[yorkiegal]

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!

[Mitten Kitten]

Aren't pets wonderful. I was adopted by a cat at the lowest point of my life. She needed me and I needed her. She made me think about something else and made me laugh. She is a pain in the wotsit sometimes - as soon as the heating goes on, she needs to go out - no cat flap so window has to be open for her return. But I wouldn't miss the purrs, snuggles and being woken up in the early hours by being licked for anything. She can never take away the pain of what I went through, but she has made a great job of keeping me alive in many ways. Glad you have a pal.

[ktboils]

Yes, they're great aren't they? I love the way our cat seems to sense we need a cuddle and comes & makes us smile.

Bless his furry monkey paws!

[Julzei]

They say that people with pets live on average 7 years longer and I can believe that. I love my dog to bits.

[spookyLX]

since I got my pet cockateil zippy I have felt better , he's the reason I get up in the morning and drag myself out of bed as he needs to be cleaned out every day and fed and watered also he needs time out of his cage which he gets loads of, and he is an intelligent little fella so needs plenty of interaction I am currently teaching him twinkle twinkle little star because I taught him jingle bells over xmas and I can't stand hearing it ten times a day anymore lol he also has picked up I love you because I am always telling him that

I would be lost without the fella

[goonernatalie]

I think that pets are very good for you

[lucyjack]

yorkiegal I can empathise with you completely .

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.

[ruffles]

It helps, looking after my cats. If I am unwell, the cats are affected. They have done things like bring me mice and stand outside the room I am sleeping in meowing with the mouse in their mouth, whereas usually if they catch a mouse, they will eat it, if I dont stop them. Of course I dont like being brought a mouse, but they've only done that when I've been unwell, so I think its their way of trying to help !

[mimicole]

My parents got me Winnie when I was depressed and suicidal. I was very reclusive, everyone would go out and I would be alone. Winnie would be at the other end of the sofa. She was my baby and I was absolutely devastated when she died in November 2011. I only had her for 2 years but she meant the world to me.

[Jumbobones]

I adore my cat, if I had nothing else I would carry on for her.
I've also got a wagtail that visits me at work, which makes being at work almost occasionally bearable.

[Muze]

I agree to a point.

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.

[JJ75]

Originally Posted by Muze

I agree to a point.

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.

[yorkiegal]

Originally Posted by Muze

I agree to a point.

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.

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.

[Lost_Soul]

I definitely agree,
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...