Benefits of a Home Media S CLEAR THE CLI CALM THE MIN Your attention is a precious and limited commodity. If you don’t intentionally decide where to direct it, someone or something else will. Where do you spend your attention in ways that give you nothing in return or — even worse — deplete you? One thing I’ve done is eliminate my addiction to the news, as it was starting to drain my mental bandwidth. I’d say I’ve freed up two hours of my day that I had previously spent reading politically focused emails or listening to talking heads rehash the same arguments. I also made it a point to step away from social media. Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS! I continue to keep myself informed about what’s happening in the world, but I can usually do that with just the few minutes I spend on news apps. I know where I stand politically, so why subject myself to the constant screaming in the media? The hour I used to spend each morning listening to that noise before work has been replaced with music and more quality time with my wife — free from the anxiety-inducing talk in the background. My decision to cast these things aside has been life-changing.
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. MEET THE BOXER WHO CHANGES LIVES THE SILENT HEALER
After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats.
Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane
Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort.
“Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.”
Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment.
“I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
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