I graduated college after a severe traumatic brain injury.

Things We Forget

By Gentle Witch

Graduated college with a double major

Former federal government employee

  • Present

    Pets live in the present moment, modeling how to let go of the past.

  • Empathy

    They help build empathy, teaching you to care for another being.

  • Survival

    A pet can make even a bad day feel survivable.

  • People

    Pets help you meet people—dog parks, pet stores, training classes, everywhere.

  • Accepting

    A pet listens without judgment, ever-present and accepting.

  • Proximity

    They help you regulate stress simply by being near you.

  • Purpose

    Pets bring a sense of purpose to your day from the moment you wake up.

  • Joys

    They remind you to slow down and appreciate small joys.

  • Gentle

    Pets reduce loneliness, filling silence with gentle companionship.

  • Mindfulness

    Caring for a pet strengthens responsibility and mindfulness.