TELL YOUR STORY

They're our companions. They comfort us. They're family.
Companion animals (pets) hold a special place in our hearts and lives. Provide a picture
and share why they are important to you.

Do you have a dog or two? Cat? Bunny? Bearded dragon? A bird? Horse? How does the animal make you feel? Do you consider them to be part of the family? A companion? Do they play a special role in your life?

Use the form at the left to submit your story. It doesn't need to be long - a few words or a short paragraph and a photo can make a big impact. Examples of stories are below.

By sending us your story, you grant us permission to post the story and photo on this website, use it in lobbying materials, and submit it with your name to legislators to promote the Companion Animal Board bill. Stories may be edited for length.

YOUR VOICE IS POWERFUL

During the worst years of COVID, we asked for you to share a story about your companion animal and how he or she impacted your life or the lives of your family during the pandemic. We received many heart-warming stories (with photos) and they were shared with legislators. A few examples are below.

COVID exists today but we are not confined in homes. We still, however, all know the importance of pets and their value to our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. We need more stories and photos from Minnesotans across the state to remind legislators the joy of these animals.

NOTE: If you already submitted a story years ago during COVID, we still have your story on file. Or you can resubmit.

---

Submitted during the pandemic

"Wally is my 6-year-old Westie. Wally helped me understand the depth of a human/animal bond, and just how important companion animals are ... Animals are able to form connections with humans that goes far beyond 'just being a pet.' They are family, they provide joy, they teach empathy, and their unconditional love is immeasurable."
- Stephanie S., New Hope, MN

---

Submitted in 2023

"We adopted Rudy through a local rescue when he was approximately five year's old. He'd already lived in at least two other homes prior to ours. Who knows the story there. We do know that he's been an amazing gift in our lives, and was a blessing in my dad's life as he lived with Parkinson's and dementia. Rudy's visits brought him — and many of his fellow memory care residents — such joy. All without a word. And in my dad's last days, Rudy was there holding bedside vigil. All without a word."
​- Cari L., Minneapolis, MN

---

Submitted in 2023

"We have three companion animals, all rescues. They are all an important part of our family. They contribute to our family's joy and companionship every day. Our young cat has traveled with our eldest daughter to college and stayed with her — he has served as an important friend and provides critical emotional support to her."
- Stacy B., Eden Prairie, MN

---

Submitted during the pandemic

"My puppy 'Blue' (named affectionately after my favorite color and branch of service) has given me a source of unconditional love when I thought I had little. During the finalization of my divorce, deployments, long drill weekends, and lonely quarantined days, 'my boy Blue' is always a source of love and affection no matter what and for that I am forever grateful."
- Lynette H., Minneapolis, MN

---

Submitted during the pandemic

Our four rescue cats provide round-the-clock entertainment for our family. Their companionship has been critically important for our medically complex daughter, who cannot leave the house due to the pandemic."
- Lisa M, Ham Lake, MN

---

Submitted in 2023

"Leo was a rescue dog that not only filled my life with much needed companionship, but fulfilled my dream to do pet therapy volunteering. He brought comfort and joy to all who interacted with him — from kids reading to him at our local library, to lonely elderly folks living in memory care and nursing homes, to hospice patients and their families. He was my companion and best friend, but I always felt that he belonged to the world as well."
- Cari L., Minneapolis, MN

---

Submitted during the pandemic

"As a nurse working in a hospital during a pandemic, I am grateful now more than ever before that I get to come home to my cat and dog (Phoebe and Ruth) every day. They remind me to enjoy the little things, help keep a sense of routine, and keep my mental health in check. During a time of unprecedented stress, I don't know what I could do without them."
- Caitlin M, Minneapolis, MN