Mental Health Community Story from Simonne McDonald-Hewett, founder and CEO of coexiste

SPCA Tampa Bay is highlighting the connections of local people and animals during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
There is an unbreakable link between humans and animals for better mental health. The unconditional love and unwavering loyalty that animals provide can often be the key to unlocking better mental health for many individuals. The bond between humans and animals goes beyond companionship - it can be a source of solace and support during difficult times. SPCA Tampa Bay calls this unique bond “Humanimality.”
This story comes from Simonne McDonald-Hewett, founder and CEO of coexiste. Coexiste designs sustainable pet furniture and accessories that create an aesthetically pleasing environment within the home for both pet owners and animals.
“I first began to experience anxiety when I moved from Jamaica to Brooklyn, New York in high school. To this day, I continue to struggle with anxiety and my pups Stormie and Scotchie get me out of my head and help me to appreciate the simple things in life. My anxiety levels have decreased significantly through our connection and when I’m with them I just feel calmer. I truly can’t imagine my life without my two girls and want them to feel as comfortable at home as possible,” said McDonald-Hewett.
McDonald-Hewett, took a hard look around her home when her human children set off to college and felt that her remaining four legged children, Stormie and Scotchie, could use a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing resting environment. This thought lead to the creation of coexiste’s line of elegantly designed, quality crafted furniture and accessories that enhance the living environment for both the human and animals.
“I thought to myself wouldn’t it be great to have a beautiful piece of furniture that would fit seamlessly in our homes but would also provide a comfortable and warm environment for our pets to call home. Sometimes our pets want their own space to decompress and that’s really where coexiste began,” said McDonald-Hewett.
If you're looking to improve your mental well-being, consider welcoming a furry friend into your life or volunteering your time with homeless animals at SPCA Tampa Bay. The unconditional love and companionship they offer can make a world of difference in your overall happiness and mental health.
For Mental Health Awareness Month resources, community stories, and ways to get involved with animals at SPCA Tampa Bay, visit spcatampabay.org/mentalhealth.
If you have a story about how animals have impacted your mental health and you'd like to share, please email SPCA Tampa Bay at [e-mail].
A portion of the proceeds from coexiste’s pet furniture go directly to SPCA Tampa Bay to support homeless animals and injured wildlife in need. For more information, visit wecoexiste.com.
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthpaws #spcatampabay #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #humanimality #loveanimals #lovepets #animals #animal #animalwelfare #dog #dogs #dogsofyoutube #coexiste #wecoexiste #petbed #petfurniture