Animal Spirit

In October, 2018, the San Francisco 49ers became the first NFL team to have an "emotional support" animal. Having a service animal runs counter to football's macho image, and the team took some (good-natured) grief.

After #49ers defensive lineman #SolomonThomas lost his sister, the team made an unusual request: the adoption of Zoe, the #NFL's first emotional support puppy! Read more about #Zoe (https://t.co/kfyl58mvC1) and follow her all-pro adventures on Instagram at @the49ersfrenchie pic.twitter.com/pUvvmSxJOI

— Pets by Nature (@petsbynature) October 21, 2019

Have no fear, 49er fans. Zoë the French bulldog does not appear to have diminished the fierceness of the team's play.

Headline from today's playoff game: Nick Bosa leads brutal theatrical beatdown of Vikings [bold added]

With [defensive end Nick] Bosa one of the tone setters, the 49ers were all about violent theater Saturday. The 49ers’ offensive line rocked the Vikings’ vaunted defensive line, running the ball relentlessly.

The 49ers’ defense smothered the Vikings.

Everything's working for the 49ers. We're long past the decision to keep Zoë. I would station an armed guard around her, at least until the season's over.