A British man named Rob Osman has started a dog walking group called “Dudes & Dogs.” Rob is a stay-at-home dad whose social anxiety has crippled him most of his life. Having a dog has helped with Rob’s anxiety and depression and inspired him to create a group to help others.
Rob Osman is a thirty-eight-year-old father who lives in Bristol, England. Rob has struggled with mental health issues for many years and has referred to dogs as a form of antidepressants. Mr. Osman stays at home with his kids and is also going to school to become a therapist.
Mr. Osman admitted that his social anxiety had hindered his life. Rob decided to adopt a Hungarian Vizla that he named Mali and started taking his new dog on walks. That’s when Rob noticed his mental health improving.
Rob then decided to become proactive about his mental health. Mr. Osman sought after local mental health support groups but found there weren’t many designed for just men. So, Rob came up with the idea to create a special group specifically for men.
Rob said his walks with Mali inspired him to create his male walking group. Mali forces Rob outside for fresh air and walking, and in doing so, Rob’s mood started to lift. Rob calls his dog Mali the key to the whole group.
The Dudes & Dogs group meets on Saturday mornings at a nature trail. Dudes & Dogs is open to anyone and is free. Men are encouraged to bring their dogs and enjoy socializing in the fresh air. During the walks, the men can talk about problems and fears, without judgment.
Rob said the goal of Dudes & Dogs is to create a place where men can meet and drop their societal barriers. Mr. Osman admitted walking with a dog is a great way to do this since there doesn’t have to be eye contact. Being in open space also helps the men let their guards down.
When it was International Men’s Day, Rob Osman shared a video about Dudes & Dogs on Facebook. Dudes & Dogs has grown beyond Rob’s initial vision. Rob hopes his dog walking group expands to other areas to help with men’s mental health issues.
Credits: Dudes & Dogs Facebook