Rescue dog becomes a lifeline for a woman thinking about ending it all

Susan Graham, six years into her sobriety and battling the lingering effects of depression and past struggles with homelessness and addiction, was searching for connection when she first locked eyes with Baby Boy, a puggle at the San Diego Humane Society. 

"I met Baby Boy the day I wanted to just end it all," Graham said. What she found was more than just a pet—she found hope. "He is my lifesaver. He saved me from taking my own life." 

Now, Graham's world revolves around her four-legged companion, who has transformed her perspective on loneliness and love. "Until I finally got him, I'm like, who needs a boyfriend? Who needs a human? I got this guy," she said. 

"Now I'm not lonely anymore. Everywhere everybody goes, they see me like, 'Look at that smile.' And I can even feel my cheeks like they're so high up. I don't know how big my smile can get," Graham said. 

San Diego Humane Society knows that the most reluctant adopters often form the deepest bonds with their new companions. "It's so funny because so many times it's the folks who come in and say that they don't want a dog, or don't need a dog, who has the strongest connection to their dog," a representative from the San Diego Humane Society said. 

Scientific research supports what Graham has experienced. Multiple studies have demonstrated that canine companionship can lower stress hormones and increase oxytocin, the "bonding hormone" that reduces anxiety.