I don't know if any of you have a pet, but I feel like a pet is a great friend to have while trying to get through anything. I have found that my pets get me through the day when I am feeling really low. It doesn't have to be an alcohol or a drug addiction, but do any of you have pets? Would you consider owning a pet to help you deal with the pressures of life?
A pet is perfect when you have an addiction. A much better choice over being in a relationship with a person. Your pet can't talk & they're someone you are now responsible for. You fall in love with them & they never fail you. Because, honestly, peeing on the rug isn't failing you it's failing the rug.
Pet responsibility is a real thing, especially if your pet is a dog--they're basically babies who never grow up. I have a very vocal husky named Bronco and SHE(weird name for female dog I know, but my kid insisted on it) is very affectionate. The first few weeks were like taking care of my kids when they were babies again. It's not that bad though, my kids love sharing in the responsibility and the situation is doing a better job of teaching them about it than I possibly ever could. Having a pet during recovery in my experience is a wonderful thing. At the time my kids stayed with their mom and I had just gotten a dog. This was all before Bronco. I named him Max. I didn't put too much effort into naming him because I had just gotten him from an animal shelter to have some company. he was an old mutt and he was dying. Days passed and I could tell that we were forming a bond, because of his illness and how I was emotionally and physically at the time. That dog stayed with me through the worst of times; something that not even my ex-wife could do. Rest in peace Max. I hope you're proud of me buddy.
We do have pets in the household and I grew up having pets always. They are part of family and so true that they an bring joy and comfort. Pets are always there and loving the family.
I'm huge on pets - mostly dogs. There's a reason many dogs are trained as Therapy Dogs. When I'm down a fuzzy hug from my golden retriever always helps. On the other hand - as stated above - with pets comes responsibility to care for them. Good luck! - Check your local shelter for a furry friend!
If you get a pet and you become extremely connected to it, it will be very beneficial to fighting loneliness and addictions. I am very close to my dog and cat and it really helps me get over things when I am with them.
Isn't that the truth. Those eyes seem to always say "I've got your back". They don't write you off or suggest you are useless. I could write all day about my "girls". No question that with pets come responsibility and that in itself is an asset to you the person. They teach us things and help in our self development. Here is link I found that our dogs can teach us. http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/stories/personalgrowth/Things.shtml
It is not that I do not like a pet and it is the responsibilities of taking care of them that I am afraid. My siblings and their families all had pets in their house and they all like dogs of different breeds. I knew sometimes it is expensive too like their dog foods and some accessories needed by them. But I knew how these dogs makes them smile all the time when they go home after work and their children after going home from school they look first their pets at once. Spending a little time playing and cuddling with these pets ease their stresses for the day.
It's true they do come with a price, but the price is well worth it. I never thought they could dig into my heart like they did. Sometimes, I feel like they saved me from making any more serious mistakes in my life. The smiles they bring, it warms the heart. The money you spend to take care of them, is money you might otherwise be spending at a therapist.
I can see exactly what your issue may be. Though you should try thinking of it like this if you have an addiction: You have been living your life selfishly & for you alone. How's that been going? Now imagine you have this innocent & pure creature that is totally reliant on you to be self sufficient & able to care for them. In exchange you get unconditional love. That's a plus for both parties.
Pet therapy is a real thing and it certainly can help a lot of situations. Having not only the love and affection/companionship of a pet but also that extra responsibility to another living thing can be a great motivator.
Pets are great companions and like Joan has mentioned, sometimes they are even better for you than humans in some situations like if you're in recovery. Having a pet around can help people feel less depressed and lonely, and since they don't talk they don't end up nagging or judging you which I personally think is great for allowing people to have realizations.
Pets are a fantastic way of staying grounded to reality. I would recommend something with a decent amount of maintenance, like a dog, so you don't have idle hands.
Dogs are especially good to have because they are so dependent on you taking care of them and in a way they take care of you too. A dog needs to be walked, which gets you out for exercise. They also need your love and nurturing, which takes your mind off things that are ailing you. They are so cute that you can't help but love them.
A pet is a great idea, and I can't believe it's something I have never though of. A dog is a man's best friend, but you can talk to any pet you wan't, and spend time with it. It's sort of like a hobby, but rather a friend that you're spending you're time on. I personally would love a pet that I could interact with, but this is a great idea.
@JoanMcWench ..Like what I said in my previous post "It is not that I do not like a pet and it is the responsibilities of taking care of them that I am afraid of".. I am not living my life selfishly and for myself alone. It is for health reason that is why I do not have a pet compared to my siblings who all had dogs as their pets. My doctor advised me to do so. I am not a selfish person and I am being love by my whole family because of my generosity and love for them. What more with these living creatures that I also like but sad to say cannot be.
@Winterybella Yes it is true that some of them do come with a price especially those dogs of different breeds that I mentioned in previous post. Like what I had said these pets makes all my siblings and their children to smile always and be happy all the time. Their dogs brings happiness in their homes and makes everybody to have a close bonding moments while cuddling and playing with these living creatures in their life.
I love taking care of my pet cat. She somehow enables me to feel positive and have a good outlook about life. Taking care of pets also gives you some sort of responsibility which can be a good way of boosting your self-esteem. Also, you'll never feel alone when you are with a company of furry friends. They reduce your loneliness in a way.
I wasn't referring specifically to you. It was a general reference to addicts living selfishly. If you're allergic, or something to that affect, that's an issue separate of what I was referring to. I was just using your post as a catalyst into explaining how an addict COULD benefit from a pet. It's not a necessity either way.
I have a rather old cat who needs a lot of love and attention. Anytime we are sitting on the couch, she comes up to snuggle with us. The purring is comforting and let's me know that she is happy. You really have to be committed if you are going to get a pet, because they are a big responsibility and they do need you to take care of them.