ReturnToSender Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 "They" say that having a pet to love and care for can be very theraputic... Over the past couple of years Ive tossed the idea around my head, and I dont now if its an after effect of last nite, but Im seriously considering it now. Have any of you gotten a pet after a breakup, did it really help? Im supposing it would...something to keep your mind busy, to put your energy into, and the love they give back...awe! Ive had a pup before, about 10 years ago, and I miss him and what he brought into our family so much. My daughter is a teenager now and would absolutely LOVE this, Im sure she would help out, weve pup sitted for friends and she was all into it...and after so many years of saying we'll wait and see, I think Im finally ready for this. I just dont want to be hasty though. Just curious if anyone else has gotten a pet while feeling the loss of a relationship, and what the pros and cons of that were for you, as opposed to getting a pet when not feeling so low.
TryTryAgain Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 Interesting you just posted this. While I've been thinking about getting a puppy for a few years now, my recent break/breakup has finally solidified my decision to get a puppy. I think it will be therapuetic for me. I need another outlet to put energy into, and I seem to fail when I put energy into relationships. I'm truly hoping having a puppy will bring more purpose to my existence. I'm hoping it will distract me from my constant thoughts of my ex. So, while I don't have any experience in the matter, I'm about to get a good dose of it soon! I think it's a great idea.
worlybear Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 "They" say that having a pet to love and care for can be very theraputic... Over the past couple of years Ive tossed the idea around my head, and I dont now if its an after effect of last nite, but Im seriously considering it now. Have any of you gotten a pet after a breakup, did it really help? Im supposing it would...something to keep your mind busy, to put your energy into, and the love they give back...awe! Ive had a pup before, about 10 years ago, and I miss him and what he brought into our family so much. My daughter is a teenager now and would absolutely LOVE this, Im sure she would help out, weve pup sitted for friends and she was all into it...and after so many years of saying we'll wait and see, I think Im finally ready for this. I just dont want to be hasty though. Just curious if anyone else has gotten a pet while feeling the loss of a relationship, and what the pros and cons of that were for you, as opposed to getting a pet when not feeling so low. I have a little scrap of a dog and she's an absolute godsend! She is loyal, loving and fun and great company for me and my daughter. I already had her as a pup to celebrate our 25 silver (LOL) but STBXH always hated her- I'm glad really as I wouldn't be without her! Go get a dog!:bunny:
Author ReturnToSender Posted March 14, 2011 Author Posted March 14, 2011 I seem to fail when I put energy into relationships. I'm truly hoping having a puppy will bring more purpose to my existence. This is exactly how I feel right now...I feel you so hard on this. Yeah, maybe not a bad idea at all to bring some love into our lives. Oh Worly that must have been a huge comfort to have the pup when all was said and done. Yeah, I think Im going to start checking out shelters. ...plus it will be a great thing for kiddo and I to do together, taking care of the the pup and going to the park and stuff.
2sure Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 Having more love in your life - giving it and getting is always a great idea. After something like a break up or divorce or loss...is a nice injection of something good.
Author ReturnToSender Posted March 14, 2011 Author Posted March 14, 2011 I was considering getting a kitten, the kitty I got as a teen got me through some really rough teen angnst lol Hes 18 years old now (!!!!!) and still keeping all my secrets *whew!* I decided Id better get a pup though, one cause I have a fear Im going to die a lonely old cat woman, and that would just make me feel like Im getting the process started lol A pup will force me to get up and moving on those days I really dont want to, and is more interactive, like out for walks and can take him on trips and also the chance to meet other dog owners and socialize more.
curiousnycgirl Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 I got my dog after my break up last year (we got back together, then broke up almost a year later) there are definitely pros and cons. Pros - 1. something to focus on and love 2. forces you to get out of the house 3. forces you to walk/exercise 4. Girl/Guy magnet! Cons - 1. limits your ability to go out/be spontaneous - must be home for the dog That's about it on cons. However I would probably encourage you to not get a puppy - they require a lot more work. Why not consider a rescue? If you target a breed secific rescue the dogs have been living in foster care (ie someone's home) and are already house broken and at least partially trained. For the most part they will be totally honest and let you know what you are getting - they really don't want to see these dogs coming back. I got my guy from a golden retriever rescue and would do it again in a heart beat. Good luck!
Author ReturnToSender Posted March 14, 2011 Author Posted March 14, 2011 Great pros and cons...I have a kid so being spontaneous is out of the question anyway lol Also, I mostly work from home...kiddo at school and me at home all day alone has equalled some really not so good moments. I ended up getting a part time job which has helped, but thats only 3 days a week, so I still feel like Im home allll the time. Alone. Yeah, actually I was thinking more along the lines of a shelter or rescue...I just know I want a pup a year or younger, and there are many many in rescues that are young. Ive been reading up on the application and interview process too...I think that we should have no problem. Wow, something to look forward to! Im actually getting excited over something...
Fern Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 I got a kitten at Xmas and she's done wonders for me. I get loads of affection off her and she sleeps in with me so I don't ever get lonely. It definitely helps!
Good Arms Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 When and if I finally move out of the parental home, I'm hoping to get a cat. I'm sure some would think it a tad weird - a single guy living with a cat - but screw them. A friend at work also has one, so that's given me some encouragement. It's something I've long planned if I move out. I don't know if I'll be able to change my lack of social life much, some things just get too entrenched, but a cat or two would be nice company and a bit of responsibility. Really wish I was allowed one here. The only problem was my ex was a total cat person - obsessed even - and had two herself. But I won't let the bitterness of being dumped put me off. I've liked animals long before she came into my life. I'd like a dog for their wonderful companionship and the 'getting out more' ReturnToSender alluded to... but as I'd be working all day with no-one at home, it wouldn't be fair on them.
Tayla Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 Given the right breed I think you are doing a wonderful deed for your family!! At a nursing home I worked in, they encouraged a staff pet to help the elders. It proved to be a positive expereince as they ALL felt they contributed to tending to the pets desire for attention. The dog was well trained before it arrived and when it stayed on premise the residences become wonderful caretakers. PLus folks got more range of motion by petting the animal. I think its a great responsibility with more then its fair shares of memories. SOmehow those four legged beings find a place in your life and your heart.
Author ReturnToSender Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 I find this so encouraging... Im going to set about getting a shopping list together, pup proof my home and take your advice worly to get in touch with a rescue instead of a shelter.... mostly because those pups are taken care of in a home environment and the people learn a lot about their personalities and what sort of home theyd do really well in, it seems they take a lot of care in matching the pups to the right home for them, and Id like that to happen for us.
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