Diego and the emotional support of Pupi

When Diego moved to Spain to study, he never imagined how much his life could change with a small gesture. Being far from his family and the arrival of lockdown made things really tough: anxiety and intrusive thoughts were part of his everyday life. Until someone came along who changed everything—Pupi, a cat with unique spots and a special connection with him. They even share the same birthday!

From the moment Pupi came into his life, Diego started to feel something had shifted. Pupi became not just a companion, but a source of emotional support. During therapy sessions, Pupi is always there—offering comfort, affection, and company. “When Pupi is with me, I feel a huge emotional support. If I talk about something tough, he comes closer and shows affection—it really calms me down,” says Diego.

A unique bond

At Affinity Foundation, we work to spread awareness about the bond between people, dogs and cats. We believe this bond brings both emotional and physical benefits—and makes the world a better place.

There are many benefits to caring for an animal. Here are just a few:

  • Less stress: Like Diego, many people find that being with their animals helps reduce cortisol levels—the stress hormone. A cuddle or a gentle stroke can work wonders!
  • More physical activity: Walking or playing with your pet is not only fun—it’s also a great way to stay active and take care of your health.
  • Better self-esteem: Looking after an animal makes us feel useful and responsible, which boosts our self-confidence.
  • Less screen time, more real life: Taking care of Pupi means spending quality time together in the real world, away from screens. In today’s digital age, that’s a real gift for our mental health.

Diego and Pupi’s story reminds us that when we care for our animals, we’re also caring for ourselves. Their wellbeing becomes our wellbeing. And with them by our side, we face life with a more positive outlook.

More stories

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Raúl and Bau's friendship

Share the story of your bond with an animal

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