Molly327 love the passage from T.H. White you shared. I love things like that.
I do enjoy reading this thread and seeing what everyone takes joy in. It makes me believe it is out there and I will find it again. I used to really enjoy working with animals, rescue especially. I think the loss of my much loved horse to a tragic injury, then getting a very old and severly starved horse and trying to save him and not, well it took a lot out of me. Then when my relationship failed with my ex fiance and I had to place the dogs I had rescued as I had to find an apartment, that was another downslide. Then after moving back to my hometown and getting to keep my one dog, the one in the photo and losing her, my one true "constant' to a hit and run..I just lost heart.
I just can't even seem to get close to even animals now really. I do have a horse left and I do take care of him and love him but I find myself thinking of placing him in a better home as I worry what if something happens to him? Or what if as he is getting older, he dies on me?
I don't handle loss well at all.
Anyway, sorry got way off subject. I just noticed a few of you posted how your pets help you so much.

Helping others. Volunteering with seniors, and the youth in my community. I am making a difference in the world.

My kids, for sure. My 19 month old's squealing giggles and my 8 year old's constant philosophical questions for which I rarely have answers. Art. Art makes me happier than most things, but I'm scared to paint now that he's gone because it reminds me of him. Philosophy - critical thinking and diving into someone else's thoughts, especially Nietzsche or Husserl. Music, though that seems to be a trigger as well.

What makes me happy:
My boyfriend :D
school
success, achieving my goals
watching TV
reading
solving a hard problem
horseback riding
my dogs
someone being kind
Disney Movies!!!

Joanieslegacy -- I am very glad you liked the passage from T.H. White. The basic message behind that passage -- when in sorrow, learn something new -- has helped me through a lot of hard times.

You can add me to the list of people who get much comfort from pets. For all of us who love animals, being with them can be incredibly therapeutic. I think the work you used to do with rescue animals is very admirable and obviously it meant a lot to you so I do hope you can rediscover your love of animals.

Of course the flip side is most animals don't live as long as we do and so losing them is inevitable. When you really love an animal and have formed an emotional bond, that can be crushing. It's perfectly natural to feel strong grief, and a fear of getting close again and being hurt again, but what choice do we have? Yes, the losses are tough, but in the end what they give to us in the time we do get to spend with them is worth it. In my opinion.

Anyway, I hope you're feeling better.

Lots of little things, one massive thing, my daughter!

I suppose living in peace, although can be lonely, it's not a negative experience and it brings me a smile often