Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world of uncommon emotional support animals

By Melody Rivera,

Jessica Severin de Martinez, Khaleel Rahman, Chion Wolf

Published May 26, 2023 at 11:07 AM EDT

1 of 3 — Miu was Cynthia Zhou's emotional support pigeon from 2016 to 2021. She is an advocate for Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions based out of San Francisco.

Miu was Cynthia Zhou's emotional support pigeon from 2016 to 2021. She is an advocate for Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions based out of San Francisco.

Alex Hao

2 of 3 — Arianna Preuss and her emotional support sugar glider, Zaboo.

Arianna Preuss and her emotional support sugar glider, Zaboo.

3 of 3 — Hamlet is Megan Peabody's 70-pound emotional support pig.

Hamlet is Megan Peabody's 70-pound emotional support pig.

Nadia Wilder, used with permission from Megan Peabody

When you imagine an emotional support animal, what comes to mind? A dog?

Well how about a pigeon? A sugar glider? Or an emotional support pig?

Meet people who’ve paired up with these animals to make their lives - and mental health conditions - better.

GUESTS:

Cynthia Zhou: Miu was her emotional support pigeon from 2016 to 2021. She is an advocate for Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions based out of San Francisco
Arianna Preuss: Zaboo is her emotional support sugar glider, who also helps Arianna’s brother, who has Autism
Megan Peabody: Hamlet is her 70 pound emotional support pig

Melody Rivera, Jessica Severin de Martinez, Khaleel Rahman, Meg Fitzgerald, Meg Dalton, and Catie Talarski contributed to this show.

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