Simone Biles Opened Up About Her Dogs’ Positive Impact on Her Mental Health and It’s So Relatable originally appeared on PetHelpful. Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history; there is a reason she is known as the Greatest of All Time aka The GOAT, after all! But another reason to love the Olympian is for her advocacy for mental health.
Biles has long been open about her own mental health, particularly about her struggles with anxiety. Biles withdrew from the women’s team final and four subsequent individual finals at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in order to take care of her mental health after experiencing “the twisties.”
While this was not an easy decision, it was an important and necessary one. Biles’ choice to prioritize her well-being sparked an important conversation about athletics and mental health. “Lilo and Rambo do such a great job of keeping me grounded and bringing me comfort, especially during stressful times,” Biles explained to Healthline.
This makes sense. According to The American Heart Association, a 2022 survey found that 95 percent of pet parents rely on their pet for stress relief. That survey also discovered that pets help their humans destress through snuggling, making their pet parents laugh and helping to ease feelings of loneliness. Dogs just make life better. As Biles told Healthline: “My dogs have had such a positive impact on my mental health, I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. Pets offer a love and support that is truly unconditional, and they do such a good job of reminding us to stay grounded and cherish the present.”
Let’s be real — even superheroes need comfort. And in Simone Biles’ case, that comfort comes with wagging tails and wet noses. The Olympic gymnast recently shared how her adorable dogs have played a huge role in keeping her mentally balanced. Her story isn’t just inspiring — it’s incredibly relatable for any pet lover out there. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how Simone’s furry companions help her cope with life’s intense pressures, why this matters in the bigger conversation about mental health, and how dogs can be the unexpected heroes we all need.
The Mental Health Journey of Simone Biles
From Olympic Heights to Human Struggles
Simone Biles isn’t just the most decorated gymnast in history — she’s also one of the bravest athletes when it comes to talking about mental health. After pulling out of multiple events during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to “the twisties,” she made headlines not just for her performance, but for her vulnerability.
Breaking the Stigma With Honesty
Rather than hiding her struggles, Simone stepped into the spotlight and made it okay to not be okay. Her story resonated with millions. But what kept her grounded during those turbulent times?
Enter Lilo and Rambo – Simone’s Canine Companions
Meet the Pups – Small Dogs, Big Love
Simone’s two French bulldogs, Lilo and Rambo, aren’t just pets — they’re her emotional support system. With their goofy antics, constant cuddles, and unconditional love, they’ve been by her side through thick and thin.
Instagram Stars With a Mission
These pups aren’t just lounging around. They have their own Instagram page (@thebilesfrenchies) where fans can see their adventures. But behind the cuteness, they’ve served a deeper purpose in Simone’s life.
Simone Speaks Out – “They Keep Me Sane”
A Safe Space in a Chaotic World
In multiple interviews, Simone has mentioned how her dogs help her de-stress. When everything feels overwhelming, sitting with her dogs or taking them for a walk offers a calming escape.
Why It Matters: Mental Health Is for Everyone
The fact that someone as high-achieving as Simone finds peace in such simple moments is a reminder: mental wellness doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about finding joy in a wagging tail or a lick on the cheek.
The Science Behind the Fur Therapy
Can Dogs Really Help With Anxiety?
Yes, and there’s science to back it up. Studies have shown that spending time with dogs can:
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Lower blood pressure
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Reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
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Increase serotonin and dopamine (the feel-good chemicals)
Emotional Support Isn’t Just a Label
While some people have certified emotional support animals, many experience these benefits simply by bonding with their pets. For Simone, the comfort is real — labels or not.
Dogs and Daily Mindfulness
Living in the Moment – Canine Style
Dogs don’t worry about tomorrow’s pressures or yesterday’s failures. They live in the now. And that’s a mindset Simone has tried to adopt.
The Routine That Grounds Her
Feeding, walking, and playing with Lilo and Rambo gives Simone a daily rhythm — one that pulls her away from social media noise and performance anxiety.
The Emotional Bond Between Pets and Their People
They Know When You’re Down
Anyone with a dog knows they have a sixth sense. They know when you’re off. For Simone, that bond is a game-changer when anxiety hits.
A Loyal Presence During the Hardest Days
Whether she’s traveling for competitions or dealing with media pressure, knowing her pups are waiting for her adds a layer of comfort that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
The Bigger Picture – Advocating for Mental Wellness
Celebrities and Mental Health Advocacy
By opening up, Simone has joined the ranks of public figures helping break the silence around mental health. Her story shows that even the strongest people need support — and sometimes, that support comes with floppy ears.
Normalizing Therapy and Self-Care
Talking about dogs is one thing — but Simone’s story also encourages others to seek therapy, take breaks, and prioritize themselves.
Social Media and the Power of Positivity
Spreading Joy Through Dog Content
It’s no coincidence that Simone posts plenty of puppy content. It’s not just for laughs — it’s part of her healing.
Pet Photos Over Perfection
In a world obsessed with filters and curated lives, Simone’s genuine posts of her dogs bring a breath of fresh air to her fans — something real and relatable.
How Her Fans Are Reacting
A Community of Pet Lovers
After Simone’s interviews and social posts, fans have responded in droves with their own stories of how dogs helped them through tough times. It’s become a shared experience.
Sparking Conversations That Matter
Her transparency has opened doors for deeper talks — not just about gymnastics or fame, but about coping, healing, and everyday joy.
What We Can Learn From Simone’s Story
You Don’t Need to Be a Celebrity to Find Comfort
Simone’s message is simple: whether you’re a world-class athlete or just navigating daily life, finding support — even from pets — is vital.
Therapy Can Come in Many Forms
It might be traditional counseling, journaling, or something as fluffy as a Frenchie. What matters is recognizing what works for you.
Creating Your Own Pet Therapy at Home
Consider Adopting or Fostering
If you’re struggling mentally and have the resources, adopting a dog could bring joy and structure into your life — just like it did for Simone.
Don’t Have a Dog? Here’s What You Can Do
Volunteer at a local shelter
Spend time with a friend’s pet
Watch funny dog videos (it works!)
Small Moments, Big Impact
It’s the Little Things That Matter Most
From playing fetch to curling up on the couch, those tiny dog moments might seem insignificant — but for someone like Simone, they’ve made all the difference.
Conclusion: Simone’s Story Is All of Us
Simone Biles’ story is powerful, not just because she’s a champion, but because she’s human. She reminded the world that vulnerability isn’t weakness — and sometimes, the best therapy comes with a furry friend who just wants to snuggle. Her love for Lilo and Rambo isn’t just adorable — it’s healing. And if you’ve ever felt the comfort of a dog resting its head on your lap during a rough day, you know exactly what she means.
