Does my ESSA have to be a Douglas Dog?

The short answer? Absolutely not.

While Douglas Dogs are a popular choice—most people love their cuteness—they’re just one of many options. What truly matters is how your ESSA makes you feel. If it brings you calm, confidence, or a sense of safety, then it’s the right one for you.

ESSAs come in all shapes, sizes, and even species. Some people bond with a plush golden retriever. Others find comfort in a floppy-eared bunny, a cuddly cat, or even a sparkly unicorn. We’ve seen emotional support octopuses, dragons, and even reversible plushies that change moods—each one as valid as the next.

In the ESSA community, Douglas Dogs popular because they're cute, easy to carry, soft to hold, and designed to look like real service dogs. People also love them because their floppy legs can be made to "sit" and if they're held by a lead they can look like they are walking. You can also brush them, wag their tail or move their heads to make them talk and sing for your videos. Check out our TikTok videos for ideas (@the.essa.mum). But they’re not the only option—and they don’t have to be your option.

Your ESSA should reflect you. It should feel like a friend, a helper, a quiet supporter when the world feels too loud. Whether it’s a plush pup, a fantasy creature, or a beloved Build-A-Bear, if it helps you feel grounded and understood, it’s doing its job.

There’s no official checklist for what qualifies as an ESSA. You don’t need a specific brand, breed, or backstory. You just need a plushie that makes you feel better. That’s it.

So if your heart says “Douglas Dog,” go for it. But if your heart says “sparkly purple dinosaur with glittery wings,” we say: yes, please.