Do pets help?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2004
Do pets help?
10
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 10:25am
I'm single and live alone, and have struggled with depression since my teens. I'm thinking about getting a dog and was wondering if any of you have dogs (or other pets) and if so, does it help with the depression? Or is it too much when you are really down to take care of the dog? We had dogs when I was growing up, and I've had cats before (my ex- got custody), but I've never had a dog as a single person on my own. Sometimes I think just having another heartbeat in the house would help. Thanks much for all replies.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-01-2004
In reply to: deborah0414
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 10:58am
You really have to consider if you can care for pet especially a dog because they are more high maintenance than a cat. I have found them to be a great deal of comfort and companionship even though I am married and have children. They love you no matter what and they can make you smile too when you are down. If you can take proper care of one, I think they are wonderful to have in the house.

Lynette

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
In reply to: deborah0414
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 6:45pm

Yes pets do help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: deborah0414
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 9:47pm
Yes--yes---yes, pets do help! Dogs are especially helpful in that they are always glad to see you and give you love unconditionally. They are high maintance tho. Our dog of 18 years died last summer and we have not 'replaced' her due to the fact that dogs do take a lot more taking care of. We do have our 19 pound black cat tho----BC. Cats are so easy to take care of. Bc doesn't always show his love--in fact he has a bit of an attitude---but he can make me laugh when nothing else can. Check into a pet---dog or cat---you'll probably love it! Debbie
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2004
In reply to: deborah0414
Sun, 09-19-2004 - 9:50pm

Hi!


I think that pets are a big help. Especially with stress. Sometimes I will be so burnt out and then

Michelle

February 1, 2002  Married my Best Friend<

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2004
In reply to: deborah0414
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 5:36pm
You have a 19 pound cat?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2004
In reply to: deborah0414
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 5:44pm
They are worth it and very much help if you can take care of them. Be very honest about your commitment to careing for a pet. If you know you can't or won't take care of them, it will only make you feel worse. If you can take care of them, they a big help. You might find an older pet is good for you, they require less excercise but sometimes higher vet. bills. Call your local shelter and tell they what you can do and provide, they may have just the animal for you. If they don't, it is worth the wait to get a good match. Ivillage has a test to tell you which dogs match your needs and abilities. Give it a try. Good luck.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: deborah0414
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 10:52pm
Yes---I really have a 19 pound cat. He was about 7 months old and about 7 pounds when we adopted him. He had been thrown from a car and one of my flute students brought him to me. He can stand up and rest his head on the table--so he's very tall AND big! The vet says he is probably part panther--but luckily he seems to be just your normal cat with an attitude!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
In reply to: deborah0414
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 12:13am

Hey Debbie,


My DD's cat is bigger than yours, LOL.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2004
In reply to: deborah0414
Wed, 10-20-2004 - 4:17pm

Growing up we had dogs, cats, birds and fish. A few months ago (very down plus health problems) I was very close to adopting a kitten. I realized with my health situation it would not be a good idea, that I had to be able to take care of myself first to be able to care for a pet.

I miss my dog (ex has her). I have to say, she was at times the only source of joy for me. At the time, I had the means, a house and yard for her to play in. I bawled when I relocated. I missed her so much and keep her picture bedside. She knew when I was really down and she would rest her chin on my leg as if to say, I'm here for you.

I had health concerns and it was a lot of work but well worth it, she counted on me for care. It's a big responsibility and a forever commitment once you decide to take on a pet. I believe in pet therapy. Cats are more independent then dogs. A pet is a wonderful companion but consider it is a lot of work, costly and these animals will depend on you for everything, forever. My dog did not like being alone. Consider how much time the animals will be alone. A cat is more independent that way. I hate to say this because I do love cats and dogs but cats can take you or leave you, remember what it was like trying to pet them, cut into their snooze time when they did not want the attention? lol...but a dog needs you and always up for a good scratch.

My dog made me laugh, smile and cheered me up. Without her I would not have had that or lasted as long as I did with ex. Dogs require more from us. Try "rent a pet" first for a time and go from there. Depending on how that goes, the answer might surface at that point. Take your time and good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-20-2003
In reply to: deborah0414
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 7:20am
i do hope that u feel better and one day can adopt a pet of your choice.

kittens or cats need for u to change their litter all the time. i have 6, so i do know, and mine r very affectionate. not all cats r that way, so i do understand what u mean.

but a cat should never be made an indoor/outdoor pet. many owners do that, but they would never do that to a dog. never understood that.

i applaud u for ur consideration and for understanding that our furry friends do need our time and attention.

please feel better cuz u wd be a great pet owner firshir

love and i pray for ur return to good health

kitties