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MENTAL HEALTH COMMENTARY
Don’t get pupset that the world isn’t the way it ought to be
Do you ever get pupset when things don’t go the way they should? I know how frustrating it might be for you. Have you ever made a good arrest only to have it thrown out? Have you ever been passed up for a promotion you worked hard for? I remember going with my mom to a hospital to test to be a therapy dog for sick peo- ple, and they picked another dog instead of me. Even though my feelings were hurt, I didn’t give up, I practiced hard and focused more on my training. After two attempts, I passed my Thera- py Dog International test, and I have a new pur- pose with you. I like to turn my failures into my
greatest successes. Can you try this?
Do you have days where you feel like the citizens you are help-
ing don’t like you? Sometimes I work with my mom to help peo- ple overcome their fear of dogs. They really don’t like me when we first meet. I admit, I feel bad when they give me a dirty look or refuse to pet me, but I tell myself that maybe they had a bad experience with a not-so-nice dog, or someone has convinced them to be afraid of dogs. Instead of getting pupset, I try to show them that not all dogs are bad. You know what I mean?
Whenever something doesn’t go right, I try to look at the bright
side. Life is too short to worry about things we can’t control, I focus on the things that make me happy. When I get home from work, I find my pack and tell them the good parts of my day and listen about theirs. After a long day, I like to run around my yard chasing squirrels and geese. Do you exercise? Do you have a hob- by you share with your family?
Do you know what yoga is? I go every week at my mom’s BRAVE Center and participate in first responders yoga. I never imagined how yoga could be so grounding. I always thought being ground- ed had to do with me peeing in the house. But I digress...Do you think you might want to try yoga and meet me?
I know it can be ruff out there, so just be who you know you are: brave, loyal, worthy and loved by those who matter. Don’t get pupset when the world isn’t the way it ought to be; instead, work with the world the way it is. Be safe.
Meeko is a therapy dog and employee of the BRAVE Police and Public Safety Wellness Center who will be presenting tips for offi- cers to improve their mental health and wellness in Chicago Lodge 7 Magazine. Meeko was adopted at 7 weeks. He is a merle Pomer- anian who is now two years old. Meeko enjoys working with first responders in individual and group therapy. He loves to sit on laps and give comfort to those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
MEEKO’S MESSAGE
Meeko is here to listen
Your best friend when you need to destress from the job
Visit Meeko at the Brave Police & Public Safety Wellness Center
6323 N. Avondale Avenue, #111B, Chicago, IL 60631 847-778-9322 • www.drrobinkroll.com • drrobinkroll@gmail.com
Meeko is keeping office hours with Dr. Robin Kroll
Board Certified Police and Public Safety Psychologist specializing in...
• Stress Management Training
• Critical Incident Group & Exposure Program
• P.A.D. (Police-Addiction-Depression) Dual Diagnosis Group
• Day programs for addiction and trauma for first responders
• Individual & Family Therapy • Seminars & Workshops
If you are feeling stressed, Meeko will throw you a bone
Also offering FIRST RESPONDERS YOGA
$20 per session (packages available) Register at drrobinkroll@gmail.com or Eventbrite
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