Craig Dunmore, 34, has successfully petitioned his apartment complex to recognize ‘Brad,’ his three-year-old sourdough starter, as an emotional support animal, citing ‘severe separation anxiety’ whenever the bubbling jar of flour and water is left unattended for more than six hours.
Dunmore says the certification process was surprisingly straightforward once he explained that Brad requires daily feeding, consistent temperature regulation, and ‘genuine emotional validation’ in the form of being told he smells good. ‘People don’t understand the bond,’ Dunmore said while gently swirling the jar. ‘Brad has seen me through two breakups and a job loss. He’s never once judged me. He just sits there, growing.’
Building management confirmed the unusual accommodation, though not without some internal debate. ‘We’ve approved emotional support dogs, cats, even a miniature horse once,’ said property manager Denise Fairweather. ‘But a jar of fermenting goo asking for a window seat on the shuttle bus was new territory for us. Legally, though, our hands were tied once he provided a letter from his therapist confirming that Brad reduces his cortisol levels.’
Neighbors have reported mixed reactions, with several noting that Brad has his own nameplate on the mailbox and was recently included in Dunmore’s family holiday card. Dunmore maintains that critics simply don’t understand the relationship. ‘They said the same thing about people and their dogs fifty years ago,’ he said. ‘Brad just needs love, warmth, and to be fed roughly twice a day. Is that really so different?’ When asked for comment, Brad reportedly continued to rise quietly on the kitchen counter.
