Help Should I get a pet for the recovery company?

[PhilipBrush]

I live alone and don't have any friends. I feel so alone these days and desperate for companionship.

I thought about getting a dog but experts said one's not supposed to get a dog if they live alone because when the owner leaves the home nobody takes care of the dog and it will
tremendously stress the dog. Also, I don't think my home is spacious enough for a dog.

I'm a dog person so a cat is off the list. My second option is rats. They're very smart and fond of humans' touch. The problem is there are not many shops which sell rats. The closest one is still out of my city. I don't own a car and don't know anyone who can give me a ride. What a pathetic living being I am.

I can always get small animals like hamsters or fishes without much trouble but they're not enough for me. I want at least middle-sized animals who can recognize me and make me feel the warmth when I touch them.

What do you think I suppose to do? Are they any other options for me? Should I just give up and keep living a lonely life? Give me your thought. Any opinions are appreciated.

 

[k75]

Pets can really help people, but they're also a lot of work. Especially if you get a very young one. If you decide to go for it, it would be smart to keep your personal energy level in mind and research breeds. Like, some types of dogs are a lot more energetic than others and require more interaction and exercise.

How often are you out of the house? A lot of separation anxiety in animals has to do with the owners and how they're raised. I've had dogs and cats all my life, and they were always fine being home alone. As far as I could tell, they'd mostly just nap while I was gone. I've known people who had dogs that couldn't stand being left alone at all, but it was pretty obvious the owners had done things that encouraged that.

How about something like a large guinea pig? They have personalities and can be pretty smart.

 

[Deleted member 1465]

I live alone and don't have any friends. I feel so alone these days and desperate for companionship.

I thought about getting a dog but experts said one's not supposed to get a dog if they live alone because when the owner leaves the home nobody takes care of the dog and it will
tremendously stress the dog. Also, I don't think my home is spacious enough for a dog.

I'm a dog person so a cat is off the list. My second option is rats. They're very smart and fond of humans' touch. The problem is there are not many shops which sell rats. The closest one is still out of my city. I don't own a car and don't know anyone who can give me a ride. What a pathetic living being I am.

I can always get small animals like hamsters or fishes without much trouble but they're not enough for me. I want at least middle-sized animals who can recognize me and make me feel the warmth when I touch them.

What do you think I suppose to do? Are they any other options for me? Should I just give up and keep living a lonely life? Give me your thought. Any opinions are appreciated.

Yes, pets do really help. I'd love a dog. Or a cat. But it's true, dogs can get very stressed when left on their own. If you watch the videos people have recorded with CCTV, it's quite heartbreaking. I never got a dog because it's a big responsibility and not one I think I could live up to because of my own issues.
But I do feel incomplete without a canine companion. I have to content myself with making friends with all the neighbourhood animals. The dogs love me because I always say hello and make a fuss of them. And there is a little cat down the street who always meows when she sees me coming and we spend a few minutes enjoying each other's company. I always stop for cats and dogs to say hello.
Geese, though, they fan feck off, nasty buggers.

 

[Worthless_nobody]

Getting a pet can greatly help your mood for recovery. As long as your up for the work to care for the pet then it's very rewarding having the companionship. Since your a dog person and you say your house is small a small dog that has a lazier personality or an older dog might be a good fit. There are lots of dogs that have no separation anxiety and they are fine being left alone who a while. I lived alone when I was working full time and my dog was alone all day but he was perfectly happy. You can tell a dog rescue group exactly the size and personality your looking for in a dog. Word of caution though.. I encountered rescue groups who lied about the dogs personality so really do your homework and hopefully they will let you keep the dog for a week to see if good fit.

If you decide on rats they are really cool and funny pets. If you get 2 just make sure you 100% confirm you have 2 males or 2 females. (it's hard to tell gender in young rats lol) When my ex and I got rats we somehow ended up with 1 male 1 female and....we had 20 baby rats on our hands!

Best wishes to you! I hope you can find a pet that will be a great companion and help take away the loneliness.

 

[Sherri]

Pets can def help, just make sure you are certain about it. Getting a pet requires lots of love and caring for, and the less glamorous bit like cleaning the poo and pee. But they can def be a great company, someone mentioned a guinea pig, they are adorable creatures.

Pets can really help people, but they're also a lot of work. Especially if you get a very young one. If you decide to go for it, it would be smart to keep your personal energy level in mind and research breeds. Like, some types of dogs are a lot more energetic than others and require more interaction and exercise.

How often are you out of the house? A lot of separation anxiety in animals has to do with the owners and how they're raised. I've had dogs and cats all my life, and they were always fine being home alone. As far as I could tell, they'd mostly just nap while I was gone. I've known people who had dogs that couldn't stand being left alone at all, but it was pretty obvious the owners had done things that encouraged that.

How about something like a large guinea pig? They have personalities and can be pretty smart.

Love guinea pigs, they are so cute and loving.

 

[grungeCat]

Pets definitely help when you're lonely. My cats (and my mother of course) were the only reasons that kept me alive for so long. Although I'm a cat person (if you haven't figured it out by my avatar... ) then I used to enjoythe company of dogs too. However if you think you cannot maintain a dog then have you considered a bunny? I had one and they are very cute and affectionate animals. They are a good compromise between dogs and cats. They are little animals so they don't need as much space as dogs.

 

[Soulless Angel]

Rats are amazing, have you researched into a private breeders list for your area?
I have a bunny, she's my therapy pet, she's tiny required, she has a indoor hutch, , little care, but lots of cuddles, I can leave her when I need to go out, but when I am home, shes binking round my lounge, eating my wires, stealing my dinner. I want to train her on a harness, but she's too little for that at the moment.

 

[K-O]

I live alone and don't have any friends. I feel so alone these days and desperate for companionship.

I thought about getting a dog but experts said one's not supposed to get a dog if they live alone because when the owner leaves the home nobody takes care of the dog and it will
tremendously stress the dog. Also, I don't think my home is spacious enough for a dog.

I'm a dog person so a cat is off the list. My second option is rats. They're very smart and fond of humans' touch. The problem is there are not many shops which sell rats. The closest one is still out of my city. I don't own a car and don't know anyone who can give me a ride. What a pathetic living being I am.

I can always get small animals like hamsters or fishes without much trouble but they're not enough for me. I want at least middle-sized animals who can recognize me and make me feel the warmth when I touch them.

What do you think I suppose to do? Are they any other options for me? Should I just give up and keep living a lonely life? Give me your thought. Any opinions are appreciated.

do it mate! its a great and healthy idea! i just got reunited with my cat and do and they help me with my recovery.. rats are soooo lovely!!
or maybe a smaller dog that can cope with a smaller space?.. dont give up on getting animal.. the love you get from them is pure x

 

[_Kaira_]

I'd like to get a new kitten, but the people I live with wouldn't allow that. I do have 3 sweet fancy mice though. Making sure they're happy is probably the only thing I really have energy for.

 

[llerutem5]

Hi maybe there's a middle sized solution for you, for example trying out to make friends with some furry ones from a shelter? So you can walk through in your own pace and you're not responsible all on your own if you struggle somehow. They often take time to fit the right person and do not have to be taken home right away but that's for dogs I don't know nothing about the smallest animals.

 

[Conker]

You should adopt a raccoon and a groundhog.

 

[llerutem5]

You should adopt a raccoon and a groundhog.

lol. raccoons are very funny though

I'd like to get a new kitten, but the people I live with wouldn't allow that. I do have 3 sweet fancy mice though. Making sure they're happy is probably the only thing I really have energy for.

Wow you're a real loving person with a big heart even caring most for the small companions under those circumstances. Why wouldn't them allow a kitten .

 

[NeverGoodEnuff]

My dogs and cats, now and in the past, have been my saviors, especially for the past 12 years when I have lived alone. They force me to get up and out, they love unconditionally, they make me laugh. If you are dedicated to their care I say go for a pet, whether it be rats, bunnies, guinea pigs, whatever.

When my previous dog died, I swore I would not get another because a pet does change the way you live. After about eight months dogless, and coming the closest to CTB, I decided I needed a pet. Things to consider..

Know yourself first! How old are you? I am 68. My pets all lived to be about 15. At my current age, a puppy or kitten would probably outlive me. So I ended up with a rescue, older dog. I also dislike animal hair. A non-shedding breed was the answer. A small breed because I know I can physically handle that; a large dog jumping on me could be a problem, if it needed help getting into the car I could pick it up, if it became rambunctious I could overpower it. It does not require a large space (yard and all of that). A working breed requires more exercise, lots of exercise that I know I could not provide. So I decided on a shihtzu (again). Poodles are very smart, Havanese love to please and train well. Iternet searches on breeds are a must. About other types of pets, if a cage or tank requires cleaning, not the pet for me. Again, be honest with yourself about your willingness to do what care that pet will require.

I am cautious about shelter dogs as so many are there because they have problems. The one where I found my current little guy let me go visit, use their play room, take him for walks, etc. They may also let you foster so you can bring it home and if it has problems which you cannot resolve, you can take it back. And yes, shelters will lie to you. When my daughter adopted a dog, it was really problematic. When she took it back, they told her she was the third home they had placed it in and all returned it. Just do your homework.

As for separation anxiety, none of my twelve dogs have done that. It can be trained out, I have seen it done with friends' dogs.

So I say YES to the pet!

 

[_Kaira_]

lol. raccoons are very funny though

Wow you're a real loving person with a big heart even caring most for the small companions under those circumstances. Why wouldn't them allow a kitten .

They already have 2 cats, 3 dogs, and 2 rabbits. They don't want any more free roaming animals in their house either. Mice are somewhat low maintenance, and care expenses are relatively low. Thankful my hosts cover that for me.

 

[K-O]

My dogs and cats, now and in the past, have been my saviors, especially for the past 12 years when I have lived alone. They force me to get up and out, they love unconditionally, they make me laugh.

so true, when i became actively suicidal i immediately gave my cat and dog to a friend in a farm so they wouldn't be a vital initiative for me or get neglected by me.. but most of all i just could not bare to be close to loved ones.. now that im more stable, not actively suicidal and overcame agoraphobia i can care for them again and let them care for me. x

 

[llerutem5]

They already have 2 cats, 3 dogs, and 2 rabbits. They don't want any more free roaming animals in their house either. Mice are somewhat low maintenance, and care expenses are relatively low. Thankful my hosts cover that for me.

Oh ok. But cool if they're free roaming so they like you and do get pets from you too? Shared pets by some all of the people living with you.
But at least philibrush gets some examples @PhilipBrush maybe your new pets could roam free, too so it doesn't have to be put in a cage when you're not at home.

so true, when i became actively suicidal i immediately gave my cat and dog to a friend in a farm so they wouldn't be a vital initiative for me or get neglected by me.... and overcame agoraphobia i can care for them again and let them care for me. x ]

 

[_Kaira_]

Oh ok. But cool if they're free roaming so they like you and do get pets from you too? Shared pets by some all of the people living with you.
But at least philibrush gets some examples @PhilipBrush maybe your new pets could roam free, too so it doesn't have to be put in a cage when you're not at home.

Well not the rabbits. They don't free roam hehe. Of course occasionally. I don't really leave my room enough to see them, the dogs spend the day outside. The cats don't like people.

 

[llerutem5]

I see but many options definitely to get living with a pet or even a few. Hope it will be inspiring for him. I think there could be a way to live with a dog or rats one just have to adapt the environment a bit so it's comfortable for them.

 

[Sinkinshyp]

my pets are my best friends and companions. A pet is a great thing for recovery. Make sure whatever oyu choose it's something you can care for. Maybe a small dog? If you get one young you can train it to be used to your absence. Step out side for first 5 minutes, come back in puppy sees you came back. When they're good with 5 minutes than go 10 and so on as long as needed.

 

[deadgirlahsatan]

Animals are wonderful friends. I don't have any friends irl so my cat helps.Doing research helps so u know what ur in for when u rescue an animal. Life u said . Maybe start small like a hamster or even a rat. Please try a rescue . So many animals in need of rescuing. So many are put down each year.

 

[goodbyebunny]

What about an older dog from a shelter?

 

[NeverGoodEnuff]

If I were to make a video of my little dog while I was not home, it would be very boring. He sleeps on the couch.

I know this because I have hidden outside when I leave to see what he does. Nothing.

 

[Emily_Numb]

Do not underestimate the expense of owning a dog. I have two pedigree dogs which obviously cost more than a mixed breed. Even so, in the UK now, the days of getting a dog for free because 'someone you know had a dog who had a litter' are long gone. Even run of the mill breeds are a couple of hundred £'s Don't forget pet insurance too which is around £25-£30 a month, neutering if you require it, all their jabs and boosters ongoing, worming and flea treatment monthly, grooming too depending on breed which could be 5-6 times a year. Mine cost £90 for two dogs each time.

Don't get a shelter dog unless you have experience of dogs with behaviour problems/anxiety issues. You need to have the time, energy and commitment to not only train, but spend time working on their issues. I know in the UK they don't let you have a shelter dog unless someone is always at home.

To say a dog cannot be left alone is absolute nonsense. This kinda bugs me about shelters to be honest. Some breeds don't suffer with separation anxiety as much as others. In my experience with gun dogs breeds, they can be left alone for maybe 4-5 hours. I have rarely left them longer, only in emergency situations. Once they are out of puppy stages (over 2 years) they tend to not be destructive. As long as they are exercised and engaged with when you are there, it's fine to leave them on there own for a few hours a time. You just build up to it.

If I were to make a video of my little dog while I was not home, it would be very boring. He sleeps on the couch.

I know this because I have hidden outside when I leave to see what he does. Nothing.

Ha ha! Seriously, mine too. Occasionally they sit by the window and look out when they hear me pull up. But they really just settle down. I honestly beleive this is down to them feeling safe, secure and having good owners.

 

[MichaelNomad123]

I'm going to just post what I posted for the last person to talk about pets. Some of it seems harsh and I apologize for that. It's something I'm very passionate about:

Pets are for life and they are very hard work, even cats. Most cats live 16+ years. That's a very, very, very long time. It is a big commitment and not one that should be made lightly. If you are young, then I would advise against it until you are in a better position. It's not a good mentality to base an adoption on to simply live for the animal and nothing else. Remember that this is a living creature. You're giving it a home for life.

Here are some hard truths about pet ownership:

• There may come a time when you are so unhappy that you start to resent the animal because it's your only connection to the world.
• Pet death is personally the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my whole life. In theory, you shouldn't have to deal with that for a long time, but things happen. Cats for example are prone to injury or death when they are outdoor cats. If you are adopting, things like parvo can be devastating (I know this from personal experience).
• If you are adopting puppies or kittens, they are basically a full time job until they are old enough to be left alone. They poop, they piss, they get places where you don't want them, they eat things you don't want them to.
• Pets need discipline, yes even cats. Disciplining can be challenging if you are not used to it. Training can be difficult if you are not prepared.
• Cats might chew on wires. Cats eat plants. Cats knock shit off everything. Cats go bonkers crazy at 4-5am every single night (people don't talk about this for some reason -- it can be fucking annoying). Dogs need daily walks. Daily. No matter how depressed you are.
• Cats need their litter changed regularly. They get very unhappy if they don't. They need their frontclaws trimmed or they start getting stuck to everything. Diet is important. Cats need a lot of water because they have renal issues in their senior years from dry-food diets.
• Cats need played with regularly. Dogs need played with regularly.
• Transporting cats can be stressful if they are not used to cat carriers.
• Animals are expensive. Surprisingly expensive.
• Medical issues with animals can be very difficult to deal with because they don't know what's going on and you have to parent them through it. Giving medication can be difficult. Dealing with medication can be emotionally draining. My elderly cat had seizures and it was the most distressing thing I have ever experienced, to the point that I will probably never own another pet again. My wife and I slept on the floor for a few days during the worst of them because our little buddy was having such a hard time and couldn't move.
• Pets can be very demanding on your attention and time. During my first pet, I often had moments of frustration or impatience because I was used to my whole time being my own. An animal doesn't know any better, so you can't be mad at them.

An animal is a huge deal. A huge deal. I'm very surprised that a lot of the advice here is singing the praises of the pet as a potential lifeline for you. That's such a god awful approach to animal adoption. I don't just implore you to ignore their input, but beg you to consider mine. They're not wrong, but it's not why you get an animal. It isn't a foundation to build on. Only adopt if you can look after it and help it live its best life. These creatures will give you pure and unconditional love, but life is about balance. You have to earn that, and earning it means caring for something through the best of times and the worst of times, no matter what.

I think if you're feeling anxious about it, it's a good sign. I would be worried if you were not anxious. Do some research. Try to think of yourself in 10 years and think of your animal with you. Only you know what you're capable of. Be honest with yourself and make the best judgement, but remember that a pet is a huge responsibility. The payoff is that you have a best friend for life.

That being said, I think having a small pet like a fish or a hamster is a small responsibility. They are self sufficient other than feeding and cleaning their environment. To that end, that might be a good idea. Small rodents do not live for long, though (a few years), so that might be something for you to consider.