Bringing a pet into the office can be comforting and fun, but Animal-Assisted Therapy is something very different. It’s a formal, goal-driven therapeutic practice guided by trained professionals and certified animals.

When these two get confused, it can lead to misunderstandings, and in some cases, safety or credibility concerns.

For generations, men have been told to “man up,” “tough it out,” or “keep it together.” Strength has often been measured by silence, stoicism, and self-reliance — fueled by the weight of toxic masculinity that equates vulnerability with weakness. But here’s the truth: you can be strong and still struggle. You can be brave and still need help. You can be a man and still need healing.