Do you think pets help or hinder mental wellbeing?

[Roisin]

They help my mental health, most of all giving a sense of connectedness that I've had since my earliest years. My childhood memories of pets is that we spoke the same silent language. From dogs it was unconditional love, cats mutual trust and horses a oneness that later I realised was mindfulness.

My little lady dog is almost 20 and has a terminal condition, I know the time we have is precious. If she could talk I sense she might say she would worry less about me if there was another doggie pack member to watch my back, but for now it gives her purpose to be my right hand doggo.

 

[DrBadStrings]

Late to the conversation here but I think in general pets do more good than harm to a persons mental health. I can't imagine living without having my cats. They don't judge, they never hurt my feelings, always are there to lift my spirits. The only hindrance to mental health wellbeing is when the inevitable happens and they pass away or need to be put down. That's always a tough one to deal with. Like just recently I had to put my cat of 16 years down. Kimosabe was with me through some major up's and down's in my life. While I will never equate a pet to the same level as a human, sorry but pets aren't people, they aren't "fur babies", I do think they are vitally important to overall well being and just staying grounded in nature.

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

She lives in the house, but likes to visit the horses .

 

[CreatedUnique]

Well, when there you're only friends they can become an emotional crutch. I know from experience. Because there has to be some companionship outside of pets. I do think it's safe to treat them like roommates that are your friends of a different species. For example, cats and dogs, have to be taken care of by us, but at the same time can do their own thing within reason.