Posted by afatchic on September 2, 2000, at 22:44:59
In reply to Pets and depression, posted by stjames on August 28, 2000, at 20:26:54
About 15 years ago, I joined the Air Force. I found myself living in a tiny dorm room with no friends and no family within a thousand miles. My boss was evil and demented. Then, I found a cat in the parking lot. She wasn't quite full grown, still a kitten and she was in terrible condition. She was covered with cuts and burns. I picked her up and carried her to my dorm room. I cleaned her wounds, fed her and let her sleep under my bed (she seemed to feel safer there). I took her to a vet who told me she looked like she'd been caught in a car's engine. He cleaned her up, sutured her wounds, and vaccinated her. It's against military rtegulations to have a pet, so I asked everyone if they wanted cat. No takers. I kept her and named her Australia because of her desire to hide under things; she was the cat "down under". Eventually, I was caught and was told to get rid of the cat or I would be thrown out of the dorms. I chose to keep my only friend. Australia and I had a good life. I took her to Turkey and back with me and all over the U.S. She was always there for me. Last year, I had to have her put to sleep and I still miss her very much. I want to get a cat now but I just don't feel ready. It's almost like losing a spouse, I have to finish mourning before I can take on a new love. The moral of this story is that a pet can give love and comfort when no one can. They are all accepting. The epitome of unconditional love.
Sandi
> Anyone else have pet and find they are a great help
> in general and during depressions ?
>
> james
poster:afatchic
thread:279
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/411.html