[Gabyunbound]

As some of you know, my lovely kitty, Schnookie, of 15 years, passed away a couple of weeks ago.

When it happened, I bawled like I haven't in many years.

But mourning morphed into a terrible, deep depression when family matters started to affect me in an awful way.

I had thought I was in store for a long-term depression.

Nonetheless, two weeks out, I adopted another kitty (Sweet Pea) and I'm starting to feel better. I got her from the spca, already 6 years old, obese, and so scared it was extremely difficult just to get her to leave her cage, as the staff told me, her safe space.

I took her home, pet her constantly, tried to acclimate her, little by little, to my apartment, and she's doing very well. I pet her constantly (she's a love bug, loves to be petted at all times) and this has helped my mood. I have some(thing) -though I like to say someone- to love and love me back; someone who desperately needs love and care, both of which I can provide in spades.

So I urge anyone who can, and who is not allergic, to adopt a pet. There are so many at the spca who need homes and mom's and dad's who will look after them. The love that they impart to us is truly healing.

I'm not saying they can magically get rid of BP cycles, but I do believe that they can help when we're terribly low, and even perhaps, help to even us out when we're unstable. I'm not talking about a magic bullet, but certainly a helpful one.

Does anyone else have a furry friend who helps them with their moods?

[Tryingtobehappy5]

I have a dog who definitely helps when I'm depressed. Im not sure about the opposite end of the moods though. I have been getting out of control and though she tries to be stubborn and hang around even if I'm irritated as soon as I'm angry she bolts which is best. If I can calm down enough to take a minute to pet her though then she definitely grounds me a bit. When I'm depressed I spend a lot of time petting her and cuddling(she is a lovebug too but 40lbs) its something to focus on other than misery and unlike my family she doesn't care what I say and only tries to make me feel better and can cuddle for much longer than my children!

[WildcatVet]

I have 14 (!!!!) furry and feathered friends...it's an occupational hazard. They are all so therapeutic for me because besides love they give me something that grounds me everyday. Responsibilities that I can't...won't...ignore no matter how I'm feeling. I may not bathe or eat or...but they always get the care they deserve.
And special thanks for mentioning the SPCA (or Humane Society)! There are SOOO many loving critters looking for their furever homes! Already spay/neutered, vaccinated, and temperament tested...

[Spangle]

I have a 2 year old Border Collie dog. She goes everywhere with me & she’s the most important thing in my life. She helps me when I get triggered. When I’m feeling down, she collects up her toys & places them in my lap. My t joked with me once (I have very strong paternal transference) & asked me if who was more special to me? Needless to say, obviously my dog!

[Grizabella]

I have 3 cats. Lea is 6 and has allergy and sinus issues (the vet thinks it's because she had severe ringworm as a baby when I rescued her). Osiris is 4. Tyler is 5. He is a "permanent foster". He had been rescued by the local shelter, and was adopted out and returned 3 times because of litter box issues. It is partly due to medical reasons and partly due to behavioral problems. The ladies who founded the shelter asked if I would work with him, and he fits in here so they pay his medical bills and buy his prescription food so that he can stay with me. I'm disabled due to the bipolar so I wouldn't be able to afford his upkeep by myself. All three of them are sweethearts.

[~Christina]

My pound puppy is amazing. He adores attention, He also gives me heads up when a mood shift is coming he senses it long before me and is literally glued to my hip.

We have another dog hes just lazy lol But just as adorable.

I agree adopt from the pound, So many are put down for no reason other than overcrowding.

[Victoria'smom]

I have a 7 yr old puppy. She's so good. I use her as a reality check.

[Cocosurviving]

Hello there—sorry for your loss. I lost my childhood pet a few years back and it was hell for me. I was encouraged to get an Emotional Support Animal. I did....a Jack Russel. I’ve had her since she was five months old. Next month she will be three years old. My case manager wrote me a therapy animal letter. I gave it to my leasing office. They waived the $300 deposit and pet rent. I LOVE my baby. I can not imagine not having her. I spoil her to death. I take her to run errands with me. She loves car rides. I think it’s good you have a new kitty....congrats and enjoy.

I love my big, fluffy cat. I really love her so much. She is well-cared for. My adult daughter does most of the care, but I do feel she is my cat. She sleeps with me. Even when I sleep downstairs ‘cause I need the comfort of the recliner, she will sleep on the recliner with me

[Cocosurviving]

Originally Posted by key tones

I love my big, fluffy cat. I really love her so much. She is well-cared for. My adult daughter does most of the care, but I do feel she is my cat. She sleeps with me. Even when I sleep downstairs ‘cause I need the comfort of the recliner, she will sleep on the recliner with me

That’s good. My baby sleeps with me at nap time and bedtime. We have a doggie park where I live. I take her there and let her run free.

[Tryingtobehappy5]

This thread was a good reminder for me and I took some time to cuddle my girl today. Thank you for posting it!

[UpDownAround]

We got a new puppy as an emotional support animal for one of my kids. He isn't very responsible so I take care of the puppy a lot. He takes care of me also; I get as much support as my son.

[Naynay99]

I have 2 kitties- my old guy is now 17, and i know also have a 2 year old super fluffy cat who still acts like a crazy kitten when he isn't being a lap cat. They definitely help when my mood is low and give me something else to take care of.
I can't imagine it feeling like a home without a pet to greet me when I come home from work.

[vjdragonfly]

There are actually 5 fur babies in my house. They are all 58 lbs. plus and they are lap dogs. When I am crying they all try to comfort me even try to lick me in the face. I'm not big on dog kisses on the face. I love each of them and they all play a special role in my life. They're mostly my husband's dogs but they love me too. My oldest and largest dog is my baby. He is always the first by my side. He is 90 lbs. and the best at sitting in my lap.
I agree with adopting or rescuing because that would slow down the puppy mills. I love my clan of mix breeds and four of them have pit in them. They just as lovable as can be. If you take good care of them, they will take good care of you in return.

[blue_eyed_siamese]

I have two sweet kitties at home, ages 1.5 and 14, that help me so much when I’m feeling low. The feeling of their warm, furry bodies on my lap is so comforting. They don’t judge, they just love.

[-Astral-]

i have two cats and they are my world i love them very much but there getting older and i worry when its time to say good bye to them thankfully we are able to keep them because the PDSA ( CHARITY IN THE UK THAT IS NOT GOVERNMENT FUNDED AND SHOULD BE for people who get housing benifit unforanlty because there not goverment funded they have had to reduce how many pet you have under them its gone down from 3 to 1 me and my husband have to pay a reduced rate for one of our cats the other the charity can treat with a small donation but they have to pay for 90% of it as people cant afford to pay for a normal vet ) i love animals i think i wouldnt mentally well with out them
i love my babies there funny and amazing id recommended having a pet if your able

[crystal blue]

Hi Gabyunbound, I do have 2 fur babies that I adopted from the shelter. 2 cats, one is 6 years old and one is 8 years old. I had my Dr. certify them as therapy animals. I have C-PTSD and they do give me comfort and love. They are a blessing to me. In my beliefs, I know when they pass on, I will see them again in heaven. Look up the poem about animals going to heaven in "The Rainbow Bridge"- a beautiful poem. I hope you have many good years with sweet pea!

[WildcatVet]

Just finished a really good novel...with three of my cats sleeping on me...soooooo relaxing.

[Nammu]

I got just the one, it's all I can afford. he is an a big affectionate guy. I used to foster and volunteer at a shelter they are definitely the best place to get a fur baby and they definitely help with moods.