Poll Do You Have Pets / Animal Companions?

[freakofnurture]

Biiig kitty. I used to hate cats, but now I like their little sociopathic personalities.

 

[Wanting a life]

Can´t tell you how much I want to be in a position to have a pet again!!!!! I NEED something alive that will love me unconditionally. Being homeless makes it impossible right now. One of my biggest sadnesses.

 

[myself]

I had a cat for over 12-ish years, and loved her dearly; having her around was a huge comfort but she died and I haven't got a new animal companion since I can't have one where I live right now. I would if I could though, and would spoil her with all kinds of treats and love.

How does one get a pet labeled as a "service animal"? My dad has a service dog to help him with his physical disabilitys and mobility issues, and we had to jump thru a lot of hoops to get a really smart and highly trained dog for him. But what I am looking for is a comforting pet, to calm me down and give me compainionship, it dosen't have to be super smart and highly trained.

 

[myself]

I did better when my cat was around, she was very soothing

 

[Wanting a life]

I wondered the same thing, myself. I think having a "doctor's order" and a service animal might open doors as far as where you live - I'm not sure. As in, does ADA require landlords to allow someone with a service animal to rent even if they prefer "no pets?"

 

[Jen93]

I have my doggie Bijou. She's a bichon frise, and she's a huge wimp. She has separation anxiety and doesn't like to be left alone for too long. She like my mother the best, and although she will let me hug her and kiss her head for a minute, she's claustrophobic or something too, 'cause after a minute she runs away. :(

 

[Lionheart]

I have a kitten/cat, She can be very affectionate; she likes to crawl up in my arms and press herself against my chest so she can feel my heartbeat and go to sleep.Other times she will crawl onto my shoulder and press her face against my cheek and then fall asleep.

I love it when she does that, it makes me feel loved, wanted, needed, etc. The other reason I like having a cat is that she seems so detached and independent and yet the minute you stop paying any attention to her, she comes running back for more love. lol :laugh: She loves me and she's not fooling anyone, but I think it's cute that she tries to remain aloof.

 

[Barberian]

Although my wife and I have many pets. I consider only one to be "mine". He is a cat I raised with me after I retired from the navy and was a truck driver. He lived with me in the truck. He would sit on my lap most of the time as I drove unless I was in heavy traffic or driving in dangerous conditions. I quit driving Dec 08, due to diabetes. He still spends most of the time I'm awake and in the house on my lap. When he's not on my lap, he is usually within sight of me.

 

[Smallhold]

Yes I have a dog, German Shepherd. I don't like getting dogs from breeders but take in rescued dogs instead. Ex-chain dogs, strays, abused dogs.
These dogs exists already, often had a terrible life and can live in safety with me.

The current dog is the most messed up one I've ever had. It's fair to say she has a PTSD sign on her back in large bold letters. But that's fine cos she can be herself with me and I let her have her little quirks within human-dog boundaries.

She provides me structure, we have to walk every day. She gives me protection as well as love unconditionally.

 

[Lionheart]

Smallhold, I think it is a great thing that you do!!! These dogs need the kind of safety, love, and attention that you can give them. I think it is very cool!!!!:)

 

[Smallhold]

Thank you Lionheart777.
It's a lot of work to rehabilitate an abused dog but so very much worthwhile.
Some achieve more than others but all improve their quality of life. Their happiness once they gain trust again is worth all the hassle.

Due to my arthritis I can no longer work as a therapist. But the skills are still there and now applied to dogs :) Not to compare humans to dogs but the principle of building trust and letting the other be what they are until they want to change, is the same.

Thank you for your kind words and understanding.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I have a Japanese Chin named Belle, and a tabby cat named Loki. They are my companions. They love to be pet. But Belle chases Loki around alot. This is a good topic. I love having animals. They take the loneliness away.