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Pets for Depressives
I'm sure I'm not the only one one here who's pet has in many ways saved their life?
Just wanted to pay tribute to my beautiful boxer dog Baxter. He will be three next month and his soppy face, wagging tail and non judgemental adoration of me (ok i admit it, cupboard love lol) gets me through my darkest of moods.
I've been very low of late but have to get my arse out of bed, get dressed and go out in the rain and snow to be pulled down the street to the field, where I stand there shivering, poo bag in hand, whilst he sniffs at every blade of grass, cocks his leg on every snowman and runs off when it's time to go home, insisting on another ten mins of play. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
It's just me and him in the house and when he snuggles up next to me on the sofa like he is right now, I feel like I have some purpose in life. I'm Baxters mum!
Just wanted to pay tribute to my beautiful boxer dog Baxter. He will be three next month and his soppy face, wagging tail and non judgemental adoration of me (ok i admit it, cupboard love lol) gets me through my darkest of moods.
I've been very low of late but have to get my arse out of bed, get dressed and go out in the rain and snow to be pulled down the street to the field, where I stand there shivering, poo bag in hand, whilst he sniffs at every blade of grass, cocks his leg on every snowman and runs off when it's time to go home, insisting on another ten mins of play. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
It's just me and him in the house and when he snuggles up next to me on the sofa like he is right now, I feel like I have some purpose in life. I'm Baxters mum!
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Bless his furry monkey paws!
I would be lost without the fella
My two dogs, (& 3 cats), are the reason I get up in the morning also.
I find they keep me grounded. Their simple needs and pleasures put everything else into perspective.
Dogs especially, are so loyal, loving, and most of all, lots of fun.
Please give Baxter a cuddle from me, he’s’ doing a great job.
Best Wishes.
I've also got a wagtail that visits me at work, which makes being at work almost occasionally bearable.
Depends on the severity of depression though.
I had a horrible year and caring for my dog was difficult, I was in and out of hospital and she spent too much time in kennels and foster homes, her behaviour was affected and in the end the local animal welfare team got involved and basically got me to rehome her. Gutted.
I took on another dog when I was more stable, but I always worry the same will happen and the bond is not the same.
So, yes the they can be lifesavers, but you have to consider their needs too.
Very good point. Someone I know harps on about wanting a dog, it will be so good for me blah blah blah however, I cant see her offering a dog very much. She's not depressed by the way.
when i started talking about rehoming baxter last week and how it wasn't fair on him to just be living with me, it was so out of character that a friend drove for hours to my home and forced me to go to a&e. I'm getting some help now.
btw I remember when I had surgery a couple of years ago. I decided to be responsible and put my affairs in order just in case anything went wrong. I had a page of instructions about bank accounts , bills etc. This was followed by five pages about Baxter's likes and dislikes, dietary needs, favourite toys and routine lol.
ive lost a lot of people over the last few years and my cats have helped me more than i describe...they've truely helped me when no person could, just my making me carry on, it gave me something to do and without them i simply would have given up...