The only pet I had growing up was named Joey Graham.
My dad banned Joey to the outside. If it was too cold, the farthest he got was
in the garage. As a teenager, I used to go outside with him no matter what the
temperature. During winter, I’d make a bed for myself and him in the garage.
Until my Dad, Mom and two out of three sister’s thought it best to get rid of
the doggy all together and give the cocker spaniel a place he will be more
loved. I was actually happy for him. He moved in with a nearby family with a huge
backyard and young children. He was also welcome in the new family’s house. My
youngest sister was left in tears.
Things changed when I took on the job of baby-dog sitting
my sick friend’s sheepdog. My mood changed. I had more good days than bad. My
depression became manageable. I could leave the house if I put here in the
passenger seat. The sheepdog was my best
friend. I told her everything. I took her everywhere I could. Then she had to
go home and be where she was needed more. I broke down in tears.
I was devastated I became catatonic for a few hours.
My parents couldn’t stand seeing me that way so they went to a nearby store and
bought a black and brown miniature dachshund of nine months; she not only
brought me out of my inward hell, but she became my service dog and lifesaver. These
are some ways pets can ease depression.
You
are their whole life: My
dog follows me everywhere. She wants to know what I’m doing at all times. She
used to even go in the bath with me, but she’s too afraid of the water now. Your dog doesn’t survive without you helping
them. You need to take them to appointments, brush their teeth, feed them and
play with them. The list goes on. They need you in order to go on a walk
outside. This can make you feel important and needed. Someone’s life depends on
you. It makes you realize you have to take care of yourself and your depression
so you can keep taking care of your pet. There was many times I never acted out
on suicidal thoughts because I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving my pet because
she loves and depends on me.
They
freely give Comfort and Affection: Sometimes there is no one to hug you except
your pet. My dog gives me kisses and hugs even if it is to wake me up out of
bed. Touch can be comforting in times of great depression. It is important to
know someone is by your side and loves you. A hug alone can increase serotonin
in the brain.
They’re
always happy to see you when you get home: If you live
alone or even if you don’t. There’s always a furry creature of some kind excited
to see you. They wag their tails or rub up against you or chirp for your
attention. This can make all the difference in the world if you’re coming from
a bad work day or are depressed. She lightens my mood.
Your
pet can help you lose weight and exercise: Exercise is a
natural anti-depressant. Losing weight can help you feel better about yourself,
days where I can’t get out of bed. My dog will harass me by walking backwards
and whimpering until I take her outside to go the bathroom and get some fresh air.
We go on a walk together and I feel like I can face the day. I’m no longer
sitting in my bed, feeling useless and depressed.
Your
pet makes you laugh: Laughter causes you to breathe easier
and relaxes the stress hormones in your body. It can do wonders for a depressed
individual. Sometimes my pet causes me to roll on the floor in laughter. Just
recently, when my friend’s dog showed up at my house my dog blocked the
bathroom hallway so this new dog couldn’t get in and see me. My Mom and I
laughed for quite awhile. It’s impossible for me to be depressed when I’m
laughing so hard I’m in tears. Afterwards, I feel as if a hundred pound weight
has lifted off my body.
Your
pet knows how to listen and sometimes answer you: I’ve
talked to my dog ever since I got her. About two years ago, she started talking
back. I don’t mean she knows how to say the word, Mom or anything. But she does
make noises as if she were having a conversation back to me. She often does
this when I’ve been gone for hours, as if she’s telling me all about her day. I
do the same. Have done the same for years and to her it may sound like mumble
jumble, but she does seem to try to understand.
People
are usually friendlier toward you and you create friends:
One of my favorite parts was seeing the happy faces of the kids who were able
to pet my service dog. It not only brightened their day, it brightened mine. I
felt as if I was doing the world some good. Everywhere I went, people would
comment on how cute my dog was and it left me open for new conversations and
new friends.
To me, there’s nothing better for my depression and
anxiety than having a doggy around. The nine-pound dog may not be my whole
life, but she is one of the main reasons I still have a life.
