Each day I receive an email containing a list of adoptable dogs.
Each day I want to adopt all of them.
Each year I go through a phase where I am inches from adopting a pup. I make a pro/con list. I make of list things I need to do to ready my living space.
Each year I have the thoughts
What if I can’t take care of it?
What if it’s one of those frequent days where I can’t muster the energy to leave my bed?
What if I get too depressed to properly care for a dog?
I can’t rely on a pup to take care of me.
I grew up with dogs and never has depression and/or anxiety gotten in the way of taking care of a dog, but there were always other people around pick up my theoretical slack.
Now, I live alone. Sure, I have people who would help but I can’t rely on other people to care for my dog. Ultimately, I can’t get a dog until I’m 100% sure that I can properly care for it 100% of the time.
Ideally, adopting a canine companion will help with the depression, but it’s a risky prospect.
MentalHealthDogs.org lists a number of reasons why dogs are the best. They are:
- Relief from feelings of isolation.
- An increased sense of well-being.
- Daily structure and healthy habits.
- An increased sense of security.
- An increased sense of self-efficacy.
- An increased sense of self-esteem.
- An increased sense of purpose.
- Mood improvement, and increased optimism.
- A secure and uncomplicated relationship.
- A dependable and predictable love.
- Affection and nonjudgmental companionship.
- Motivation to exercise.
- Encouragement for social interactions.
- Reduction in debilitating symptoms.
- Greater access to the world.
- Around-the-clock support emotional support.
Dogs are great.
The problem is that I’m not great.
How did you decide to get a pet? What are the pros and cons? What advice can you give?
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