How have pets improved the quality of your life?

1. 79

   CWanamakerposted 13 years ago

   How have pets improved the quality of your life?
   
   There are many inspiring stories about pets and their human companions (see the recent video of the soldier coming home to his dog for a perfect example).  It seems that many people share a special bond with their pets that can only be described as extraordinary. It has been said that animals bring joy and a positive atmosphere to people's lives. So feel free to share your story with everyone!

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2. 83

   BizGenGirlposted 13 years ago

   Pets and Animal Companions are often thought of as spiritual gifts. They offer so much, and really ask very little from us, especially as time goes on. Though do they really improve our quality of life? They certainly can, and here are some of the... read more

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3. 73

   jaybird22posted 13 years ago

   I am an avid dog lover.  I have had dogs my whole life growing up, mostly German Shepards. 
   
   To me, I think pets provide happiness and joy into our human lives. There is something to be said about having a rough day at work and coming home to an animal that is so excited to see you.  No matter what kind of day you have, animals are always happy to see you.
   
   Joy and happiness, from an animal, will lift our spirits when we are down.  I think this is important for our psychological health. 
   
   I take my dog running, hiking, walking, and to the park with me.  There is a bond between us like no other.  Although he cannot communicate in words, he can with his body actions and demeanor. We have fun together and whenever I take him to family gathering's he stays right by my side. He is loyal to me because he knows who feeds him, cares for him and takes care of him.  Doing things outdoors with him motivates me to stay in shape.  At the same time it keeps him in shape. This is good for both of our physical health.
   
   Whenever someone comes to the house, my dog barks to alert me that I have a visitor or something is out of the ordinary.  This is great because dogs have a keen sense of smell and hearing unlike any human.  I wouldn't even question what he would do if someone was trying to hurt me.  The protection he provides is uncanny.  I would do anything for him if something was trying to hurt him as well.
   
   If you have never owned an animal before, you will not know what I am talking about.  There is a bond and love between human owners and domestic animals that is indescribably unless you have had the wonderful blessing of being able to provide a great home to a dog or cat before.

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4. 60

   kjrzeek1posted 13 years ago

   
   
   The saying that dogs are "Man's Best Friend" is totally the way I feel. I grew up with dogs in my life and that experience has made me the person I am today!  I feel that animals, especially dogs really make you appreciate friendship and loyalty.  Now matter how bad my day was when I walk in the door and see how excited my dogs are to see me makes it better.  I recently had to put down 2 dogs over the last 3 years and it was terrible.  I still have a Chihuahua that sleeps in my bed every night.  He is my special friend and a huge part of the family, he even eats dinner with the family!

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5. 60

   RandomLifeposted 13 years ago

   
   
   My dog has changed my life in many ways. She gives unconditional love and during times of depression she really helps me to want to get up and do more because she needs me to take care of her. Her name is Coco and she's been a huge blessing in my life. My Dr has deemed her a service animal and has given me documentation so I can take her with me to places where service animals are permitted. I have had social anxiety my entire life and after getting a dog it helped me to have her company and affection. I don't have children and have decided not to have them so my dog also helps to fill that void of caring and nurturing. I went through a lot of health problems after I got diagnosed with thyroid disease and gained a whopping 75 lbs! Talk about adding to social anxiety, it really gets bad when you go from a tiny person of 5'1 at 103 lbs to 178! While I was really sick my dog would check on me if I was sleeping and could tell when I wasn't feeling well. After 2 yrs of research, my boyfriend and I found alternative medicine for my thyroid and I've lost 62 lbs of the weight at this point. I'm able to take Coco for more walks and care for her more than before. My boyfriend had to take over for a while. I can't imagine my life without her. I can't express how much she has meant to me through the entire process. I'm so glad I adopted her from an abusive owner and in return to giving her a better life she has been a blessing to mine that is beyond any words that I could say.

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6. 0

   Olde Cashmereposted 13 years ago

   Pets I've had over the years have meant the world to me. They always gave nothing but love and honesty. When they passed on, they taught me valuable life lessons in how to grieve with that. My cat I have now is my best bud, playful and all.  I've always loved animals, very much. I'd say they've improved my life tremendously.

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