Ted, I think that you should get a dog. A dog is someone that will always be there and that will welcome you home. My parents and I just got a black labrador retriever puppy (age 11 weeks old) and she is the love of my life. Of course you have to housebreak the dog and get her lots of toys to play with. A cat would be much easier. All you need is a litter box and plenty of toys for it to play with. With a dog you would have to crate it doing the day while you are at work and a cat you wouldn't have to train it. Please let us know what you decided to get.

Hello! You said that you work. A dog (or anything) can get very lonely home alone. When you take on an animal it is the exact same thing as having a human child, needs supervision, medical treatment (grrrrr to ppl who don't get the animals help they claim to love!)proper food and daily exercise, it's a lot of responsibility even for a non-working person. Wii think it over and see if together we can come up with something you can have to better your life. Blessings

I would only offer this bit of advice to you, spend some time at a shelter first, and be honest with yourself for the reason to for getting a pet. But if you are really depressed right now,the dog will feel that energy and it may not be the best time to bring a dog into your home.I am never one to discourage saving a dog,but just be sure you can meet the dogs needs as well as your own.A cat wil tolerate being left especially in the beginning much more so then a dog or puppy. I wish you the best and do hope you can save an animal be it a dog/puppy or cat/kitten. There are millions that need good loving people to take them and give them a good home. Good luck to you!!
Deb

I can tell you this much- I have been forced to become a homebody because I am so sick and have been for over the past two years. I have had cats before, but in my opinion- nothing compares to a dog. Yes, you have to housebreak them and take themon walks and all that atuff, but the undying affection and adoration they give you is undescribable. I had three dogs- unfortunately- to my surprise- we had to put one of my babies down this weekend- which is always something you have to consider- we out live our animals no matter how hard we try to keep them alive- they will go before we do- which is hard.

But through out my sickness and the times that I have batttled saddness, my dogs have been a blanket of love and support that no human can provide. I talk to them at times and all they want is to make you happy.

If you are lonely and depressed- I say take the 300 dollar plunge and rescue a pound puppy. They even have programs that they do at jail houses to teach crimnals how to care and love another being- and they give them dogs- and studies have shown dramatic changes in many of the inmates.

My point is- my life would be incomplete w/o my babies- they are always excited to see you, always love any affection, and will give it right back. They see life thru different eyes then we do and are just a joy to be around. If I were you, would just go to some pet shops and hold some of the dogs and see how you feel around them. If you end up getting a dof- let me know- I would be very excited to hear about it- good luck- and u are also in my prayers that your loneliness and depression would be slowly taken from you and that you would make new friends.

Ok, I've been keeping you in my thoughts and thinking what might work. Birds are very loving towards humans, especially cockatiels. What if you got 2 birds (2 females) and kept them in the same LARGE cage? Then they wouldn't be lonely during the day while you are gone. Also much much less expensive to feed and get medical attention for than cats or dogs. Something to think on,

Spring Kitty, Both my husband and I work. We adopted 2 pooches. We find they keep each other company while we are at work and they are so good. It's always hard in the beginning, till they are trained.

Tedk if you adopt from a shelter it will hardly cost you anything. The only thing you'll have to worry about is to make sure he has his shots, pleanty of food and lots of toys so they could entertain themselves while your at work.

I have to laugh cuz when my husband and I get home from work the 2 pooches look at one another like to say, darn the parties over...lol... I really wish I did know what they were up to while we gone. I should get a camera...lol... I must say I'm so spoiled because they leave the house just the way I left it.. No messes except maybe a pillow on the floor.

Just a thought! I know when we had to put lindsey to sleep (our Cocker) and she was only 5 it was the hardest thing I ever had to do as I'm sure we all know. She had cancer of the lympnoids. I thought I never get over it and now 2 months later the pain eases up little but never a day goes by that I don't think of her or shed a tear. It's all part of the love we shared and will be forever missed. The only way I was able to funtion again was adopting another not to long after. It helped put my mind in a different place and help heal part of the hole that Linsey left.

I know I'm going on and on. I guess it's just another way of me NEVER forgetting about her. I need to bring her name up everyday so she know she's still and always will be in my heart.

Good luck to you with what ever you deside to do..........
HUGS~~~~~~~~ Lindsey's Mommy :)

I think you should get a dog. I have lived my whole life with dogs and cats from the time i lived at home till now,and there is nothing like the love a dog can give you when you walk thru that door from a bad day at work. Their love is unconditional. I would get a breed that works well for you like a lovable type of breed.A lab, or husky,or smaller one. Good luck to you Ted,and i am sure you will love whatever decision you make!!!

Oh yes, get a great big beautiful dog. Get him as a puppy of at least young so you can have as much time together as possible. Nothing against other pets, but dogs love you, protect you and want to be with you all the time. It will really make you feel so much happier. You can also meet other people using the dog as an ice-breaker (training classes, dog parks, if a pure bred you can join that group). I have always had friends, had a wife (who left me after 12 years). In the end it was my beloved German Shepherd Oso that was the most loving and most loyal. Yes its expensive, but the best money you will ever, ever spend.
I am heartbroken and once I am somewhat better will get another German Shepherd.
DO IT

The happiest 14 years of my life was shareing it with my buddy and best friend Copper. He was a shepard /lab mix and he never met a person or another dog that he didn't like. We were together 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. He gave me something to care for, love and protect just like he protected me. He was my whole life. The worst thing in my life was when I lost him in June. My life now is emptier now than it was before I got him. But boy, what a great past 14 years I had with him. We were one! You do have to remember that their live's are shorter than our's, and one day you will have to face that. There are a million little guys and gals that would give anything to have you love them and save their live's and in return you will be showered with more love and devotion than you ever knew. Life with them is not about sex or money or a big mansion, it's just about love! More love and devotion than you ever had before. And yes, I had to pay $300.00 pet deposit for Copper, but it was only money and well worth what I got in return, the best friend I ever had . Good luck, let us know what you decide.
Copper and George

My dog (a Daschund) is absulutely my best friend. From the very minute I walk in the door - he's by my side. He's loyal and funny, and makes me laugh every day. This breed is amazing - but tend to have back problems ... you don't need the worry of that.

Cat's (no matter what you hear) also attach to their owners, and will bring joy and laughter ... But they can scratch furniture -and can smell if their box isn't cleaned every day. I love our cat's.

If you have the love and committment to spare - a pet is well worth the deposit. Without a doubt, You'll never regret it.
Both take time and training, but give it back in love.