Pets help you feel good

Truffle43 I feel exactly tge same when I am looking afrer my friend's dog. Amazing how many people stop to chat.

I am unable to have pets as I have a severe allergy to fur or feather.
I meet lots of dogs on my walks and the way some greet me is heartwarming. I'm especially fond of a German Shepherd who runs to me for a fuss when I see him.

We lost our little Cairn this year - he was the joy of our life - but being nearly 80 we feel that we couldn’t give another dog what it needs for a happy snd healthy life so have reluctantly decided not to get another dog.

We are finding it incredibly difficult though, but must be strong for the animals welfare.

However, the joy of having a wee four legged furry friend was great, they make your heart happy

I did have a cat but she died this year and I've struggled to get my head round another pet. I'm on my own and love cats and dogs alike, but worry about organising their looking after if I was going away somewhere. It was always a problem with my last cat as she was very timid and reluctantly went to a cattery on occasion, latterly I just didn't go away.

Oh I'm with you there. I have a fairly elderly Westie who is the joy of my life. Walking twice daily now ( it used to be 3 times). It keeps me fit and sometimes it's the only time I see and talk to people , they don't always have dogs.
Also see the beautifully kept gardens in our local park.

I ran dog training for over 35 years. I often visited people in their own homes before they came to classes.
I met two ladies who had agoraphobia and we worked on taking their dog out for support. They then attended classes on their own.,,and could go shopping .
Many lonely elderly comforted by their dog snd could meet others through it.
I had a number of children with major problems ( OCD, anxiety taking various forms, children and adults grieving for a loved one, autism,
People with physical problems teaching the dog to assist them.
I had referrals from social services for many different issues.
I could go on.
What amazing creatures these dogs are.

sadly we are not allowed pets at these flats and I am sorry about that. But I am happy to help out with friends pets. Not quite the same though and when I am awake in a lot of pain at 3am it would be so good to have an animal to lovel . ah well

In a word - YES!

Have had cats, dogs & other pets all my life could not imagine being without! Recently lost my little rescue girl of 10 years to the same type tumour that took her Mum 4 years ago! Now have adopted an older indoor boy who is trying hard to get used to love as he doesnt seem to have had much before! He is still shy & scares easily, will not be brushed too much, long haired, a lovely boy who I would not be without now. He has arthritis so seeing vet next week to try to help him move easier. He keeps me as near to sane as I will ever be 😹

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.

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 !!

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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…😴