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.
When Simone Biles talks, the world listens—and this time, she’s not discussing gold medals or gravity-defying routines. She’s talking about something far more personal, far more human, and honestly? Far more relatable. Simone Biles recently opened up about how her dogs have played a powerful role in supporting her mental health, and the internet collectively nodded in agreement.
Because let’s be real—sometimes a wagging tail does more for your soul than a thousand motivational quotes.
This isn’t just a celebrity feel-good story. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it comes from muddy paws, unconditional love, and a warm body curled up next to you when the world feels too loud.
The Human Side of a Global Icon
Simone Biles: More Than an Olympic Legend
Simone Biles is often described as superhuman—and for good reason. With multiple Olympic gold medals and record-breaking performances, she’s rewritten what’s possible in gymnastics. But behind the flawless routines is a human being navigating pressure, expectations, and mental health challenges just like the rest of us.
Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health
By speaking openly about anxiety, stress, and emotional well-being, Simone has helped normalize conversations that were once swept under the rug—especially in elite sports. Her honesty has given countless people permission to say, “Hey, I’m not okay—and that’s okay.”
Meet the Real Support Team: Simone Biles’ Dogs
More Than Pets—They’re Family
Simone has shared her deep bond with her dogs on social media, often posting candid moments that show just how much they mean to her. These aren’t just cute Instagram props. They’re companions, confidants, and constant sources of comfort.
Unconditional Love in a High-Pressure World
When medals are expected and perfection is demanded, dogs offer something rare: love with no conditions. They don’t care about scores, headlines, or public opinion. They just care that you’re home.
Why Dogs Are Powerful for Mental Health
Science Backs It Up
Research consistently shows that pets—especially dogs—can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase serotonin and dopamine levels. Translation? Dogs literally help your brain feel better.
Routine, Purpose, and Presence
Caring for a dog creates structure. Feeding times, walks, play sessions—these routines anchor the day. For someone dealing with anxiety or emotional overload, that sense of purpose can be grounding.
Simone Biles and Emotional Support Animals
A Safe Space Without Words
Simone has spoken about how her dogs help her feel calm during overwhelming moments. They don’t ask questions. They don’t offer unsolicited advice. They just exist—and sometimes, that’s exactly what healing looks like.
Silent Comfort That Speaks Volumes
There’s something powerful about sitting in silence with a dog. No judgment. No pressure. Just presence. That quiet companionship can feel like a deep exhale after holding your breath all day.
Why This Story Feels So Relatable
Because We’ve All Been There
Who hasn’t had a bad day instantly improved by a pet? Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door or a cat curling up on your lap, animals have a way of making the world feel manageable again.
Mental Health Doesn’t Discriminate
If Simone Biles—arguably one of the most accomplished athletes in history—can struggle with mental health, it reminds us that no one is immune. Strength isn’t about never struggling. It’s about finding what helps you cope.
The Pressure of Perfection and the Need for Balance
Elite Sports and Emotional Burnout
High-performance environments often glorify pushing through pain. Simone’s decision to prioritize her mental health challenged outdated narratives and redefined what true strength looks like.
Dogs as a Grounding Force
When your identity is tied to performance, dogs pull you back to the present moment. They remind you that you’re more than your achievements. You’re a person worthy of rest, joy, and love.
Social Media Reacts: “Same, Simone. Same.”
Fans See Themselves in Her Story
The response online was overwhelmingly supportive. People shared their own stories of how pets helped them through grief, anxiety, and burnout. Simone’s honesty sparked a collective moment of connection.
Normalizing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Instead of glamorizing unhealthy hustle culture, Simone’s message highlights something refreshingly simple: it’s okay to lean on what brings you peace.
Pets as Therapy Without the Couch
Emotional Regulation Through Companionship
Dogs help regulate emotions by encouraging mindfulness. You can’t spiral into tomorrow’s worries when you’re focused on a game of fetch today.
Living in the Moment, One Paw at a Time
Dogs don’t dwell on the past or stress about the future. They live fully in the now—and spending time with them can gently pull us into that same mindset.
Lessons We Can All Learn From Simone Biles
You Don’t Need to Earn Rest
Simone’s story reminds us that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. Mental health care doesn’t have to be dramatic or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple as spending time with a being that makes you feel safe.
Find What Grounds You
Not everyone has a dog—and that’s okay. The takeaway isn’t “get a pet.” It’s “find what brings you calm and make space for it.”
Mental Health Advocacy Through Authenticity
Why Simone’s Voice Matters
When someone with Simone’s platform speaks openly, it creates ripple effects. It encourages conversations in homes, schools, and workplaces that might not have happened otherwise.
Changing the Narrative Around Strength
True strength isn’t about pushing through at all costs. It’s about listening to yourself—and sometimes, listening to the soft padding of paws across the floor.
The Emotional Safety Net We Don’t Talk About Enough
Pets as Non-Judgmental Support Systems
Unlike people, pets don’t project expectations. They don’t remind you of your mistakes. They meet you exactly where you are—and that acceptance can be deeply healing.
A Reminder We All Needed
Simone Biles didn’t just share a cute anecdote about her dogs. She shared a truth many of us live every day: love, in its simplest form, can be a lifeline.
And honestly? That’s something worth celebrating.
Conclusion: Healing Can Have Four Legs and a Wagging Tail
Simone Biles’ openness about her dogs and mental health hits home because it’s real. It strips away the highlight reels and shows us the person behind the medals. In a world obsessed with achievement, her story is a gentle reminder that comfort, connection, and care matter just as much.
Sometimes, healing doesn’t roar. Sometimes, it softly pads into the room, curls up beside you, and reminds you that you’re not alone.