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How your pets have helped you

IceSkaterSenior Contributor10 June 2025, 7:18 pm AEST

How your pets have helped you

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to find a new pet (likely a breeder's retired / older dog if possible) after my family's dog passed away about a month ago from old age. It'll be my first time individually raising / being responsible for one.

I thought it would be nice to hear if / how pets have helped other people here with their mental health recovery 🙂 After some really difficult events in the past, I remember the day after the only thing I wanted and which helped me was to see and cuddle my family dog.

I'm also hoping it will help with things like routine, company and emotional support.

How have your pets helped you?

3 replies

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In response to: How your pets have helped you

Captain24Senior Contributor10 June 2025, 8:07 pm AEST

Re: How your pets have helped you

Hi @IceSkater

My two babies are my life. They are my protective factor.

They have to be on my lap or next to me at all times. The joy that they show when I get home or give them a treat.

It’s just the unconditional love that they give.

I can 💯 say I wouldn’t be alive now if it wasn’t for them.

In response to: How your pets have helped you

Unknown userMember10 June 2025, 9:24 pm AEST

Re: How your pets have helped you

Hi @IceSkater

have my pets helped with my mental health …. That is a huge definite Yes

companionship and company.
Their unconditional love

They are great listeners and answer in their own ways

they sense when I’m struggling and give me extra love

routine of food, fresh water etc helps me on bad days.

they are the most important things in my life.

my pets are only things that get me out of bed some mornings. Thoughts of them are what keep me going.

If it wasn’t for my pets, I won’t be here.

my fur babies have definitely saved my life

In response to: Re: How your pets have helped you

IceSkaterSenior Contributor11 June 2025, 8:57 pm AEST

Re: How your pets have helped you

Thanks for sharing @Former-Member @Captain24

Unconditional love and joy is so powerful... my self-worth is something I still really need to address, so it'll be interesting to see the difference it makes having a doggo around.

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