Pets - tell us about yours

[Music_Freak]

I was just searching for an old thread here about how pets help us with mental illness/health and it seems to be gone, so I thought I'd start another one.

As some of you know already, I have a black cat named Buddy and he's my life, basically. I have no friends or contact with family currently, so he's it. Knowing he's around is a great comfort and during bad periods he's generally the only thing that gets me out of bed.

So, go ahead and share anything about your pets and make us all smile.

[fred4761]

Hi everyone, I have two Miniature Pinschers, George and Agatha, that have been great at helping with my depression/anxiety/ocd. Playing with them or even just watching them play together is so entertaining and a good distraction from negative thoughts. I also have three cats which love snuggles and pats . . . I find the sound of their purring to be calming.

The dogs also encourage me to be more active and to get out and about by wanting to go for walks. On days that I am feeling unmotivated I still get up and tend to my pets and then once I am up and doing things it is easier to keep going and do more things. A couple of years ago when I was in a bad place and was staying in bed all day my husband fed my dogs a chicken neck each in the kitchen. I smelt something disgusting and Agatha had brought her chicken neck to me and placed it on my pillow right by my face - I am certain that she was trying to communicate something like "here you go Mum, have my chicken neck, it always make me feel better". It did get me out of bed at least and I couldn't help but laugh and smile at her generosity! I love my pets so much.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Fred

I really like your observation that your dogs get you out of the house walking. Who could ignore a min pin? I'm sure Agatha and George would never tolerate that!

The physical exercise is important to recovery but I also like the social side that this activity creates. I have made many friends whilst out walking in my neighborhood with my dog, Scout.

Our pets can help us connect with others and reduce isolation. Some days Scout is the only one I talk to all day until we go out for a walk and I inevitably meet up with a neighbour or sometimes a complete stranger for a chat.

Scout enjoys the other dog or attention from another human and I connect with another person- win/win!

[Music_Freak]

Poor Buddy must be so cold. My phone says it's 12° outside and he's barely left his leg tent.

I think I might have to try and find a heating mat or something for him.

[Music_Freak]

I swear Buddy just understood me...

I had to kick him off the bed to remake it because the sheets were all messed up and tangled and told him “don't worry you can get in bed with me in a minute”

Lo and behold as soon as I was in bed, he jumps on, walks over to my head and I feel a gentle paw tap me on the shoulder. That's his “OK, lift up the covers for me, please”.

[Summer Rose]

Buddy really gets you. That's so sweet.

Scout tries really hard to get me. She has learned the word "go" all on her own by listening to me talk. Whenever I say "go" she knows I'm leaving and races to me to try and stop me. It's so cute but it breaks my heart to leave her every time.

[justaburden]

My fur baby is a 3 year old red headed, champagne body Shih Tzu name Milleigh. She is the love of my life. I have been through some very tough stuff in the last 16 months and she has been my salvation. She comes running if I sneeze to see if I am ok. But its when I am in tears that she is such a comfort. She brings me so much joy and a smile to my face. She sleeps cuddled up next to me and warms my heart when she snuffles and snort during the night. When I get home she is the most excited. She stands on her back legs almost jumping with joy. I dont know what I would do without her.

[Lici]

I'm a little bit concerned for my cat Jasper at the moment. My boyfriend was patting him and he yawned which is when we noticed that he's missing one of his top fangs. I'm going to have to save up some money to take him to the vet I think, just to make sure it's not a gum disease or anything. 😕 I have pet insurance for him, but of course the one extra I didn't get on the cover was dental as I couldn't afford it. Sigh. I hope he's ok. Does anyone know if it's normal for cats around 9/10yrs old to lose teeth?

Kind regards,

Lici

[Summer Rose]

Hi Lici

I can't answer your question (sorry) but I once found an "ask a vet" paid service on the internet. I think it was about $20. Of course, you can Google it for free! Best wishes to you and Jasper x

[Music_Freak]

Hmmm, I'm not sure, but it's a possibility. Try online like SR suggested. I've found many answers to animal questions with helper Google 🙂

I think gum disease would mean red, inflamed, bleeding gums and yellow “crusty” looking teeth at the gum line, but I'm not a 100% sure. I think it's a lot like human gums.

Could the tooth have been knocked out in some way? Is the root still there?

Good luck and look after Jasper. Try softening dry food with a little water if eating is an issue.

[Lici]

Hi Summer Rose and Music Freak,

Thanks for the advice. It's really appreciated. I did a Google search and most of the stuff I found said injury or gum disease. His gums still look pink and healthy though and he seems to be eating fine. It's strange because he hasn't shown any signs of bleeding or inflammation etc so we had no idea he had lost one and it looks perfectly healed which suggests he lost it a while ago. If only cats showed their teeth more like dogs!

I'll keep an eye on his eating more closely and start looking around for a vet. I only moved to this area recently so haven't found a new vet yet.

anyways I'm off to bed. Thanks again for the replies. Silly ball of fluff, if only they could talk to us and tell us when things were wrong!

I hope you both have a good night!

Kind regards,

Lici