Pet Appreciation Thread

Girl_Anachronism · ‎14-03-2014

Good Morning All,

I was watching my two cats this morning and realised just how much they have helped me. I have been in a low place for such a long time, that honestly a week or two ago, the only reason I could stand to wake up and get out of bed was because my two beautiful cats needed me to feed them, to love them. I would then go back to bed on the worst days. The only reason I didn't attempt to take my own life was the thought that they would need me tomorrow to do the same. I could go from unable to cry in despair to actually smiling and laughing at one of my cats chasing each other or jumping up on the bed for some love and attention. Since then I have another thing- a project I am working on to hold me here that I am actually enjoying. I haven't enjoyed something in months.

So while I know that there are many aspects to recovering- health professionals, family, friends, these forums and medication. All of which I need to combine to get better. I am not that much better at the moment, but I am a little better. I wouldn't have been here to feel this, if it weren't for my beautiful cats.

So this post is dedicated not only to my two furry friends, Sydney and Mayflower, but to all the pets out there, be they cats or dogs or rabbits or fish. When we feel at our lowest and we can't possibly talk to another human bieng, our pets come up to us and ask for nothing than to be in our company. Sometimes they save us from ourselves.

GA

Jo3 · ‎14-03-2014

Hi GA

You know we have a kelpie (Jersey) who is the most beautiful dog, intelligent and very loyal. When I am home alone she will come and sit right next to me, virtually on top of my feet and then lay down. When I have cried before she will come up to me and look at me with her big brown eyes.

I am positive that animals can sense when humans are upset, hurt or even happy. And I always love coming home from work and seeing Jersey jump up to me and I give you a big hug and it just makes me feel so loved.

Take care GA,

Jo

geoff · ‎15-03-2014

dear GA and Jo, I could not agree with the both of you any more.

The dogs especially Tessie was my partner for many years and she wouldn't let me go out without her, Moo-Moo is the same as well and I do love her, but there is no way I could ever be without them. L Geoff. x

emilyloveslily · ‎24-03-2014

Best post!!! My cat is the one of the best things in my life and always helps me when things are not great

Paws4Thought · ‎02-06-2014

Hi GA

Nice post!!!

I also owe my good days to my two furry friends - two very large dogs who I couldn't cope without.

One of them is an early bird - so her furry face nudging me under the covers makes me get out of bed each morning to let her out. Then the other one is a real bed-bug - so she always curls herself around me to give me the most loving cuddle possible.

Good luck to enjoying life with ALL of our best friends!

Starz · ‎03-06-2014

Couldn't have said it better. We have 2 beautiful dogs and they are the most caring little souls. There were days when their love was all that kept me going. They get close to me when I am upset, one of them tries to lick my tears although I don't let him (I am sure he is just after the salty water but it still feels special that he cares enough to try to lick my tears!). There are days where they were the only thing I smiled at. One of them would do something cute or klutzy and it would make me smile.

Their love just feels so good and pure and reminds me that I am worth loving even when I am in my darkest times. Thank goodness for these wonderful little furry babies.

EmmaP · ‎03-06-2014

Hi Girl_Anachronism,

What a fantastic post. You are so right! When I was much younger and had my best friend Apache- my pony whom I loved dearly, when everything seemed doom and gloom and I just needed to let it all out, I would go and grab him and bury my face in his mane and cry or talk it out to him while feeding him tid bits and I never felt like anyone else loved, understood or listened to me as well as Apache did. He is such a beautiful soul of a horse. He is so beautiful he is actually on long loan to the riding for the disabled and they use him for the most severely disabled kids.

My current girlfriend who is struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, Asperger's and depression plays with her housemate's dog Toby whenever she is feeling down. There is nothing that can make her happier than seeing his gorgeous face and wagging tail (he is a Border Collie) playing ball, wrestling or tug of war with her. It often takes her more than an hour to eat her food as she stops to play with Toby. She was recently in hospital for unrelated issues and when I went home to get her more clothes she begged me to take a video of Toby because she missed him so much. She was so happy to come home to him and snuggle with their other dog Duke on the lounge (he is much smaller than Toby and more snuggly).

Animals understand us like no one else will. They care and love us unconditionally.

Thank you for the post and good luck with your journey.

EmmaP

Paws4Thought · ‎03-06-2014

Nice one Starz.

I don't believe that your furry friend only tries to lick away your tears for the salt water though. If he did, he could just lick your hand, arm, leg or whatever. Nah, don't underestimate them - you must have earned so much love from them both that they'll each do whatever they can to make you happy again.

I totally agree that our dogs give us such good, pure love - it's a wonderful gift.

Good on ya!

Mishka · ‎16-06-2014

What a lovely post, I couldn't imagine life without my dogs, there like my kids. I have a German shepherd and a pug. Whenever I see pets I smile and start to relax. I don't know what is but I think animals are way better than people ! No one cheers me up like my dogs.

Girl_Anachronism · ‎26-06-2014

Hi All,

Good to see this thread still going!

I had two german shepherds growing up. They are lovely dogs. One of them passed away when I was 16, due to a heart attack ( he was 12 years old) but my sister still has the other one, who is turning 13 this year herself. While her sight and hearing are starting to go, she is just a happy excitable puppy as ever and always happy to see me when I visit.

I personally struggled to get out of bed at all recently, particularly after I lost my precious Sydney, my russian blue kitty. I still don't know if she is ok, or if someone else is taking care of her. I have gotten a new kitten, a pure white called Elsa. She makes me get out of bed every morning, waking me at 6 for food. But I have pulled myself back from the edge because I want to see her grow up, I want to see her become the long legged kitty that she is already showing signs of being.

I look at her now, sleeping at my feet, full of breakfast and can't help but smile, no matter how sad I am.

Pets really make such a difference

GA