Dogs have a special way of bringing strangers together.
About 25 people were at Dreamlife Recovery's facility in O'Hara Sunday morning looking for a new furry friend for Paws Across, a rescue based in Tarentum, Pittsburgh.
Mike Iwinski, lead therapist at Dreamlife, sees this effect all the time in his work with pet-friendly drug and alcohol recovery programs.
“It's almost like an instant icebreaker because anyone can play,” Iwinski said.
Iwinski said entering a treatment facility can be scary for some people, but pets can brighten the mood and build community.
Research has shown that bonds between people and animals reduce stress, provide structure, and provide unconditional support.
Clients at Dreamlife's residential facility in Donegal and outpatient space in O'Hara are allowed to bring in most pets as long as they are non-aggressive, up to date on vaccinations and kept in a cage. has been done.
Snakes, for example, are not allowed, but clinical director Brooke McKenzie said the center tries to find solutions in every case.
If pets are not available, the center works with Paws Across Pittsburgh to place animals in temporary foster homes.
The nonprofit rescue's short-term animal adoption emergency program ensures that people's pets continue to be cared for during life changes such as medical emergencies, divorce, or starting drug or alcohol treatment.
McKenzie said owning a pet can be a big barrier to receiving treatment. There are very few, if any, rehab centers in Pennsylvania that accept pets.
McKenzie said about a quarter of Dreamlife's customers bring animals with them, as do some staff members.
Iwinski said pets are allowed almost everywhere except in food and beverage areas. If necessary, our staff will take you and your animal to a veterinarian.
Iwinski noted that addiction can often isolate people and push them away from friends and family. That's part of the reason why Dreamlife prioritizes maintaining the unity between owner and pet.
“A pet is their strongest relationship at this time, especially if there is an ongoing addiction,” Iwinski said.
Morgan Mecklenburg, who coordinates adoption events for Pittsburgh's Paws Across, said anyone can benefit from the “compassion and empathy” that pets inspire.
Matt S., a former Dreamlife customer, experienced this firsthand.
Although he did not participate in pet therapy, caring for dogs and cats brought in by other clients had a therapeutic effect on him. He fed the pets, walked them, and spent time with them at the facility while their owners were away.
“It gives you a new sense of compassion,” he said. “Giving it to your dog is easy, because you receive an infinite amount in return from your dog.”
Former customers and Dreamlife staff members (including Rachel Walker) describe their pets as a kind of mirror. By devoting time and energy to caring for animals, clients can learn to extend that same care into their own lives.
Walker didn't have a pet when he started treatment at DreamLife, but like Matt S., he spent a lot of time interacting with the pets at the facility.
“It was playful, but also a lot of responsibility,” Walker said. “It was like a taste of responsibility.”
The dogs don't seem to mind either.
“It was like the dog had 50 babysitters at all times,” Walker said.
Now she is ready to get her own dog. Walker, the customer point of contact for the O'Hara facility, is preparing to move from Oakmont to Aspinwall, where he will be able to take advantage of the nearby park.
Her eyes were on a black and white shepherd/husky mix named Olive.
“Your pet is a reflection of your lifestyle,” Walker says. “It’s a sense of responsibility, like taking care of yourself in order to recover.”
Jack Troy is a TribLive reporter. The Pittsburgh native joined the Tribe in January 2024. Contact him at jtroy@triblive.com.
