[Humpty Dumpty]

I am very much an animal lover. My wife is too. We have 3 cats. We refer to one of them as "Daddy's boy" because over the years he has drawn closer to me. When I am feeling really down he can sense it and tries to "console" me. One time when I was going through my nervous breakdown and crying uncontrollably he was all in my face trying to love on me & snuggle with me. All day Friday & into Saturday I was not having a good day. He would not leave my side. If I went up front he would be with me. If I went to the bedroom he was there. Does anyone else's pets do this? He is very much my comfort/security pet.

[Rohag]

In my case the dog never knew an un-depressed me. Depressed was/is my normal state. He nevertheless was my near-constant companion. I miss him every day.

[Deeplyhurt77]

My adoptive pug gives me her sad eyes,watching me and gives me kisses. She knows I'm hurt.

[Clara22]

My pets react offering comfort particularly when I am crying

[MtnTime2896]

When I'm having a lot of flashbacks, panic attacks and/or more severely depressed that normal my dog won't allow me out of his sight. My cats do the same thing, too. My dog will lay at my feet and my cat Sunny will lay in my lap, while the other cat Mo will lay on the table next to me. They get very protective, too. I have some good animals.

[worldofmakebelieve8]

Aren't animals just the best? They don't judge us, they give us unconditional love, and lower our stress and anxiety just by letting us pet them.
I'm sitting here with my 3 adopted fur babies now. I've had my dog for twelve years and she's in my face, ears up, head side to side every time I get that feeling in the back of my throat and chest tightening, even before the tears start to come she knows. When the tears come she whines and licks my face.
I never thought cats could be as intuitive as my pup, but my handsome boy cat who has never been a lap cat or asks for attention, shows his affection when I'm upset more than any other time. He circles around me and rubs against me and rubs his face under and nudges my hand. I call him my king.
My little girl kitten is verrrry affectionate all the time, not sure if it's because of my depression which has been a lot of laying around and sleeping lately which cats like to do anyway so we'll see as she gets older. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives.

[Marla500]

My dog will stay by my side and just keep watch over me. She's awesome, I appreciate her so much

[Always Hurting]

My two dogs are Chihuahua mixes. So they are small lap dogs. They always follow my every step. They both love to cuddle and give me lots of kisses. I talk, they listen. They sense my emotions and they give me much comfort.

[Sula B]

Pets really are the best therapy because they are so much more intelligent and empathic than most credit them. I myself have had numerous dogs - all very individual characters and yet each have had an impact on me and been a huge support to me. They feel and they know when their person is hurting, anxious, upset or lonely and they offer themselves 100% whether as company, empathy, sympathy, for cuddles or just trying to make you laugh - I am certain of it. I cannot recommend pets enough - their unconditional loyalty and company is second to none. There's an old adage that I believe in, which I am sure many here will identify with: The more I know of people, the more I love my dogs. My dogs have kept me alive on more than one occasion, even if it was as simple as being so low but KNOWING that they depend on me for food and shelter and company - there have been countless times when that has been what has kept me going.

Love my dogs like I love my children.

[Humpty Dumpty]

[MobiusPsyche]

My dog plays with me differently. He still wants to play but he's not quite as big a pest when I'm depressed or when my legs are really hurting. He brings the toys to me instead of wanting to be chased, that kind of thing.

My cat wants to cuddle all the time, whether I'm depressed or not.