The holidays are undoubtedly one of the most stressful times of year, and with the season in full swing, we could all use a new coping strategy. Arlington resident, David R. Hardiman, addresses the many therapeutic health and happiness benefits of introducing a dog into the family, especially during the holiday season, in his new memoir Bailey’s Remarkable Plan (Brown Books Publishing Group). 

Hardiman suffers from a lifelong congenital immune deficiency and subsequently developed a panic disorder commonly recognized as PTSD. As a result, Hardiman is fully dependent on his service dog of an unexpected breed: a shih tzu named Bailey.

Luckily, dogs don’t have to be registered service animals in order to provide therapeutic benefits. Currently, The American Kennel Club and other organizations are providing colleges and universities across the country with therapy dogs to relieve anxiety during their stress-filled finals week.

“Many studies over the years have shown that nearly 70 percent of all gifts of pets happen during the holidays,” says Hardiman. “Bringing a dog into your family during the holidays is really a great way to reduce stress, take the time needed to acclimate the pet to his/her new home, and begin teaching them how the family works.”

More information on Bailey and David Hardiman can be found at www.baileysremarkableplan.com.