Pets help you feel good

We have always had either cats,dogs and sometimes both. They are loyal and lovely and we wouldn’t be without them. They are expensive,though, I have to admit. We call them our babies, there is nothing nicer than a little face gazing into yours in the morning whilst they knead you!

My life would be empty without my pets. I need something to look after. If they were children, they would be spoiled brats but, because they are animals, their demands are amusing.

My dogs got me through a very dark time when my dh died 6 years ago
People rally around in the beginning but in later years the loneliness would be overwhelming without them. I belong to clubs, yoga,swimming voluntary work but there are still the hours on my own
Yes, taking them for their walks gives a reason to get up and get on with the day, they rescued me

Animals really do help to eliviate loneliness. They give you a reason to leave the house whether you feel like going or not.
My late DH and l have only had rescue cats and dogs but each has given us so much in return.
My latest rescue dog came into my life last year after l lost both my dh and our dear dog. He was in an absimal shelter for ten years and is approximately 16 years old. On our walks he stops everyone expecting a stroke as he has so much love to give.
I have never known such a gentle, kind boy.
He has definitely rescued me and l feel good everytime l look at him.

I've got some major health issues as well as being widowed twice - my dogs have been my lifeline.
They make me keep to a routine, get me out each day whatever I feel like, keep me company and have made me some great friends.
My only worry is that they will outlive me but I have planned for that.

We don’t have dogs any more, but if I were ever left on my own, I’d def. have another dog - probably an older rescue. I wouldn’t care about it being a tie (the reason we don’t have one any more), it’d be wonderful company, and would make me get out of the house for exercise, which I’m sure I wouldn’t very often feel like otherwise.

Thoro, that's the reason l got Toby, l especially asked the rescue for an older dog and a plodder. Due to my back problems and being older l couldn't take on a young energetic dog.
I can highly recommend Safe Rescue Norfolk as they do truly match you with the dog that suits your lifestyle and age.
Yes they can be a tie but the love and companionship outweigh that in my opinion.

I can't imagine life without a dog in it. They give us so much, yet ask for so little in return.

I’m not so sure I agree today! My cat required stroking at six o’clock this morning….. I wasn’t impressed.

Hmmmm!🤔 one small golden lab,( ate something she shouldn’t have) = one giant mess at 4:30 am.
Bless her though she did try and warn us, and cleverly avoided carpets.
Full of energy again by 6:30 though unfortunately for the humans…😴

My dogs helped me after my husband died. They were grieving as well but gave me comfort.
I’ve had a tough year with a fracture, then separately recent abdo surgery. As a result, My big daft young lab is boarding with a trainer friend. She loves him as I do despite him ‘not being a novice dog’. He should be home before too much longer
That Spaniel stayed with me, she’s the best nurse. She’s enjoyed me sitting or lying around more. She’s a real cuddle up girl
I’m fit enough now for gentle walks which suits her temperament. We meet lovely people. I’d have been lost without her during recovery

my first friend was kitten i was 4yrs old there have many many since a few fosters too but i become a sucker with them so i keep most of them63 years later i have a staffie and a manx cat

bad health problems for 5 yrs the kept me get better i live alone so no one else to take care of them .i had to get up every morning. and i adore them

I've got 2 cats wouldn't be without them loving and just wanna be fussed keeps your mood high.

They are wonderful tonics, every day our little rescue makes us howl with laughter. Neither of us are in good health and my husband suffers with depression she makes you get up and see the day in a more positive way. I used to slowly walk around our little park before we had her and could barely get a terse hallo or smile out of those I saw but have had many a conversation with people we meet since.x

I have to go against the grain at the moment, I'm afraid, due to living in a rural farmhouse with a large dog and 3 cats that have access 24/7 to most of our home. My husband thinks it's fine to not groom, bath or walk the dog, and until recently some cats were having kittens.
I am overwhelmed, with the dirt and things the dog brings in - bones, dead things from the property etc.
Now he wants another dog and it is a daily pressure, with me being shown pictures from rescue groups etc
I can't handle the dirt, animal hair, vomit, pee and poop any longer from what he owns already.
I like animals, but I don't want to own any.
I care for these ones but don't enjoy it. My health is poor and unfortunately the animals make things more difficult.
My husband is a dreamer; he thinks it's some sort of wonderful when he sees me sitting on the couch with three cats sitting on me but the reality is he's not doing what's needed to keep things hygienic in our home.
Not the animals fault and I care for them properly, and do love them,but if I had a choice I'd have an animal free home.

At night our 2 pussycats are locked in the kitchen and family room because they climb all over us and keep us awake otherwise. They are used to it and I just say ‘bedtime’ loudly when it is time and they obediently trot off and settle in there. Mind you, they always get a plate of food at night so it might just be greed rather than obedience! In the morning they come upstairs and kiss us and knead us before they go out. Lovely girls.

I love my little dog. He’s helped me through a very difficult time. He can be a handful at times, but all the love and joy he gives makes it all worthwhile. I’m sure I wouldn’t get up some morning’s were it not for him.
Like Redrobin, I’ve met some lovely people on our walks.

My cat is my constant companion. He trots after me from room to room and sits as close as possible to me. He's the last thing I see at night and the first thing I see in the morning. (Poor DH!).
A home without pets is unimaginable to me.

I was a lonely only child and my Dad brought home a kitten for me which followed me everywhere. Thus began my love of cats, and I have had one, sometimes two, all my life.

They have been wonderful companions, each with their own little personality and always affectionate and loving. They've all been moggies and rescue cats.

My lovely Phoebe helped me survive living alone during the pandemic. She follows me everywhere, her little face is the last thing I see at night and first thing in the morning. We know each other's routines and I love her. She's very chatty and likes "conversation".

I can't imagine living without a cat. I'd be miserable.

Yes! I lost my dog to cancer a few years ago. Without him to make me go out, combined with covid restrictions, I stayed in house, gained 30 pounds! I'm looking for another (senior) dog to adopt now...will definitely help me out, and I can help an old dog have a good rest if their life! Pets are amazing.

I havent had a dog since childhood and now in my fifties have a daft labrador. Honestly it is one of the best decisions of my life.

Absolutely agree. When my partner died I would have never got out of bed if it wasn’t for our dog. It’s a wonderful reason to get up and get on with your day. I live close to a canal and see such a variety of birds, flowers and wildlife. Blessed because I would never notice if it wasn’t for my dog.

No pets for me would be my idea of heaven. I do have a tomcat - almost 15 now and had him since he was 6 weeks old. Gorgeous little thing and so sweet tempered. But if and when he crosses the bridge of no return I shall miss him but won't "replace" him by getting another pet. Had a jack Russell terrier before him - another sweet soul, lived til she was 18. But animals need attention and I need my holidays !!

Always had rescue dogs and loved each and every one. Currently have a Romanian rescue, the hardest dog I've ever had, but truly loved to bits, she's my daily exercise, have to take her out come rain, snow or shine, plenty of rain in the Highlands of Scotland!! She keeps me fit and most days we do two miles, sometimes more and when we're away we go exploring together. She definitely makes me get up out and about, and yes do more for wellbeing than many realise.