Radom, you are so right about pets being helpful in times of upset and stress. There is tons of evidence that suggests that just petting an animal brings down your adrenalin level and releases serotonin. Over here in the UK, dogs in particular are used in therapy for people with mental ill health and also those in palliative care. I have been looking for a dog for myself for this very reason. Thanks for posting, excellent post

thanks beansprout!! I think animals have a lot to give and it sure feels better than the stuff the ex gave!!

I love my dog! I should have listened to him... The first time he saw my ex, he growled! And he never growls at anybody!! He is my joy!

I heard on the news other day that dogs have more empathy than any other animals. When family members are arguing they actually take side. I cant have dog at this apartment complex. I got parakeet about year ago because my son begged me to get one. I was never a bird person, but this bird is actually really sweet. He gets on my finger and when I pet him he closes his eyes and fluffs himself up like hes really enjoying it.

I have a dog.

It is comforting to see her sleep in her bed at night.

It is comforting to hear her bark at someone at the door.

Never bites, etc.

There are a lot of very good dogs out there.

this is a great idea and can help anyone.

Thank you!

It is a great idea, but we do have to be aware of the lifespan of the pet we choose. They are a responsibility for their lives. I have 2 dogs and I love them dearly, but I will be honest, if I'd known I was going to be a single mother, I wouldn't have had these two dogs - they are very active and a lot of work.

Pets are wonderful, but not always convenient, so a lot of thought needs to go into getting one. And I can see, radrm, from your post that you know this ... I just wanted to reinforce it.

That said ... my dogs have kept me going when it was too hard, their love was the only thing I had at one point in my life, so I am definitely ALL for pets as therapy.

OH nice thanks everyone for your input! I just think sometimes when I look at my dogs how they are always there to show me love and its so much better than living with abuse. Because a lot of people dont want to be lonely. A pet can fill a void sometimes.
Daydreamy I like how you described the parakeet on your finger closing his eyes and flufs himself I really pictured that when I read it!!
Thanks everyone!

I love this post. My cat is my favorite being n I hv 4 children, ha. My favorite pet was my snake, he cd feel my vibration when I came home and wd come to the tank.., I'd wrap him around my wrist n take him for walks... Iggy was his name...sweet little guy. He wd shed and I lived that. Guinea pigs also want nothing but love. If u get so
Something let me kno, I'd be excited! How about an older cat, wd ur dogs be ok w that? There's so many looking for loving homes n they r low maintenance

I so wish I could get a pet but unfortunately I am
Allergic to all animals! :(

It's so unfair that my body has what can only be described as an over active protecting automatic reaction that I don't really need, and I love animals, so so much!!!

Tried hay fever and allegy tablets but they don't tend to work on me and plus, I don't think I can take them every single day say like if I got a kitten it would live for around 15 yrs !

Your all so lucky!!!!

I love my parrot. He talks to me, and lightens my mood with his funny laughter. Both my parrot and my dog are also great at keeping the family drama at bay. They hate arguments, and they let US know when it is time to chill out. They are also great at comforting US when we are feeling bad.

My parrot is also a great abuser detector. He hated my ex from day one. I've learned that if I bring someone home, if he doesn't pass the parrot test... he's got to go!

Hi Radom. Yeah, my parakeet is sweetie. It took him a while to become like that thus. When I first got him, he was just afraid of human.

I wouldn't know what do do without my two dogs. They greet me with kisses every time I walk in the door. Spent many lonely nights with them. Rescued two pitbulls but they actually rescued me! My second is still a puppy 11 months and she is deaf I teach her hand signals and she's doing good with them. Love them!

LOL pandora!! I had a cat like that he used to try to attack my sons father who was physically abusive. One time a weird guy that lived in my apartment (when I was young) came wanting some cigarettes and that cat attacked his hand. So yep they can tell. Animals are very good judge of character!! I have seen it many times!