Has anybody gotten a pet so you don't kill yourself?

[Jean4]

I got a cat, and his name is Milo.

I have tried to kill myself so many times that Sesame Street hasn't taught me to count that high. I am a failure in life, and I am a failure trying to kill myself. I guess I can't do anything right.

Anyway, back to Milo. I got Milo to give me a purpose of living. Also, to give me something to do because I do nothing all day and never leave the house.

I am hoping Milo gives me all the love that I don't get elsewhere and have never gotten. I hope Milo gives me a purpose so the voice in my head that goes on 24/7 telling me to kill myself goes away. I am hoping Milo gives me a reason to want to wake up in the morning.

So far, honestly, it isn't working, but it is new. I am hoping that I will love the cat and won't want to leave him.

Has anybody else gotten a pet for this reason? Did it work and make you not want to commit suicide?

 

[toolateforme]

i haven't, but for awhile it did help because I didn't trust anyone else to take care of her. Nowadays since I know I'll pretty much have to CTB i feel like she'd be better off without me anyway. Luckily enough I have an understanding friend that doesn't mind taking care of her once I pass. I'll leave his number in my suicide note so my parents know to keep her for him, and I hope they'll actually do what I wish since i can't afford an actual will.

 

[Kyrok]

My dog is my #1 reason to keep on living. I almost ctb a few years ago, but couldn't go through with it for her sake. She's almost 14 and once she's gone, my days will be numbered

 

[Jean4]

i haven't, but for awhile it did help because I didn't trust anyone else to take care of her. Nowadays since I know I'll pretty much have to CTB i feel like she'd be better off without me anyway. Luckily enough I have an understanding friend that doesn't mind taking care of her once I pass. I'll leave his number in my suicide note so my parents know to keep her for him, and I hope they'll actually do what I wish since i can't afford an actual will.

I get it. I figure when I die my cat will be brought to a shelter. I hope it will be non kill. He really is a good boy and deserves a good life. He probably will have a better one than I am giving him

My dog is my #1 reason to keep on living. I almost ctb a few years ago, but couldn't go through with it for her sake. She's almost 14 and once she's gone, my days will be numbered

I do understand how you feel. If the one thing you are living for is gone, what's the point.

That is why I got my cat. Maybe it will make me want to live

 

[JadedGray]

I got my dog, a Shih Tzu almost 11 years ago. At the time I was just getting off anti-depressants and had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. I've made attempts since having her, but that's only because my depression and health problems take over my ability to try and stay for her. She was always the only thing I thought about when making attempts and I was always happy to see her when my attempts didn't work out. Who knows, maybe my attempts didn't work out because subconsciously I didn't want them to, so I could stay here with her. I would have made far more attempts had it not been for her, so I feel she has kept me alive the last 11 years.

 

[Jean4]

I got my dog, a Shih Tzu almost 11 years ago. At the time I was just getting off anti-depressants and had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. I've made attempts since having her, but that's only because my depression and health problems take over my ability to try and stay for her. She was always the only thing I thought about when making attempts and I was always happy to see her when my attempts didn't work out. Who knows, maybe my attempts didn't work out because subconsciously I didn't want them to, so I could stay here with her. I would have made far more attempts had it not been for her, so I feel she has kept me alive the last 11 years.

I do understand. I'm hoping my cat does the same. I'm in a very dark place and meds aren't helping

 

[Ruffian]

My boyfriend would take care of my two cats. He's really the only thing keeping me here. I feel like such a failure too. It's the most horrible feeling in the world.

 

[JadedGray]

I do understand. I'm hoping my cat does the same. I'm in a very dark place and meds aren't helping

I'm sorry to hear it. Unfortunately, it's not as easy to love ourselves the way our pets do, unconditionally.

 

[Jean4]

I'm sorry to hear it. Unfortunately, it's not as easy to love ourselves the way our pets do, unconditionally.

Also humans stink. I don't know if we can curse lol

My boyfriend would take care of my two cats. He's really the only thing keeping me here. I feel like such a failure too. It's the most horrible feeling in the world.

I understand how you feel. I am glad you have someone in your life

 

[JadedGray]

Also humans stink. I don't know if we can curse lol

I understand how you feel. I am glad you have someone in your life

Yes, I've seen people curse on here. I agree with your sentiment people = shit or rather human nature is shit.

 

[ShadowOfTheDay]

It might not seem to be "working" for you, but I'm sure it's working out well for the benefit of Milo. Maybe you should consider sticking it out for the sake of your pet? Might help you both in the end.

 

[Donewitheverything]

Not yet, but I do want to get a cat or a small dog. When I feel sad and lonely, I can perhaps cuddle them as I watch anime or movies. However, not sure if it'll be fair to the pet considering how I can't even take care of my self yet.

 

[dyingtodie]

Do keep in mind that millions of cats are Euthanized every year. They are misunderstood creatures. There's more cats than good people who can home them. So...maybe you rescue a cat, and she lives with you weeks or months til you ctb...and then she goes to another home or gets killed. Well, I submit that you may have given her months of a good life instead of her being euthanized as a young kitten - as most cats who are killed are very young, as they can be hard to care for if they don't have their momma.

A cat was born on land I was sharing last year with a landlord/mate. I knew I was too far gone from depression to adopt her, but she kept on wandering over to my house, almost every day, meowing for me. She was actually the only person who came to see me, and her love felt so genuine because she had food and shelter at this other house...but she wanted to be around me. My landmates left over Christmas for a week, and just left her a bag of food to eat, and nowhere warm to sleep in the sub freezing temperatures (unless their was a cat door somewhere.) And, so Kitty and I bonded greatly while I was alone and deeply suicidal over the holidays. She sat with me as I stared despondently into bleak nothingness with a scarf around my neck knowing I could tighten it into a tourniquet at any moment. Anyways, I asked the landlord if I could keep her and they agreed right away, showing how non-attached they were to this Sweetest cat I've ever known. Since Xmas for months I could barely bring myself to think about ctb because Kitty needs me. This last month though, I've been fearing I'll have to leave her alone...alone with her 3 kittens she birthed last week...and probably to end up in a shelter somewhere. I've enjoyed so much of our time together. She's been a true friend and loyal companion. We both enjoy our freedom and do our own thing while always being close by. There's only so much a cat can do for me though, I've realized. I need human connection. Someone to talk to! Though, cuddles and affection towards and from Kitty are as good or better than with any lover. Totally non-sexual. We're just both in our blissful bodies and bond. She teaches me how to be in the Now. And shows me through her calmness how everything is okay. She reminds me to play. And that it's okay to sleep a lot :) If only I had a little sanctuary to live at I would love to continue my journey with her. But, I have to move this week, and haven't found anywhere to move to... So life is kinda forcing me out.

 

[Onomotopoeia]

I did not get one for that reason no, but i did get a dog because I thought having something furry to pet would be cool.

I was not disappointed she is adorable. While she does not really bring me joy there are moments of hilarity and distraction.

She would not stop me from CTB but I do think she helps improve my mood sometimes.

 

[Soul]

Jean4, my cats and I wish you and Milo a special, warm and mutually supportive relationship. Hugs to you both