I've been so alone for 7 years, growing up in Japan means I have no ties here. Since my younger sister graduated high school my family moved back to rhode island and my entire extended family lives there. All I have is my dog who I got against my parents wishes. My family dog, Liam, spent every day all day with me while I was in Tokyo at my lowest point and I knew getting a dog would help me. I was so lonely, I wanted a companion, someone to get out of bed for when I couldn't do it for myself. My parents said no. I thought it was because they didn't believe I could take care of a dog. I recently found out that they just didn't want to pay for it, they didn't want to give me what I wanted. As if they would be doing me a huge disservice if they did.
My boyfriend at the time bought me a dog. My social worker, therapist and psychiatrist have all said directly to me. "Andrea, I was wrong. Getting a dog has helped you, I will gladly eat my words."
Being the kind hearted person that I am, I offered them ketchup.