clients as she roams the grounds.

"Clients get homesick," Jacobs said. "Having Cricket here helps reduce their anxiety. She reminds them of a family dog."

As an example, Zissman said that when Cricket climbs on the couch, clients will take turns to sit by her and will cooperate, working together to take her outside, get her bowls and be with her. Zissman said many clients struggle to open up, to allow themselves to be vulnerable.

"(Cricket) helps them break down barriers without them realizing it," he said.

Many Gateway clients have serious substance abuse problems. Some have disorders due to opioid dependence, marijuana and alcohol. As there is an overlap with addictions and other forms of mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, some experience hallucinations. Cricket's presence seems to help staff and clients reduce their stresses, manage anxiety and helps staff alleviate burnout.

"When clients are struggling, addiction incapacitates them to a point where they cannot take care of themselves all that well," Zissman said. "Taking care of Cricket makes them feel useful and important - make them feel good about themselves. She kind of brings it all together."

Obafemi said Gateway had one client who felt that Cricket gave him a reason to live and saved his life.

"He was very excited at the opportunity, after he recovers from his addiction, to adopt a dog himself for that companionship," she said.