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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

  • Since childhood, I have always wanted a dog. Although my parents liked dogs (my dad had grown up with them), they both worked and felt it would be unfair to leave a dog at home all day by itself. Plus, there were all the costs of owning a dog to consider and money was often tight. I was told that if I wanted a dog, I would have to wait until I was grown up and had a place of my own.

    I am now very much an adult (hurtling towards 50), with a home of my own. I have the advantage of spending much of my time at home, but alas money is tight. Realistically, I know that as much as I would love a dog, there is just no way I could afford the cost of owning one.

    A couple of years ago I decided, partly on a whim, to get myself a realistic-looking, battery-operated pet puppy. Apparently, they are often used in care homes with dementia patients as a form of therapy. Initially, it was great. I could stroke my dog and feel it breathing, it would offer its paw, and move its head, much like a real dog. Apart from the purchase cost, I didn't have to worry about vets bills, pet insurance, or the day-to-day cost of owning a dog. I also didn't have to worry about furniture and other possessions getting chewed.

    The problem was that because it wasn't real, it lacked spontaneity and was far too predictable. If I placed it on the floor, I couldn't expect it to jump up onto my lap, or play 'fetch'. Do I regret buying it? Yes, and no.

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  • Since childhood, I have always wanted a dog. Although my parents liked dogs (my dad had grown up with them), they both worked and felt it would be unfair to leave a dog at home all day by itself. Plus, there were all the costs of owning a dog to consider and money was often tight. I was told that if I wanted a dog, I would have to wait until I was grown up and had a place of my own.

    I am now very much an adult (hurtling towards 50), with a home of my own. I have the advantage of spending much of my time at home, but alas money is tight. Realistically, I know that as much as I would love a dog, there is just no way I could afford the cost of owning one.

    A couple of years ago I decided, partly on a whim, to get myself a realistic-looking, battery-operated pet puppy. Apparently, they are often used in care homes with dementia patients as a form of therapy. Initially, it was great. I could stroke my dog and feel it breathing, it would offer its paw, and move its head, much like a real dog. Apart from the purchase cost, I didn't have to worry about vets bills, pet insurance, or the day-to-day cost of owning a dog. I also didn't have to worry about furniture and other possessions getting chewed.

    The problem was that because it wasn't real, it lacked spontaneity and was far too predictable. If I placed it on the floor, I couldn't expect it to jump up onto my lap, or play 'fetch'. Do I regret buying it? Yes, and no.

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