Do you have pets/have you ever considered getting one? Do your pets affect the way you think about ctb?

[Hecuba]

This is probably more a 'recovery' post, but I don't think I'm there yet. I'm posting here solely because this is a consideration that has changed the way I think about ctb.
So... I have had a cat for a while. I have always had cats. My cat is one of the most amazing beings I have ever met, but he was never enough for me not to consider ctb. At the end of the day, I know who will take care of him if I end up leaving this world. That's the main thing I would indicate in my letter.

I have been very on edge recently trying to ctb with fent. Well, trying to find fent in the first place. And I somehow, meanwhile, impulsively adopted a dog. It's only been a week, but my life has improved significantly, and I think I might be ok to commit to being alive for however long this dog will be alive. I know not everybody likes animals, not everybody's living circumstances allow them to get an animal, and sometimes animals are just expensive. I'm really poor, but I know I can provide anything for my pets if need be. All I am saying is that it took courage and, essentially, impulsivity, to get this dog. But he might be saving my life, who knows. Although it might be a honeymoon sort of period that will fade an leave me just about as suicidal, or even more, as before getting the dog.

I hope that, if you ever considered getting a dog and yet hesitated, this post might motivate you to give it a try. It's scary at first, and you will probably get the adoption blues, but if you give it a couple of weeks, you might find yourself in a place where living has suddenly become bearable. Most shelters allow you to bring the animal back in the first month, so it's not as if you have to be 100% committed when getting it.

 

[Foresight]

This is very true. I have so many pets and they have always been the #1 material reason I stay.

Cats are better for people with energy issues. Dogs are more work but they get you out of bed everyday. As a recluse I probably would never step outside and get some fresh air if it wasn't for them. The world can be collapsing and these tiny animals just look at you with so much love and excitement that you're here for them. It really is worth a journey with a pet if you're considering recovery.

 

[WhiteRabbit]

My dog is 15 and slowing down, I think he might have another year left in him. I got him when I was 22 and broke, living in a shitty apartment. He never cared about that though. He's been with me though thick and thin. I've always been more emotionally attached to dogs over cats, I guess because dogs need you more? But yeah, pets can be a great thing to live for.

 

[Snake of Eden]

I taken care of my friend's cat for a year when she went abroad for work and it was an interesting experience. It made me realize as much as I love cats and that cats specifically, it is ALOT of responsibility to care for them. Definitely dont think it is a great idea to confine animals into small space like a small apartment unless they are very beneficial mentally to the owner otherwise if they are not that necessary I think it is borderline cruel for at least some type of cat personality to be limited to such small and unstimulating spece

 

[Nightmare Painting]

My dog gave purpose and meaning to my life; to help him as best as I could even when I couldn't help myself at all and had very little to offer him. He was the only real friend and family I ever had and I'm grateful to have had him but I would not recommend anyone that's suicidal to get a pet unless they have a backup plan to rehome them.

 

[Rational man]

I have a cat and ive written an advanced directive for her to be re -homed when i die. Part of the deal is ive left my home to the animal charity for donkeys and cats.

 

[Kristicide]

I have a 14yr old shiba inu. I got her when she was 2 from a shelter. It's basically been just her and I since I got her. The past year and a half have been the worst for me in terms of ideation and attempts. I had thought a couple times maybe I'd include her in my completion attempt but then thought that wasn't actually good. I don't want to cause her harm when I'm the one who wants to go. On the attempts I've done I always made sure I left out plenty of food and water in different places around my house and outside in back of my place. She's like a cat where I can leave food out and she only eats it when she's hungry - unlike most dogs. I figured after neighbors suspected something might be up if they "smelled" an odor or if my dog maybe began crying/whining which isn't typical for her then any rescue people would make a discovery and then hopefully my dog would be taken by a friend to care for. I don't like that I would be leaving her but in the same sense she's not enough for me to stay.

 

[FuneralCry]

Animals are certainly better than humans. Having a pet can be one of the only good things about being alive, I have a cat. I'm pleased for you that getting a dog is helping. Whatever happens, I wish you the best.

 

[StarryStarry]

Yes, I have a cat and for a long time she has been the only reason I was still here, but it's at a time now where I can't wait any more. I'll be leaving her in my apt. (with lots of food and water and her toys) and I'll write a letter asking her vet to take her. I almost considered taking her with me, but I don't have the heart to hurt her. I've tried numerous rescues and shelters, but none of them are taking cats (especially cats that are older - she is 12 years old) I love my cat more than life but can't hold on any more