Just wondering how having a pet in your life improves it.

It has been 8 years. Life circumstance has changed again permitting us to obtain one. For weeks and weeks we'e been seriously looking.

[Skeezyks]

We have a 15 1/2 pound schnauzer / poodle mix (we think.) He's around 13 years old now. We adopted him from a companion animal rescue organization about 11 years ago after he had been picked up as an unclaimed stray. He is, in many ways, the most important part of our lives. We actually arrange our day-to-day lives around him to a large extent. I think it would not be too great an exaggeration to say he is my wife's reason for living... and she is mine.

[sonjaward809]

Pets always seem to calm me down, and make me feel at ease. I have a bearded dragon, I'm unsure of how old he is since I found him on my mom's front porch a few months ago but he appears to be full grown. He's pretty chill most of the time, well at least until I went IP about a week ago. When I got home we was PISSED at me for leaving. He was fully bearded up, pitch black, jumping at me, and hissing when I would go near him. He's getting re-adjusted to me though. I was only gone for 5 days but he clearly wasn't having it. He still won't eat for me but we are getting our bond back. He helps keep me level headed most of the time. But I've had all sorts of pets. I've had guinea pigs, dogs, cats, and even a squirrel before when I was little.

I'm currently curled up in bed with severe anxiety, with one of my dogs. They make me feel better just by being around, as does my cat. I've had pets my entire adult life and they are really the best friends.

[Nammu]

I have a 17 pound blue cat I adopted from the shelter about 8 years ago. He keeps me grounded.

[Moonrider125]

I have a 1.5 years old mischievous tabby boy cat.(my 2nd cat)
Although he bite my face (really hurts)or play with keyboards,drop books,
having him on my lap is real comfort.and gives me reason to live.

My former cat,passed at 19 years old in 2016,was 1 year old when the reason I got PTSD happened.he protected me.Didn't leave my side and tried to warm me.

Me and 1st cat were team to survive,and 2nd cat is doing cat's thing.I'm still having trouble building relationship with my 2nd cat,but I'm happy to having both of them.
(because I still have trust issue toward human.....) << This is my problem

[bluekoi]

My animals are what keep me from giving up. My whole life revolves around the animals. The love they give is unconditional. They motivate me to get up every day. I don't want to think where I would be without them.

[Rose76]

I think about getting a dog . . . a small dog. I feel I can't right now because I think I have enough caregiving to do with my s.o. I don't want to pile on another responsibility.

When I had my dog who passed away, she got me out walking a lot. She was good sized and needed a lot of exercise. She was very devoted to me. She gave me a lot of companionship. I took me five years to stop grieving the loss of her. I couldn't even drive past a certain park where I used to take her. Now I can and don't always think of her when I do.

A pet is a huge commitment, or should be. That's what gives me pause. But I just want to love on every dog I see. My neighbor had two dogs that stayed in the back yard while he was at work. I used to visit them through the fencing between our houses. I would throw them little dog treats that I bought for them. Just a few a day. I would talk to them and they would watch me filling my bird feeders.

Seeing them was often the highlight of my day. I swear they knew how to count. They seemed to know I would toss over three treats to each of them. They ran around all excited to get their three treats each. Then they would calm down and not beg for more - like they understood that was the quota.

Dogs are extremely grateful for whatever they get from you. I learned you can make friends with neighbors' dogs by tossing them treats. I've tamed some unfriendly dogs that way. I don't think human friendship quite rivals what a dog can offer you. They give a lot. They also need a lot. But they're so happy when you meet their needs. It's very gratifying.

The search was fruitful. Taking time to find the right fit was the thing to do as being patient allowed us to meet Finn. It isn't yet 24hrs since the long drive home but we are already bonding. He and I seem close-knit aleady. We are all pretty happy. I feel calmer already.

[katydid777]

We have a total of 5 dogs. My brother's Papyon, a black Lab, and 3 Chihuahuas. Our 4 are like our children, our 3 Chihuahuas sleep with us, and our lab sleeps next to our bed. Our son hasn't lived with us from 2004, so it has been a long time, but our doggie babies help us in so many ways!!!!!!!

[terrencewelsch]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Just wondering how having a pet in your life improves it.

It has been 8 years. Life circumstance has changed again permitting us to obtain one. For weeks and weeks we'e been seriously looking.

We've had our lab pit mix for 2 years now and there is simply nothing in this world that brings my partner more peace and groundedness that our dog has offered her. It's even more beautiful since there is the reciprocity in the companionship we offer for our dog. It's a really special, beautiful relationship

[Unrigged64072835]

I do find comfort in my cats. Both cats will actually lay on my feet or arm when I'm sitting on the couch. They don't care much for each other, but around me they'll call a truce. They're also good for my daughter (who has anxiety and depression). They curl up around her as well.

I've had a lot of pets, but cats do calm me down.

[stahrgeyzer]

Animals always make me smile & feel good. I call them nature people.