Edition 2: ESSA stories
Published September 2025
Fork
This is Fork!
I got him almost a month ago and ever since, he’s been my main! I love him so very much! I’ve always had stuffies, and I’ve always felt a really strong connection to them. They just help me with my anxiety and are also my special interest (I’m autistic).
Uh yeah—and thank you!
August
It all started in November 2024 when I found out about the ESSA community. I kept begging my parents to buy me a Douglas dog because I realised how much they could help.
At first, I didn’t fully understand the community and just used them for fun—but then I realised that’s not what ESSAs are about! They’re for comfort and a lot of other things too :)
I’ve had a lot of ESSAs over the months, and several of my dogs have gone to school a lot. In May 2025 (this year), I got Jinx—my main ESSA—who now goes everywhere with me! I gave him spots in June, and it makes him unique! He’s Toothless-themed and really cool!!
I’m autistic, and having Jinx with me everywhere has been a lifesaver :)
Xiana
My journey:
In late February, I saw an ESSA owner. I honestly didn’t care about it at first—until I researched what it is and what it does. In mid-March, I decided to join the community and started using my first ever ESSA, Rosie. Over the months, I built a great bond with her, got her gear, etc., and started learning more about ESSAs.
On August 9, I got my second ESSA named Grace, and got her gear too. She helped me even more, and now I’m okay. More time passed, and I started building a bond with her too. A week later, my friend found out—and she supports me.
Freya
Here’s my story <3
This happened a couple of months ago. I was hanging out with my friend (not naming!) and she kept ignoring me. I felt so embarrassed that I genuinely just shut down and nearly had a panic attack. She then went on to talk about me online to my other friend and made them hate me too. She even dragged one of my BFFs into it, knowing she has severe mental health problems. That just made things even worse—especially since my BFF had done nothing wrong.
Then, I saw an ESSA video on my FYP. I started using an old Jellycat for comfort and it helped A LOT. Then I decided to get Bailey, and she helped me so much—and still does to this day <3
I’m happy to say I’m still friends with that friend, and I’ve made two wonderful new friends during that time who are all super supportive <33
Arlo
In 2022 I started seeing videos about stuffed animals bringing comfort to people ans I started using one then In 2023 I struggled with my mental health alot so I developed bigger attachments to my essas and started bringing them everywhere with me to bring comfort and help with my mentsk health started making and buying a bunch of gear for them and when my mental health got worse I got a further attachment to my essas and started to take them to school and hospital appointments as it gave me and my doctors something else to talk about rather than my disabilities and eventually got a dog for assistance/service work and stopped using my essas as much then my dog passed from an accident so I became attached to my essas again and about a month ago I finally bought some gear for one of my main essas and now I bring any of my essas everywhere and have one main that I'm very connected to since a family members death and rejoined the essa community again properly
AJ
So back in like 2020/2021, I started becoming really insecure about my body and scared of going out in public. Fast forward a few years, and it got worse. In 2023/2024, I was getting bullied by a few people at school. Then I saw an ESSA video on TikTok and realised, “That’s what I need!”
I had already used plushies for comfort before, but since I was young, people just thought, aww cute, a child. I started with a sitting golden retriever called Williw, and kept getting more until I found a few that really worked. Sissy and Spirit (Beanie Boos) helped me so much, and I loved them.
I’ve now been collecting ESSAs for ages and have gotten two Douglas dogs! I have a border collie called Phantom (who I got this Sunday), and a German shepherd called Koda (who I got in February). I also got diagnosed with autism a few months ago (though doctors had been saying it for years). I’m so glad that places like LaceyLane Plushies exist so I can get my favourite Douglas dogs in the UK! ^^
April
My plush helps me calm down and feel less worried. I can’t sleep anywhere but my house—I get really anxious and don’t go to sleepovers or school camps anymore.
About a year ago, my anxiety was really bad. I would barely leave my house. But having a plush with me has made me feel so much better and a lot less worried.
Izzy
I don’t have ESSAs for one specific reason—I just feel comforted by something realistic, and it felt like the perfect community for me.
I really wish I had known about the community a few years ago. Back then, I was depressed and getting bullied. I was not in a good mental state... I literally got punched in the eye that year 😭 If I’d had ESSAs back then, it would’ve helped so much.
I’ve dealt with some mental health struggles recently too. Starting high school has been really scary, and honestly, I wish I could go back in time. I miss my old friends a lot. But collecting ESSAs makes me so happy.
I think I have about 8 now—all Douglas dogs! I’m so grateful for all my cuddly friends and definitely plan to get more.
If you’re looking for comfort or support, definitely consider getting an ESSA—even if it’s just an old plush lying around the house! 💕