Getting a dog/pet?

[sullengirl]

Due to my age and familial circumstances (giant family), I'm forced to consider prolonging my stay on Earth for at least 4-5 more years. However, if I continue to live and suffer the way I have been, I surely will lose what's left of my mind and spirit. The only solution I can imagine is adopting an adult dog. Does owning an animal alleviate day-to-day suffering at all? Or is it a temporary cure to loneliness that has no long term effect on suffering?

 

[Science Is Scary]

If you don't mind me asking, do you have any particular health conditions (like disabilities or mental disorders)? It may change the answer somewhat.

 

[Final Escape]

I had lived alone for a long time, and I was really struggling with the isolation, and having borderline personality disorder makes me have a really hard time being alone a lot. I would get stuck in my head and ruminate. I would get caught in bad thinking and go down the rabbit hole in my mind where I felt I was going crazy. Finally I broke down and adopted the first available kitten I could find on Craigslist. I can't really afford him but I also can't not afford him. He has greatly helped my mental state. I feel so much more mentally stable because this cat gives consistent nonjudgmental love and attention.

He's always available well besides wen he's sleeping but u know what I mean. He's always there for me to cry on, he sleeps near me at night and purrs beside my head lol! An animal wether dog or cat at first it's kind of uncomfortable, but then u adjust and u get used to them. They will bond not necessarily right away u have to give it a chance till u build the trust. He has alleviated the suicidal ideation even though I still feel like I might have to because I can't really afford older age. I'm just not prepared in any way to live as an older person alone especially. No retirement or any savings. Ctb is my retirement unfortunately.

 

[sullengirl]

If you don't mind me asking, do you have any particular health conditions (like disabilities or mental disorders)? It may change the answer somewhat.

Pretty severe Crohn's, PCOS, a couple other problems in that realm and a couple other elsewhere. In terms of mental conditions, depression, anxiety, & C-PTSD, since I was a kid. I'm hoping that having a companion will at least help with the mental part of it.

I had lived alone for a long time, and I was really struggling with the isolation, and having borderline personality disorder makes me have a really hard time being alone a lot. I would get stuck in my head and ruminate. I would get caught in bad thinking and go down the rabbit hole in my mind where I felt I was going crazy. Finally I broke down and adopted the first available kitten I could find on Craigslist. I can't really afford him but I also can't not afford him. He has greatly helped my mental state. I feel so much more mentally stable because this cat gives consistent nonjudgmental love and attention.

He's always available well besides wen he's sleeping but u know what I mean. He's always there for me to cry on, he sleeps near me at night and purrs beside my head lol! An animal wether dog or cat at first it's kind of uncomfortable, but then u adjust and u get used to them. They will bond not necessarily right away u have to give it a chance till u build the trust. He has alleviated the suicidal ideation even though I still feel like I might have to because I can't really afford older age. I'm just not prepared in any way to live as an older person alone especially. No retirement or any savings. Ctb is my retirement unfortunately.

Oh yes, I definitely relate to the being in my head. I live with my family, but I'm pretty much isolated – all closed doors or otherwise infrequently home. Thank you for sharing your experience with your kitten, anyone can feel the love you have for your companion. I'm going to look for older dogs, maybe even older cats.
Wishing good things and peace for you, I'm sorry that you feel like you have to ctb. I wish the world were different...

 

[Secrets1]

Absolutely. Especially based on what you described. Just recognize there is some responsibility. If you have the means it is quite healthy responsibility. Will want to do your homework ahead of time to maximize the fulfillment for both you and your 4 legged friend.

 

[BlueWidow]

I haven't owned any pets in my adult life, but when I was a kid, I had two different dogs that both helped me through very difficult times. In both cases, it was almost like they knew when I was depressed and they would come over and put their heads in my lap and look up at me. I could talk to each one of them and it almost seemed like they understood what I was saying. Of course, I was heartbroken when each one of them passed away, which is part of the reason I've never gotten another pet. But I would say yes dogs are excellent companions. You would have to figure out how active you would want to be so that you could figure out what the best breed of dog was for you. You wouldn't want to get a bigger active dog, if what you want is a dog that will sit in your lap all day, for example.
Good luck.

 

[Jean4]

I have 4 cats. 1 I am surgically attached to and vice versa. A very wise person told me I couldn't leave him.

He's right. When I was hospitalized after a failed attempt all I could think about was that cat.

 

[Worthless_nobody]

Having a pet can definitely help depression and loneliness. In my personal experience my dog is one of the only reasons I'm still here. He gets me out of bed when I don't want to and he gives me a sort of purpose since he depends on me. As a word of advice if you adopt an animal through a rescue group make sure it has a temperament suited for you, (usually rescue groups are honest but one actually lied to me about the temperament of a dog I was looking to adopt.) For me personally a hyper dog would stress me out and I got super lucky with a good rescue group and with my sweet boy because he is just a calm love. Honestly I think I would have already ctb if it wasn't for my dog.

 

[Lefty]

I know from having dogs that they can be really helpful with mental health issues. Though most animals/pets can be healthful for mental health. Having a animal cuddle up with you is nice and relaxing and can relieve stress. They can also help you feel relaxed.

 

[mediocre]

I've considered adopting cats/kittens I know they'd help my mental health immensely but I'm too f'ed up mentally and physically to properly look after them...

 

[Scarlett00]

I have a cat and she is absolutely the best thing in my life. Just knowing that she will be there day in and day out is so comforting and the fact that she doesn't judge me is lovely. I really recommend getting a pet if you are able to look after it properly. They're so relaxing to have around.

 

[SlackJim]

sometimes I only get out of bed because of my dog

 

[Jean4]

I also have found I monitor my Depression by the cat box. If I don't clean it, I know the Depression is kicking in. I just forced myself to clean it. Have been missing days lately.

 

[Weakling666]

I recently got a support dog for depression and anxiety. I will say that they are a good distraction, and the one I have happens to like to wrestle and cuddle, so. I've never liked animals, but for what it's worth when I look into her eyes and she looks at me, I find myself momentarily at peace.

 

[xBrialesana]

My dog is what kept me alive. He just passed away this week, living until 20. I'm 25. I promised him I'd hold on for him since held on for me. He was my hero and my purpose. He depeneded for everything in his old age.
Hell, even a fish.

 

[Jean4]

I recently got a support dog for depression and anxiety. I will say that they are a good distraction, and the one I have happens to like to wrestle and cuddle, so. I've never liked animals, but for what it's worth when I look into her eyes and she looks at me, I find myself momentarily at peace.

My cat Milo was registered as an emotional support cat. I do understand.

 

[Secrets1]

My dog is what kept me alive. He just passed away this week, living until 20. I'm 25. I promised him I'd hold on for him since held on for me. He was my hero and my purpose. He depeneded for everything in his old age.
Hell, even a fish.

I'm sorry your pup recently passed, 20 is a blessing... Some people might say he was hanging around for you. Animals are mysterious.

I experienced the same with my dogs. Had a pack of 3 and 1 old guy left. They kept me alive through the darkest days, planned to ctb with them once the last one went. But as I got down to 1 spent everyday mourning his death instead of savoring the moment so I got a puppy. Helped me look forward and now I'm back in the dog commitment cycle, it may be a blessing in disguise time will tell. However, i trained this one as a psych service dog so I can decide to ctb wouldn't feel as bad passing her off to someone else in need compared to splitting up my 3 other dogs who had lived together their entire lives. Plus, despite their loyalty I can see my depression is contagious and sometimes think they deserve a fuller household with more warmth and happiness.

 

[LittleJem]

I share a dog with my soon to be ex husband. I found it a real struggle to take proper care of my dog. I did force myself out to walk her - and that was a good thing - but often would walk her late in the day. I do like her sitting on my lap and I do love her. I find her a little bit of a stress and a little bit of a comfort. For me, it depends what mood I'm in.

Being not so great at looking after a dog made me realise I would definitely not be fit to have children - so I am pleased I made that wise decision.

Now I am separated from my husband, I see my dog when I can and when I'm well enough.

 

[WingedFallen]

My cats are a big part of why I'm still alive today. Thinking of willingly leaving them, even when I'm at my lowest, tends to pull me back because they are one of those few things in my life that I consider totally positive. They were especially vital to me in the years immediately following my mother's death when I was 21. I like dogs too, don't get me wrong, but cats are more my speed. One thing to consider here is that a dog requires quite a bit more hands on care than a cat, and more of your time and energy, but that may be just what you want or need anyway. The dog will certainly devote more of its energy to you than a cat, but some cats absolutely love to cuddle. One of mine will literally lay in your lap all day long if you let him, and is kind of demanding about it if you're busy. Either way, I literally can't imagine living a life without at least one pet. I've got three cats and want more, and a dog or two, if I could afford to take care of more.

 

[mattwitt]

At first glance I thought the title said "Eating a dog/pet?"

 

[Jean4]

At first glance I thought the title said "Eating a dog/pet?"

Tastes like chicken
The only reason I am here is because of my 4 cats.

 

[puppy9]

If I get a puppy. How will my 10 year old cat would react? The reason that I don't adopt another cat; I don't want to hurt her feelings.

 

[Throwawaysoul]

I want a dog. But I can't pick up shit. Just a bag between my hand a a warm turd makes me gag just typing it.

 

[mediocre]

I want a dog. But I can't pick up shit. Just a bag between my hand a a warm turd makes me gag just typing it.

That's why I like cats they go in the litter box. Plus they're more independent and don't crave your attention 24/7.

 

[Jean4]

I am here because of my cats.

 

[LegaliseIt!]

In October, 2018, I had to surrender my Beagle to the rescue that I got him from because I could no longer care for him. It was horrible

 

[mediocre]

In October, 2018, I had to surrender my Beagle to the rescue that I got him from because I could no longer care for him. It was horrible View attachment 22851

Aw I'm so sorry I can't imagine how hard that was. I know someone who had a beagle and they found them very hard to look after. They take a lot of work and training. He was cute and all but very headstrong he was around 2 or 3 and still wouldn't respond to being called you could never let him off the leash or he would go off and not come back. I remember him being very standoffish with strangers too unlike other breeds. Or maybe it's just me. lol.

 

[mathieu]

I find having a dog gives me some joyful moments where I'm focusing on him and I can't imagine how bad the loneliness would be without him but still it's not quite as good as having a person with me. I still feel very lonely and want to ctb.

 

[BPD Barbie]

Animals, especially dogs, have always given me so much comfort it's unreal.

 

[dyingtodie]

I like my cat a lot. I adopted her in October to try to 'save my life', after my last cat who adopted me last christmas vanished into the forest in the summer. I was very low after that cat vanished...as she was who saved my life by coming to my house every day, when nobody else would visit me, check on me...I never even fed her as she was my neighbors, so I knew her affection was real.

The new cat, She really turned things around. I like opening a can of food for her when I wake up and know that I helped someone out. Shes an outside cat. I still think of leaving. Every day. Especially right now, when all the idiots around me are shooting guns and blowing up fireworks, here in dumfukistan. The shelters are croweded.