Yes! My Yorkie Bubba was always there when I had "bad days ".
Unfortunately I lost Bubba Nov. 21, 2010.
I 'm struggling over the decision to get another dog.
But let me tell you about Koda!
Koda is my Patagonian Conure. I 'he had her for 10 plus years.
She is on my shoulder purring at me on those bad days. Rubbing on my face and snuggling.
She will come running to me if I start to cry. She 'll talk softly to me and will lick my tears off.
Then she tries to get me to laugh. She likes to bump my "chest " and watch it jiggle. She will laugh!
She 'll posy peek a boo under my shirt.
This isfrom a bird!
She will preen my hair and coo.
So it 's not just dogs.
I miss my Bubba so much. But I 'm almost afraid to try again.

I had a lovebird that my daughter gave me after our pets died,he disliked me, I got him a girl, hoping he will be happy, he started abusing the girl not letting her eat,standing in from of the feeders, kept poking at her,they had a huge cage, I went and bought 2 to separate them, the next day she passed away, the boy started singing and was so happy, after if I was in the room he will be mum, when alone or my friends or son were with him he will sing.Never forgave me about getting the other lovebird, he lived many years,finally I inherited my daughter cat and got the shih-tzu and he loved to trow his food to them when they were standing under his cage.
I just read the history of a parrott in Tokio that the police found and they knew it was imposible to find the owner, the parrott was listening then he spoke gave his name and full address!

Wow! That's crazy about the parrott! My sister has 4 conures and they split into pairs. The dominant one is the smallest and she is BOSSY. The bigger ones are younger and give ground. I visited her in Nov and altho I'm a birdwatcher, didn't think I'd love them. But I fell in love for sure! They're sooo expressive and have their own personalities. We even brought them (in cages) out to the pool and sprayed them with fresh water. Too cute!
Kodasmama, so sorry about Bubba. That's actually my birthday (Nov 21) so it's doubly sad. Sure hope you get another dog = there is nothing like a dog, I think. They're a part of our very soul. I think mine will always be with me, just change bodies! Maybe wishful thinking... Nibbor

My dogs, Rudie and Hannah, both respond when I'm sick or feeling down. I have depression and anxiety and on those bad days, they have always been there, snuggling right beside me. Most of the time, hannah will even lay her head on my shoulder and lick my face every few minutes. Its such a good feeling to have them around.

Silly me, I missed the bird posts! I have had depression since childhood, and I had always responded better to animals, so my mother took me to buy my very first parakeet. After staring at this very timid, baby blue one, I declared that that's the one I wanted. Long story short, that was the best thing my.mther could.have done for.me. that bird was my best friend. He responded to my voice, mocked what i said and would get very excited when i walked in the door. He made it with me through all of my.major.milestones and finally passed at the age of 13 the july 4th after I graduated high school. It has been 4 years and I can still hear him in my ear, chirping and playing with my earrings. I recently got a tattoo of a blue bird on the back of.my shoulder with the words "you are home" under it, specifically for him:)

So true. The best gift I ever got def!! Enjoy the 4th! Nibs

That's awesome. So glad you were able to have such a true friend to help you in life. That's what animals are for me - true guides. Happy 4th! Nibs

Absolutely! They are so intuitive! I have many health issues, one of which is spinal stenosis. I've had two spine surgeries, but sometimes will still get unbearable leg cramps that wake me from sleep. Our one little baby (we don't call them dogs!) will wake from a sound sleep--check my face to be sure I am ok--kiss me several times--then cuddle me right at my neck/shoulder to be sure I am fine. They are true blessings from God!

Awwww--StorySoFar--those are beautiful posts about your dogs and bird. Love that you got a bird tattoo-and especially love what you had written under the tattoo. Very touching.

I LOVE sleeping with my dog, Wynny. She spoons me and just gives me such joy and comfort. I can't imagine not having her right beside me even if she is 86 lbs! More to love, aye? Nibs

I totally agree dogs as medicine. We have 3 Black Labs , all rescues. I have Parkinson's and they help me get through my day. So much love and loyalty. We have had several dogs over the years, and they all have their own personality. Pets are the best , for sure. Brian

A gift from the universe! So glad they're on the earth with us. Wish I could take a hundred of them! Nibs

Your dog is so cute and a real blessing to you. I have a 2 year old rottweiller - Jack. He was really adorable as a puppy but as he is growing up it's becoming difficult to play with him because of his size and weight. Nevertheless, he is a great source of warmth when he lies at my feet in the cold evenings that I sit outdoors.

I love dogs for so many reasons. Sleeping puppies are the best comfort!
Have you tried school for Jack? I'm sure as he ages he'll calm a bit but it's always good to train in positive habits! Our Wyn was very mouthy, as most labs are, as a puppy so we trained her to get a toy in her mouth so she doesn't nip or scare people. So cute! She'll run to grab JUST the right toy every time anyone comes in. I love her!! Nibs

I have an officlal prescription from my Doctor stating I need a service cat for anxiety;. I do, and am now on the third refill. Sadly. but I can move my cat anywhere a person with a guide dog can. She is my service cat. legally. Gift from above, saved my life. Otherwise I have no reason to live.