Silly Saturday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
Silly Saturday: Laughter and Mental Health with Therapy Dogs
If you’ve ever seen a therapy dog wearing a pair of sunglasses or chasing their own tail like it’s the first time—it’s hard not to smile. Laughter and mental health with therapy dogs go hand in paw here at Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana. And on Silly Saturday, we’re celebrating the lighter side of healing.
Why Laughter Really Is Good for Your Mental Health
Science agrees—laughing releases endorphins, relieves stress, and helps build social bonds. Whether it’s a corny dog meme or Sadie (our therapy pup) trying to bark with a toy in her mouth, these silly moments matter. They bring levity to heavy days and remind us that it’s okay—more than okay—to feel joy even during healing.
Check out this great read from HelpGuide.org on the health benefits of laughter.
Therapy Dogs Are the MVPs of Silly Moments
Sadie has a knack for showing up with a toy in her mouth during serious conversations—and somehow, that’s exactly what’s needed. Dogs live in the moment. They don’t worry about tomorrow’s to-do list or whether they’ve made the “right” life choice. That presence (and that droopy, adorable face) is a reminder to breathe, to soften, and to let a little silliness in.
Looking for a way to enjoy more dog-fueled joy? Try watching this roundup of funny therapy dog moments.
How to Celebrate Your Own Silly Saturday
Here are a few easy ways to embrace your own Silly Saturday:
Put your pet in a (safe) costume and take some goofy selfies.
Watch a silly video with your kids, your partner, or your dog.
Write a “Bad Poem” about your favorite snack.
Do a 30-second dance party in your kitchen.
Try talking in a pet voice for an entire conversation. Yes, really.
You don’t have to do big things to lift your mood—sometimes joy sneaks in through the back door.
When Playfulness is a Path to Healing
You might be surprised how often laughter opens the door for deeper healing. We see it all the time—therapy doesn’t have to be heavy to be meaningful. At AACI, laughter and mental health with therapy dogs are more than just fun—they’re therapeutic tools we use every day.
A Soft Invitation
Not ready to dive into deep conversations? That’s okay. Sometimes just spending time with a therapy dog or laughing about something small is the start of something big. If you’re curious about what animal-assisted therapy might look like, we’d love to chat. No pressure. Just warm welcomes and wagging tails. Contact us here.
