ST. LOUIS, MO – A groundbreaking new study published by the Institute for Canine Empathy (ICE) indicates that the nation’s emotional support animals (ESAs) are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. The report, which surveyed thousands of ESAs across various species, found that 87% reported feeling “overwhelmed” by their humans’ emotional needs, with 62% admitting to faking enthusiasm during walks.

“We’ve created a system where these animals are expected to be perpetually cheerful, unconditionally loving, and always available for a good cry, often without adequate breaks or even a decent chew toy,” stated Dr. Felicity Barkin, lead researcher at ICE. “It’s a one-sided relationship, and frankly, it’s unsustainable. Many ESAs are now showing classic signs of compassion fatigue, including excessive napping, selective hearing, and a marked decrease in tail-wagging for anything less than premium-grade bacon.”

The study highlighted the case of 'Buddy,' a golden retriever who reportedly developed a chronic eye-roll after his owner began using him as a sounding board for daily work frustrations. Another, a Persian cat named 'Mittens,' was diagnosed with acute existential dread after being forced to listen to 400 consecutive hours of self-help podcasts.

ICE is now advocating for mandatory 'decompression walks' for ESAs, paid time off, and the establishment of dedicated 'human-free zones' where animals can simply exist without the pressure of being someone’s entire reason for getting out of bed. The organization also suggests that humans consider getting their *own* emotional support humans, or perhaps just therapy.