Having A Pet

[heidi]

I'm just wondering for those of you who have pets how many percentage points would you say they help you? Like do they make your life 10 percent better? 18 percent? I'm sure I sound autistic with the percentages but just roughly. I just wonder if having a pet or two is maybe one of the best things for this disorder and is there anyone who doesn't have one?

Also by what percent do you think therapy helps?

 

[intothelight]

I can't put a value on having a pet, as they enrich my life in so many way. But as someone who has PTSD, I think having a pet is one of the most positive things in my life.

They love unconditionally. They provide a reason to get out of bed and function even when you don't want to. They give you affection. They are a reason to get out and about. They help you meet new people. They can give you a reason to exercise. They provide a sense of purpose.

But before getting a pet, it is good to think about the type that is compatible with one's lifestyle and financial resources. A good match is a rewarding relationship, but a bad match can cause much stress.

 

[heidi]

I know it sounds cold to make a percentage. But I just think it's amazing that anything can help. Let alone help a lot.

 

[intothelight]

Heidi,

My dog Zeus gave me a reason to stay alive when I didn't want to. Really, if not for Zeus I don't think I would be here today.

Deb

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I think having pets is invaluable. I have a little dog and a cat. They keep us on our toes. They are so cute and cuddly. My dog is always following me around. She cuddles me. She wakes me up in the morning. When we go for our mocha frappes, we take her with us. She gets so excited to go for a car ride.

And when we come home, she is so happy to go in the house. She runs around wild playing with her toys. I am so glad that we have her.

When we moved I had to get rid of all of my dogs and cats because we did not have the room for them. It was terrible to be going without animals. We have always had animals. They bring alot of life and comfort. I highly recommend having pets.

We have a low energy dog, because we are low energy people. It is a good match. Our dog is very good for my husband who is sick. I hope this helped. I love it when she cuddles me. She likes to sit on our laps. But we have to watch her because she loves to chew anything she can get her mouth on. I have lost many a pen. But we baby proofed the house so it is not as bad now.

 

[KP the nut]

I couldn't have survived without my dogs.

At my worst, I woke up one morning and thought that I have nothing to get up for. As I thought that, one of my dogs came and rested his head on me and stared into my face, I looked into his brown eyes and I swear a voice said to me from him, you have me, get up for me. He is so empathic, he wakes me from nightmares and is always at my side.

I have to walk him and my other dog and no matter how low I feel, it makes me smile to see them run and chase. Then of course, there is a constant supply of teddies which he brings me and the huge doggie cuddles.

A percentage, well darn near 100%.

 

[freakofnurture]

I'd say with my cat it's a zero-sum thing.

He's funny sometimes, it's nice to scratch him sometimes and once every blue moon he even likes to play for, like, two minutes.

But he hates to be picked up, hates to sit on someone's lap and you can only scratch him exactly when, where (on the bathroom floor, of all places!) and how he likes it, and when he happens to want a scratch (or food or attention or just something, anything, IdontknowwhatbutIwantitbadly) he's very persistent and doesn't give a flying shit about what I am doing or how I'm feeling at the time.

So if you want an animal to overall make your life better I recommend you choose an individual who's known for their cuddliness and interest in other people's emotional state.

 

[bittersweet]

I've always love animals and always had pets but since I developed PTSD, having a pet/pets has honestly helped me heaps. They help me take up time that would otherwise be spent letting my mind go on a rampage and making me feel worse. Their goofy and sweet antics really make you feel at peace with yourself. They always seem to know what you are down and do what they can to snap you out of it and make you feel better. I have a cat, dog, and rats as pets and I honestly wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. As silly as it sounds, sometimes just talking to them and pouring my heart out just makes me feel so much better. Even if they can't comprehend what you are actually saying, you know they are listening and pick up on your tone. I love how they will always be loyal to you and would never judge you.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

My little dog greets me in the mornings. She is so happy to see me. She cuddles with me at times. We got her at 10 months so it took awhile for her to bond with us. She is slowly learning our routine. I imagine it will only get better as time goes on. I just love having her around. She runs like crazy around here.

The cat and the dog play with each other. They play chase. They are becoming good friends. My cat is not a cuddle cat. But she loves to be pet. They bring alot of life into our home. I look forward to the bonding we have ahead of us.

 

[Eleanor]

I don't have PTSD - but I know the horses and dogs (and one of the cats) are a real plus for my H.

As for myself, if there are no animals in Heaven, I'll pass on going there, thanks all the same.:)

 

[masc048]

I think having a pet is really fun . Sometimes , you feel sad , at least you had a loyal friend to play with .

 

[shell]

I love my little dog, I didn't realize how funny and cute he would be, at the moment he is sitting on his rug, shaking the crap out out of the toy I made him, a ball stuffed in one of my sons old football socks. Amuses him ages, and he just loves cuddles.

A dog loves you no matter what you do, and if I'm sad, he seems to make it his mission to cheer me up. He is always excited to see me, and that's more than we can hope for from some people.