I have an emotional support dog. My moods are much more stable when she is with me so I don't go into as deep depressions. On really bad days I literally live for her. On all days she is a calming presence and I feel a little less alone in the world. I give her belly rubs and she gives me emotional support, I think it's a pretty good deal.

Emotional support animals are covered under transportation and housing law but not the ADA. Service dogs are covered under the ADA. I went through the student disability office though to have my dog named as a reasonable accommodation. I had to separately document both disability and why an emotional support animal would help with my specific symptoms.