HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

the comfort of pets

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/21/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I haven't been a member long but but have found it helpful over the last couple of weeks as I've started dealing with a relapse and going back on my medication.
Any way, I was wondering what part pets have played in other members recovery? Have they helped? do they know when your down?
I've got a big fat cat called Trix. He seems to know when I'm not myself. Lately he's been sticking really close to me when i'm home, sleeping right up next to me at night (it's still summer here and the nights are still 25 deg.c + so a living hot water bottle isn't always welcome :) He does drive me crazy sometimes. I live on my own and it's nice to have to have another life around. Plus cats are excellent role models when it comes to relaxing wink
Posted 2/21/2012 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Truer words were never spoken.  I have found over the years that my pets have been very in tune with my moods.  They are such a comfort to me when I'm anxious and since I live alone they provide company I wouldn't otherwise have.  And they love you so unconditionally it's amazing.  I have a three year old West Highland Terrier who's the smartest little guy I've ever met and I also have a 4-month old Golden Retriever who's the sweetest thing ever, but driving me crazy at the moment because he's so active (and I'm 64).  But I wouldn't trade either of them for the world because they ARE my world now with my three sons grown and out of the house.  And as crazy as I feel some days, they always think I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread....who could ask for more.
Posted 2/21/2012 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Great thread idea BD! I suspect you are going to hear a lot of pet testimonials:)

If I wake up in the middle of the night worried, there is something really comforting about the rhythmic purring of one of my cats. Soft, warm fur is also an anxiety buster:)

Give all of your pets some hugs and cuddles today!

S.C.
Posted 2/21/2012 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Part 2...

I forgot to mention that there are actually Service Dogs for those individuals suffering from severe/clinical depression. These animals can sense if their owner is going into a dangerous low and be of assistance by being present/nudging them to call for help! Amazing animals!

...and btw bella, you are 100% right about cats being good role models of relaxation. lol! I am pretty sure mine are still curled up in beds upstairs right now!

S.C.
Posted 2/21/2012 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yessssssssssss and dogs know how to relax too.  smhair   Mine spends most of his time sleeping or being petted.  He is just a bit spoiled but knows when I am having a hard time and comes right to me and lays his head in my lap. 

He is loving and a great comfort even thow there are times he is a bit demanding.  Kind of like my children were when they were living at home but my dog never tells me he hates me when he doesn't get his own way.  smilewinkgrin

He is a 90 lb black and tan Doberman male named Memphis. He is a retired show dog and has both  American and Canadian titles. His registered name is Pinecrest' Standing Ovation aka Memphis. You can tell not only do I love him to pieces but I am very proud of him.

He was a gift from my daughter to be exactly what SC was referring to - a therapy dog. 

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 2/23/2012 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
For me It's not just the company he provides but the fact he forces me to focus on something beyond myself, which I think is a good thing for me. I got my cat about 6 months after my dad passed away. As you can imagine it was a pretty bad time for me. I got him from the RSPCA as a 9 year old. He's a big boy weighing in at about 7.5 kgs (approx. 16 lb. He was that big when I got him) Even though he's an older cat he still has a few tricks left in him. The time he dragged home an entire cooked chicken is still the talk of my unit block :)
I miss having dogs around. As much as I love my cat there is something special about dogs. I live in a little studio apartment so it's out of the question at the moment and I don't think my cat would approve :). Before I moved into a place that let me have pets I used to walk peoples dogs because I missed being around animals so much plus as a student the bit of extra cash didn't hurt. I think having the extra incentive to get out of the house with minimum pressure helped my recovery too.
Posted 2/23/2012 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Your cat sounds awesome! An entire cooked chicken? Lol! Somebody was cursing and missing their dinner that night! I bet he was so proud to be bringing that offering home!

I think you are right about everything you said about how animals can better us!

I also think you are wise to not introduce a dog...I am not sure the dog would make it!:)

Give your big boy a hug and a scratch for us!

S.C.
Posted 2/23/2012 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
My dogs are always surrounding me all the time anyway, but especially when I start getting anxious or having a panic attack. I don't know what i'd do without them. I have grown up with dogs all my life, German Shepherds mostly. I currently have 2 German Shepherds (Malikai and Sampson), a Black Lab/Border Collie mix (Lexi), a Malti-Poo (Chloe), and a West Highland Terrier (Buddy).

Kai will not leave the bedroom until I get up in the morning, the other four will go outside when hubby gets up, to go to the bathroom, but then Lexi and Buddy will come right back in the bedroom and stay until I get up. LOL!

My Lexi is a border collie/black lab mix, and if i'm feeling super anxious or having a panic attack, she's right there nudging me and laying her head on my lap, trying to comfort or distract me. She's so attached to me that I can't even go to the bathroom without her being in there with me. It's funny because i'll be sitting there trying to do my "business" and there she is, staring right in my face!

I LOVE my dogs, there's nothing like a furry friend to keep you company and comfort you when you need it, and they ALWAYS know when you need it.
Posted 2/25/2012 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
We adopted a 3 yr old Russian Blue cat at Christmas time for our kids. Our 6 yr old named him Frankie. his name at the humane society was McDougal. Wasn't really kid friendly. my 3 yr old calls him " frankie the dougal " a lot lol
Anyway..I love this cat! I have never been a pet person...but this cat brings me such peace . I even talk to him like hes a friend, and he just listens:)

One weird thing though, is that the cat doesn't purr. Ive never heard or seen this before.
Posted 2/25/2012 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Lol CB...we have the opposite...one of our cats purrs so loudly that after awhile he really gets going, and starts to almost chirp/squeak.

It sounds like he should be taken in for a tune-up!;p

S.C.
Posted 2/26/2012 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats Carlybob :) I hope he's settling in to his new life. good on you for getting a slightly older cat. they can get over looked for new homes but at 3 he'd still be fully of mischief. My neighbour used to laugh at me for talking to my cat now he does it too.
enjoy the many years of lols ahead
Posted 2/26/2012 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
I have a beautiful, big house rabbit. She is lovely and soft with huge ears and feet. She loves being petted and grinds her teeth in happiness (not many people know that rabbits do make noises!). She will sit on me for ages and sometimes falls asleep with little snores. She 'grooms' me as if I am another rabbit. If I lie on the floor she will come over and lie close to me, full length, she loves company and attention. She is my therapy when I am stressed. Just stroking her calms me more than anything! x
Posted 2/27/2012 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
I love rabbits! We used to have Netherland dwarfs (3 over the years) and they make great pets:)

Give your bunny a big hug for me!

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply