It sounds like you're doing the best you can with what you've got. There's nothing wrong with being shy and I can really relate to not liking people much. The only "friends" that seem to be able to cheer me up and to make me feel wanted are animals, too. They're wonderful. If I were in your position, I'd be very stressed out and anxiety-ridden also.

When I was younger we had 13 cats and it was the happiest I'd ever been. I'm a big cat lover and couldn't bear to not be around them at some point in time. Right now I'm living where I am not allowed to have pets (it's very heartbreaking) so I keep all my cats at my dad's house (he lives on a farm) about 6 miles away from me so it's not too too bad. I see them once a week, not enough for me but I don't have any other choice.

I just wanted to relate to you and tell you it's not so terrible being shy and relating to non-humans. I can understand your unhappiness, though, and wish you the best.

Hang in there.