My pets saved my life

All of my pets have done so much for me (all 5) but last year i was going through a major depressive episode. Nothing was bringing me out of it. I was having very dark thoughts. I got a call one day from my parents and it was my mom on the phone and she sounded worried. she said that her and my father were in the back yard and heard this faint screaming, so they went in that general location. There was a tiny black kitten underneath a pile of logs behind their shed. I work at a vet clinic on the weekends so i rushed over to their house and grabbed the kitten and went to the clinic. ( the mother was lying dead near the kitten) the clinic told me i wouldn't be able to save the kitten and that I could try but he was only a week old and was out in the sun for a very long time without any nutrients. I said I'll take care of it and he's going to be okay. I bottle fed him every 4 hours, and taught him to use the bathroom. I wasn't giving up and wasn't going to let him. He made it through. He's my little baby. he's a Maine Coon mix and brought what i needed back into my life at that time.

Hi, Peeps757, and welcome to Psych Central! Sounds like you found each other and are giving each other what you need. I have found that pets have really helped me emotionally, too. I had my cat to talk to when I was growing up, and he was a lifesaver. And most recently I was beginning to suffer from the "empty nest syndrome" and a kitten was brought into my life. Of course he doesn't take the place of a child, but I treat him like he is my baby! And he helps to fill that void.

Hi there and WELCOME to PC Yes I agree entirely that our animals keep us grounded, even in our darkest of moments. I live for my darling Waggie Dorg, and the horses when I'm feeling well enough to work with them. How could I depart this world leaving my doggie to end up I don't know where? I owe my life to her time and time again. HUGS. xxxxxx

It's amazing how helping a little helpless animal can bring out such strength in us. Glad you were able to save it and therefore yourself as well.

Rescuing and rehabilitating my horse Rodney helped me get over severe depression. Took almost two years to get us both well

That's awesome! I love what animals can do for us. They do for us just as much as we do for them.