Loneliness - could getting a pet be a solution?

Mr Fluffles sounds very dignified

We had 5 rats. The only downside was the vets bills. They're classed as exotics so the price is higher and females are very prone to tumours. We spent about £1000 a year on vet bills! 

My advice would be to go with a proper registered breeder (ours from the internet were sick ALL the time but breeder rats much healthier) and maybe go for males.

We're meeting one this weekend! 

Sometimes a combination of things can make us feel down. I hope that your GP can find a medication that suits you. If you're on Facebook maybe try 'British women with Aspergers UK connect group'. I belong to it, I got many members for my own group from it, many people use it to connect and arrange meetups with others in there local area, there are others like myself who have formed local 'unofficial' Autism Social groups these are frequently advertised on the group page. It's also a closed group so nothing that you post can be seen by anyone that doesn't belong to the group. 

I got a rabbit as I did not want to have to walk a dog (even though I really want one) due to bumping into other chatty dog walkers (I'm not as outgoing as you seem). I am a 32 year old male and I have a rabbit named Mr Fluffles! Rabbits require a lot of attention and looking after and cannot be left alone for long. It really helps me to not feel lonely and looking after him takes my mind off me for a change. I'd definitely say go for it.

I'm not sure whether they would. I looked into therapy dogs, but it doesn't seem like you can get official therapy dogs for autism or mental health in this country (I think children might be able to for autism, but not adults). It's a shame as they can make such a difference.

Thank you Kitsun. There's no particular trigger I've been going downhill for a while despite all my best efforts at doing lots of things that are good for me. I went to the GP last week and I need to go back next week after he has done some research because my body rejects most synthetic drugs. There are no ASD support groups near me, how I wish there was but I don't have the energy at the moment to start one. I use these online boards to stay connected and they certainly help a great deal, not quite a substitute for real human contact though. Thank you for your kind thoughts and suggestions, I'll keep looking for solutions.

Sounds like lots of positives there, really happy that you have their company.

Thank you Aidie, congrats on your MSc too and hope the software testing is going well for you.

I'd have a rescue animal anyway - I just prefer that idea, but the cross-breed angle is new so that's reconfirmed my decision, thank you.

Hmmm, I need to look into vet bills and cost of having a pet a bit more. I had a labrador/retriever cross when I was a child that had a super temperament, I'd almost forgotten about that, thank you for the reminder!

thank you Duckbread, it seems people have a real bond with their pets, that's really good to know. Would your landlord make an exception for a therapeutic pet that was well trained?

thank you Helena, it sounds like Fluffy came into your life at just the right time and is a wonderful companion. I'd also get a rescue cat partly because I'd rather rescue a cat to give it a good home and partly as it will already be litter trained unlike a new kitten. 

Sounds like a good alternative that better works with your living arrangements. Have you ever had a guinea pig, they are pretty cute!

That's a good half way house suggestion and would give me the opportunity to try out having a dog before making a fuller commitment, thank you.

I have dogs, four very enthusiastic Jack Russels. They have changed my life. I no longer feel the need for the traditional relationship. Animals are non-judgemental. Plus, they contribute massively to my ability to formulate a routine. Win, win in my book.

I have dogs, four very enthusiastic Jack Russels. They have changed my life. I no longer feel the need for the traditional relationship. Animals are non-judgemental. Plus, they contribute massively to my ability to formulate a routine. Win, win in my book.

Hi, I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling down, has anything in particular triggered it? It might be worth discussing feeling down/lack of motivation with your GP as they might be able to help. Are there any local ASD support/social groups that you could attend? It sometimes takes trying a few before you find one that you like but it would but once you do find one then it opens up the option of making friends with other people with ASD. There’s also a number of Facebook support groups for people with Autism/Aspergers. These sorts of things might help to relieve the loneliness.

I have dogs, four very enthusiastic Jack Russels. They have changed my life. I no longer feel the need for the traditional relationship. Animals are non-judgemental. Plus, they contribute massively to my ability to formulate a routine. Win, win in my book.

yea u fall in love with them

My parents have Shih Tzus (I grew up with them) and I absolutely love them. They're so laid back and loving. The health issues are a real shame; they're such lovely dogs.

i wondered one day how high can a high functioning person go. Well you do seem to have reached quite a height, with a  PhD and MBA. So congratulations you're quite an inspiring person. 

i have a shitz tsu, lovely wee dogs . Other shitz tsu owners always stop me and want to pet him. kids love him as well. However I would recommend to go to the local dog pounds/rehoming charities as cross breeds are way more healthy than all sorts of pedigrees 

Shitz Tsu's have all sorts of throat ear and eyes issues. Golden retriever is another fantastic breed known for being very cute protective loyal and just so affectionate.