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Loneliness - could getting a pet be a solution?

DaisyDuck

Hey

I'm feeling kinda down and finding it hard to motivate myself at the moment. I'm also really lonely despite many attempts to build friendships (very busy NT friends with families etc). Wondering about getting a pet in the hope it will a) provide some company b) an excuse to talk to other dog walkers maybe c) force me to be productive in order to look after someone/thing else's needs. I've historically had cats as they are more independent, having dogs would be a bit of a lifestyle change as I'd need to ensure I don't work away too often.

Does anyone else have pets - any thoughts on this?

TIA

Daisy

Parents

  • Hello,

    Regarding the self-motivation trick with raising a dog, it's a good idea in theory however when the bad days are really hitting it's really close to being the worst idea!

    I wanted to adopt a dog for four years, having a decade of experience fostering different animals. I found my perfect dog match a couple of weeks before the 2020 lockdown and it hit really hard! 

    Having someone to look after does make you get up and move, it's really humbling too and makes you relativise. But it's the exact same commitment as having a child only that the child never grows independant!

    Now, the positive aspects of adopting/fostering is having that external energy to tap in, fond memories to cherish, having a walk buddy, socialising with other pet owners, and all the soothing hormones shots from cuddling and petting a little bundle of fluff!

    I personally am a loner with a rich social life but time to time one grows tired of social life and it's such a blessing to have a companion pet to entertain or kick back with and having it to go home to!

    PS: for other type of pets, especially ones living exclusively indoors, it's a good idea to start a new passion to spend time on! Like building a terrarium for a reptile etc...!

Reply

  • Hello,

    Regarding the self-motivation trick with raising a dog, it's a good idea in theory however when the bad days are really hitting it's really close to being the worst idea!

    I wanted to adopt a dog for four years, having a decade of experience fostering different animals. I found my perfect dog match a couple of weeks before the 2020 lockdown and it hit really hard! 

    Having someone to look after does make you get up and move, it's really humbling too and makes you relativise. But it's the exact same commitment as having a child only that the child never grows independant!

    Now, the positive aspects of adopting/fostering is having that external energy to tap in, fond memories to cherish, having a walk buddy, socialising with other pet owners, and all the soothing hormones shots from cuddling and petting a little bundle of fluff!

    I personally am a loner with a rich social life but time to time one grows tired of social life and it's such a blessing to have a companion pet to entertain or kick back with and having it to go home to!

    PS: for other type of pets, especially ones living exclusively indoors, it's a good idea to start a new passion to spend time on! Like building a terrarium for a reptile etc...!

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