If you are in a place physically
and financially that would
enable you to support a
pet, then absolutely.

A wonderful idea.

There is a lot of evidence which suggests a pet helps with mental health issues, and has been found to improve them - as does gardening and exercise. As Ilene says, if you have the space, time and financial means to look after a pet, then yes, its a good way to go

I have the finances if I stay here, if not I would hate to have another depandant to place. As it is now, I have my horse and between my bouts of depression and just overall worry of the hay shortage this year, I find myself wondering if he would be better off with an owner who could provide him with other horses as pasture mates and have the time and energy to ride him.
I had a little dog for about 10 years and when she was hit and killed, I never quite bounced back. I have always loved animals though and before that, I had not only horses but dogs and cats and I also did rescue work.
I just seemed to lose so much of myself after this last three really abusive relationships.
I want to be fair to the animal..if that makes sense?

Pets are wonderful and a pain in the a**. We just lost one. That makes you more sad. We always have them at the half life (like small dogs live 15 years - so we have one who is 15 and one who is 6). That way there is one to lift spirits when the other passes.

They can be costly. And vet bills need to be considered.
You could volunteer at a no kill shelter for the companionship if funds are short. Then you are saving many more lives and interacting with people.
Many times abused animals are in need just like we are and you can understand their pain and help them heal to move into a forever home.

Good luck

If I were more sure of things, I think I would a new lease on life if I could open up a rescue of sorts, but this would require lots of money and a fixed location. Right now I am so up in the air about everything.
That is a good idea though to work at a shelter, unfortunately the ones close by are Kill shelters and I cannot detach to be able to work there. Also time is a factor as I do put in 40 plus hours a week.
I always wanted to have a job with animals or making a difference in some way, but it just never happened.

If possible, start a small badyard habitat.
I don't know if you have a backyard. You could get a window feeder. Something as small as an ant trap could provide a place where birds can come to drink.
Squirrels are wonderful to watch. Just putting a few nuts out on the windowsill will attract them.
There are hummigbird feeders that attach directy to the window.

Just some ideas. Of course, if you attrack birds to the window, be sure to use something to stop them seeing their reflection or the reflection of trees so they do no fly into or attack the window.

If none of this ispossible, you can just carry wildlife food in your pocket and stop in a park to feed them. I think you are looking for a way to support life. Little things to start might open up opportunities that will guide you on your journey.

I think that's a great idea! Pets give u unconditional love. Something abusive men know absolutely nothing about.

Some great ideas SunnyBunn, you have me thinking. Thanks.

Both abusive sexes, not just men, cannot give unconditional love.
People could learn alot from Animals.

I think that a window feeder is a wonderful idea. I'm not in a position where I can have a pet so I think I'll give this a try.

This might sound like a silly idea, but for anyone that can't have a pet, I've found that virtual pets can be wonderful. Sometimes I just want something to love, and although it's just a graphic on a screen, I find that caring for them does improve my mood.

Box sexes can be abusive. Mom was a total narc and left me to struggle with all the lies she told about me to my relatives.
Abuse is not selective to one sex or the other.

"Abuse is not selective to one sex or the other."

Just wanted to say this is so true. I have had both as well.

Maybesome12, your idea of virtual pets is a good idea for those that can't have other options. I don't feel there are silly ideas, it is good to express yourself and your ideas, my opinion.

I feel we can all learn from each other and alot of us need to be able to feel we can express ourselves as we were not allowed to in our relationships.

Squirrels and chipmunks are very smart and will start to come if you feed at the same place and time each day. They can eat the seeds of trees, wild mushrooms, and will bury seeds to dig up later for food.
To me this makes them the best of wildlife to "adopt". The time you spend feeding will be a treat without causing them to lose the ability to forage for themselves if you get the flu or take a vacation.

Birds as well have wide ranges so they can and will survive without your care.

Also, feeders can be filled full one day and they will come back to it to eat each day.

I say this to try and relieve any guilt you might have about getting them dependant on you for food. We are trained in guilt by abusers. I don't want you to take up a passtime that would create any guilt for you.

I have a very large dog. I'm not a dog person, but she grew on me, and turns out she is also a service dog. I noticed that when I was zoning out she would nudge me back into reality, she demanded my attention when I was depressed, cuddled with me, and even notified me when I need to take my meds (I have seizures, and she knew when they were coming on ahead of time!)

Since I left my abuser, she has been great as a watch dog. She helps my children feel safe, especially my son. My abuser was very hard on my son, and he insists on sleeping with our dog to feel safe from him.

He sent someone to break into my house a while back to do God knows what to me, and my dog ran them off. Between her and my security system... I don't think he will try anything or get away with anything anymore.

I also have a parrot. I love my parrot, and he's great company since he talks, but birds are a HUGE commitment. He will live to be approximately 70 years old!!

Yes, pets help a lot! Especially if it's a dog or cat, I've found, because of how cuddly and social they can be. I have a dog that loves me unconditionally; he's my best friend. Petting him is therapeutic for me, also. Whenever I feel anxious, stressed or depressed I just love on him 'till I feel better. Doting on and caring for something is a wonderful feeling too.

a dog certainly would get you out of depression, sometimes, but you have to have the money to take care of dog if dog gets sick, and even regular vet costs are alot, and medications, and special diet. I have a dog, and am wondering what will happen to her if I cannot take care of her....make sure you can...find a vet first, my opinion, and talk with vet, there is pet insurance that you can get, get it at once before a pet gets something, and also there is an organization called pets for live, that gives you vets at a cheaper rate. good luck