The bond between owner and pet is like no other – dogs are there through all the highs and lows that life brings.
English bulldog Emily has supported her owner, Kristie Townsend, through loss, grief and joy, including the devastating sudden death of her brother.
The Romanian rescue dog gave Kristie a purpose and a reason to get up every morning.
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Without her, Kristie does not believe she would be here today.
“I am alive because of Emily and for Emily,” said the 49-year-old, from Wigston.
The pair have “bonded together over time”, she said, and have shared “psychological scars”, making them “inseparable”.
(Image: Clare Thorpe)
In 2016, six-week-old English bulldog Emily was shipped to the UK by a Romanian puppy breeder – but her stubborn nature and feisty attitude meant that she was deemed no longer useful to them.
Luckily, Kristie’s brother, Robin Townsend, stepped in and saved her.
At the time, Kristie had just returned home from six months in hospital, after being diagnosed with anxiety, depression and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
“Robin suggested we should share the care of Emily,” she said. “He thought that a puppy would help me to recover and manage my BPD.”
Kristie began looking after Emily while Robin was at work. Then, one evening in September 2016, Robin asked if she could look after Emily overnight.
“My brother died the next day,” Kristie said.
Robin had suddenly passed away at the age of 40.
As Kristie grieved for her sibling, Emily gave her a purpose – and a reason to get up every morning.
“I didn’t want to get out of bed,” Kristie said.
“Robin trusted me to look after Emily, so that’s what I decided to do.
“She literally saved my life.”
(Image: Clare Thorpe)
Kristie said she believes everything happens for a reason – and that Emily was brought into her life to help her survive the loss of her brother.
“Emily had her own psychological scars, and we bonded together over time,” said Kristie.
“Now, we’re inseparable. We saved each other.”
Kristie has owned many Staffies over the years. Emily is her first English bulldog.
She said Emily “thinks she’s human”, and loves people more than dogs.
“She always heads towards the shops, because she knows that’s where the humans and attention will be,” said Kristie.
“Usually, I would avoid everyone – but because Emily is cute, lots of people talk to us, and we get to communicate with the outside world.
“She is far more sociable than I am.”
When Emily does not get her own way, she grumps and stomps her feet “like a teenager”, said her owner.
“She is a diva. Stubborn and awkward. If she doesn’t want to do something, she won’t do it.
“We really complement each other. If I had a super-friendly dog, it wouldn’t be the same.”
(Image: Clare Thorpe)
Emily loves going out for walks four times a day, and Peace Memorial Park, in Wigston, is their favourite place to go.
If Kristie feels agitated, she takes Emily for a walk, and if she is struggling with her mental health at home, she just listens to Emily sleeping, she said.
“The house is never silent because I can always hear Emily breathing.
“When I’m anxious, I listen to her sleep. Late at night, the rhythm calms me down.”
Kristie’s consultant psychiatrist has incorporated Emily into her care plan.
“She is my emotional support companion dog,” said Kristie, who is passionate about encouraging people to “speak up and reach out” about their mental health.
“The more we talk about mental health and raise awareness of the benefits of support companions, the more we are helping to end the stigma,” she said.
Kristie believes Emily brings out the best in her – and that they need each other equally.
“I am alive because of Emily and for Emily,” she said.
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