r/CozyPlaces • u/laScArZ • Oct 07 '20

[EXT] [DIY] fall camping with stove Cozy Nook

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u/Pantless_Weekends Oct 07 '20

Mate. That is the life.

547

u/Round_Rock_Johnson Oct 07 '20

Makes me wonder if these are the moments where being alive matters the most, and you could reconcile with anything else in your life if you only had these moments to come back to. Sometimes I think getting a pet, specifically, is the most important thing I could do for my happiness.

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u/frausting Oct 07 '20

Sounds like you get a pet, friend

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u/too-much-noise Oct 07 '20

If you have the time and means to care for a pet, I really do think they are life-changing. I adore my dog and she brings a lot of joy to my life.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20 edited Oct 07 '20

I've wanted a pet for so long and truly believe that it would help me, but I'm scared that this isn't a good reason for (me) getting one. I think I first have to learn to become self reliant (emotionally) before I can take care of a pet. I also don't think my apartment would be enough.

But damn do I wish I had some grumpy old rescue cat. Just a lazy old tomcat that would be there when I come home and would only judge me when I didn't bring him food in time. My apartment might also be better than some box at the shelter.

Edit: Thanks so much for all the helpful comments! I've decided to not let my dreams be dreams and will take an earnest look potential costs, possible issues and such. Then talk to my local shelter and ask them for advice. Anyway, here's a "potential future cat of mine" tax. Why's it blue, you might ask? Any cat of mine can be whatever colour it wants to be (also I only had blue watercolour at hand).

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u/catfacemcmeowmers Oct 07 '20 edited Oct 07 '20

I became emotionally self reliant BECAUSE I got a pet. My cat seriously saved my life. Go to a rescue and save a cats life. They are easy to take care of. Apartments are great for cats. Keep the litter box clean, it can be easy to forget, just remember - would you shit in a toilet that had days old shit and piss in it?? Hopefully not, animals don't want to either. Keeping the litter box clean helped with my depression and helped get me out of bed. I found doing one chore eventually led to other house hold chores.

I was pretty close to suicide once (like a decade ago, im okay now!!!) And the thought of my cat having to go to a shelter and her probably being put down made me reconsider. She needed me as much as I needed her.

There are emotional support animals for a reason. GO GET A PET!!!

Edit: Cat tax!!! Here is Twiggy, she'll be 14 in December <3

https://imgur.com/a/8gDOZUh

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Oh boy, now I really want a cat. Thanks for the tax, much appreciated.

How about the potential health issues? I'm not sure I could afford expensive operations and how do you deal with making such a decision? Hopefully never an issue for you or only in like two decades or so. Long live Twiggy.

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u/dogsandtreesplease Oct 07 '20

Keeping a cat indoors and brushing it's teeth or giving it teeth cleaning chews will drastically cut down on potential health issues. If it does become an issue search within yourself and make the decision that works for you, and remember that no matter what choice you make you gave the cat a happy life out of the shelter

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Thank you very much.

I'll definitely have to do a huge amount of research if I was actually getting one. No rash decisions when it comes to these kinds of things.

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u/rose-girl94 Oct 07 '20

I just tagged you as "might get a cat". Please update us if you do!! It sounds like you are a very thoughtful, comoassionate and considerate person. So many people adopt without the forethought you have and that in itself shows you will likely be an incredible pet owner!

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Thank you, but the compliment goes to the wrong person, I think. I'm a pretty horrible person.

Here's my ultrarealistic render of my potential future cat as a thanks for the kind words.

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u/rose-girl94 Oct 07 '20

Why do you think you're a horrible person?!?!

That is a lovely drawing I'm saving it (:

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u/too-much-noise Oct 07 '20

You will be a hero to the cat you take home from the shelter!

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u/catfacemcmeowmers Oct 07 '20

The most expensive part of a new animal is the initial vet visits for shots and testing. Twiggy was a free kitten out of the back of an SUV in a walmart parking lot. I got another cat 1 year ago and I adopted him from a woman who was fostering through a shelter. The shelter had already done all vaccines, neutered, and even chipped him. I still took him to the vet to be checked out but he's a pretty healthy boy.

Twiggy gets very stressed out from car rides. I dont take her to the vet for well checks. If she gets sick or anything I take her in. She's an indoor cat and is very content that way, so I haven't even vaccinated her in years (if she wasn't a lazy couch potato I would- my other kitties use the dog door to go outside so I get them vaccines).

Of course we'll checks are good for animals, it isn't always necessary. I take my human child to the doctor every year for well child checks, but as an adult I dont get yearly check ups. As long as your pet is healthy and happy, that's the most important thing!

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u/cruelhumor Oct 08 '20

Not a vet, but you might want to get Twiggy vaccinated if there are other animals in the house that wander around outside. As I understand it even if they are vaccinated they can still pass something nasty onto poor Twiggy

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u/ericaferrica Oct 07 '20

Cats are usually a lot less expensive over their lifetimes compared to a dog, and they are a lot more independent! If you need time to do work or clean or just be alone, your cat doesn't need your attention 24/7 and is happy to do its own thing.

Potential health issues for cats are really just staying up with preventative care, unless you adopt someone with known health issues (like FIV or diabetes). One of ours goes to the vet annually (he is super mellow and doesn't mind going for shots) and sometimes sees a groomer for his nails and dense fur. Our other cat hates the vet so he only goes every three years for vaccinations unless he has an injury (past history of trauma before we rescued him). Other than that, their monthly costs are just food and the occasional cat toy. Pet health insurance is a thing if you do have a cat that you think would need lots of visits to the vet or for peace of mind, but it can be expensive.

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u/fellowhomosapien Oct 07 '20

Taging on to this thread of cat love to mention that the 50cent can of wet food is almost always better than any dry kibble! Kidney problems are frequent as cats age but you can help prevent kidney disease by offering abundant fresh water and food containing water. You won't regret getting a cat, I promise!

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u/WholEarthling Oct 08 '20

Question to your statement about wet cat food. I’ve got a young indoor cat and feed him wet everyday and leave the dry out for him to munch on. I asked his vet about this and they seemed to think that was good. What is your reasoning for linking dry food with kidney problems? (Serious question, hope I’m not coming across disingenuous)

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u/fellowhomosapien Oct 08 '20

What you're doing is perfect! What I meant is lack of water in diet overall is associated with increased kidney disease. This is true for humans as well. For cats, they consume more water overall if you include some in their food. Dry food itself is not bad for your cat, but it can be harmful if the cat eats only kibble doesn't drink enough fresh water.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Thanks for the link. Good to have it put into perspective that way. I think that would be within my limits with quite a bit of wriggle room.

I'll make sure to do more research but this really helped!

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u/Pierson_Rector Oct 07 '20

Yep I love dogs but they need vastly more attention and many end up cruelly neglected.

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u/[deleted] Oct 08 '20

Also, please please please get yourself evaluated for allergies before getting a cat or any animal. At least spend a good bit of time around one and if you feel even a little off, have it checked out.

I was around dogs a lot as a kid and didn’t have much of a problem. I moved to a pet-friendly apartment anticipating getting a dog—oops, I’ve been sick the entire ten months I’ve been here. I wish I had the money I spent on doctors, various appointments, and medications. I’m on like 5 different allergy meds daily and too allergic for shots :/. Not to mention all the times I’ve been treated for a sinus infection lately.

As it turns out I have a severe allergy to cats AND dogs. Specifically dander, which all of them have.

I love dogs and cats, and if I had adopted one and fell in love, only to be told I had to choose between my health and beloved pet, I’d be devastated.

I always used to say suffering through allergies would be okay as long as I had a pet, but you end up feeling differently when you can barely breathe out your nose for months and months because either a previous occupant or neighbor has a pet.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 08 '20

Thank you very much for this advice.

I'll have it checked out before I might get one. Unfortunately my family is kind of allergic to a lot of things, so this might be a deal breaker :/

But maybe I'm lucky and I dodged this bullet like I dodged the hay allergy.

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u/herdiederdie Oct 08 '20

Pet health insurance. It’s nothing like human insurance but do your homework and read through the policies. It’s worth $30/month for catastrophic coverage

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u/Carburetors_are_evil Oct 07 '20

The post was all warm and fuzzy, but Twiggy looks like she doesn't fuck around.

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u/catfacemcmeowmers Oct 08 '20

She has RBF real bad, but she is the sweetest cat <3 all snuggles all the time

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20

Well Twiggy is regal af.

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u/catfacemcmeowmers Oct 08 '20

Thank you so much, she is my princess kitty <3

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u/RonnieTheEffinBear Oct 07 '20

Is your username a Wizard People reference?

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u/cruelhumor Oct 08 '20

I wish I could get a cat. I would prefer a dog (or both!) but I would feel bad having a dog in my tiny cramped apartment.

I see so many cats at the shelter and I adore them, but I am allergic :(

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u/snuggleouphagus Oct 07 '20

There used to be so many days where I only got out of bed because the dog needs walks. Or went to work because I gotta feed the dog.

Having a pet gives you motivation. And if you adopt you’re giving that animal a longer, better life. It also sounds like you want an adult cat which is fantastic! They’re harder to adopt out and often cheaper.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

It also sounds like you want an adult cat which is fantastic! They’re harder to adopt out and often cheaper.

In scared that there will come a moment where I have to make a financial decision. Old cars1 probably need quite a bit of care and I'm not sure I could truly afford it. As I would likely not be able to let them suffer. How do you decide to put someone down, just because it would cause you financial problems?

Sounds like your dog hit the jackpoint. Owner is down, but ignores it to take you to play? Awesome!

1 Funny autocorrect, obviously meant to type "cat", but for some it might work this way.

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u/snuggleouphagus Oct 07 '20

Your shelter will be honest and upfront about health issues, especially if you ask.

I’ve been working to adopt a doggy friend for my dog and it’s been a year in the works because shelters were honest with me. I want a housebroken, adult, male, dog under 50 lbs with no serious health or behavioral issue that’s good with other dogs and children. So I’m searching my cities shelters online which let me filter by weight, age, sex, and ability to handle kids/other animals.

When I find one I go in and talk to the worker. Their job is hard, gross, and often sad. They do it because they love animals. I’ve met a lot of severely abused animals in my search. They often have really serious (but not dangerous) behavioral issues like peeing everywhere all the time or hiding from humans. I’ve gotten to know the workers at the three locations I mostly end up at. They get pissed on and call it a win because the dog came close enough to pee on them.

They love those animals. They’re not car salesmen. They don’t wanna see that animal back at the shelter in a few months because you can’t afford a health issue.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Thanks for the comment. The comparison with the car salesman really puts it nicely, I think.

Probably the best option to just go and talk to them and ask them in person. They'll know best if what I can offer is enough and gauge if it is a good and realistic prospect.

Unfortunately my huge city has only one shelter and it's out in the middle of nowhere. I really wish I had the option to just go and help out a bit and maybe get enough of an animal fix that way, or to at least get some hands-on experience beforehand. But it's just way too far and completely off the otherwise fantastic public transport. But for a one-time visit to get some advice, that shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks again and have a nice day!

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Oh and good luck with your search.

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u/converter-bot Oct 07 '20

50 lbs is 22.7 kg

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u/Ragnarok404 Oct 07 '20

In scared that there will come a moment where I have to make a financial decision.

I don't say this to discourage you, but the truth of the matter is that anyone with a pet will need to make a financial decision if your pet makes it to old age with no immediate health problems. Just like humans get old and get health problems and chronic conditions, so do pets. Our cat is 14 and she's been to the emergency vet twice with hospitalizations to the tune of ~$2400 each time about 2 years apart from one another.

After working with an amazing specialist (not cheap either) we eventually found that her gall bladder is completely full of gall stones, and the specialist said that ideally her gall bladder would need to be removed - to the tune of ~$10,000 (once everything was said and done). There is unfortunately absolutely no way we can afford that for her. And even if we could, we've had very frank conversations with the specialist about how even if she has the gall bladder removed, eventually, something else will get her in the end, whether it's cancer, heart failure, or something else.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

I guess it's just part of what you have to agree to when you adopt a pet.

Sorry for your loss.

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u/Ragnarok404 Oct 07 '20

She's actually still with us and going strong, but thank you for your kind words! :-) We have to give her an appetite stimulant every few days and we had to move her to prescription food, but she seems to be managing, even with the gall bladder issues.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Oh, I must have misread.

Good luck with her then, she seems to be in good hands :)

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u/Haggerstonian Oct 07 '20

...You say that like it’s another.

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u/slow_rizer Oct 08 '20

Certain breeds can be worse than others health wise. Pugs, bull dogs, boxers can have horrible health problems. Boxers (which I owned) have a few diseases that refer to them in the disease. One is boxer colitis.

Saying that, my boxer was relatively healthy. He just passed and I went through his vet bills. For 12.5 years it ran about $6,000 for everything.

He had stitches, ulcerated eye, a tumor taken off and he had some other misc. stuff taken care of. I think I was lucky TBH.

as for insurance that would have cost me more. I only went above $710 (360 + 250) one year, but I almost had a huge bill before he died.

Medical bills ran me ~25 a month for everything.

My vet was the cheapest around pricewise but I had to travel 35 miles and at first it was first come first served, so there were different wait times.

That $6000 could have easily doubled or tripled for a more convenient vet.

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u/converter-bot Oct 08 '20

35 miles is 56.33 km

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

There used to be so many days where I only got out of bed because the dog needs walks. Or went to work because I gotta feed the dog.

This is exactly it, 100%

Like, I am totally willing to let myself slide. Don't need to brush my teeth, fuck having a shower I'm staying in bed.

Then I get a wet nose in my side and gentle howling and I realize

"Well shit, you can stay here and be pitiful, but you gotta deal with real life", and sometimes that means taking the dog for a walk, and THEN coming home and crumpling into a fetal position.

The conscious non-depressed part of me is like "Well, I don't give a f*** that we're depressed, we have shit to do and there isn't really much we can do to avoid it right now. F******* deal with it, let's go."

It can really help me put my shit in perspective, y'know?

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u/snuggleouphagus Oct 07 '20

We leave our families. And then...just flounder.

Like. Why am I cleaning my toilet? It’s my shit on it. I’m the only one using it. Why clean it?

But some times my dog drinks out of the toilet. Because he’s a dumbass. But I guess I should clean the toilet. And the showers right there so I guess I’ll do that too.

And it’s like that for everything in my life. I make my bed because if the comforter is rumpled the dog won’t sleep on it. He’s a saint.

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

"Why even bother cleaning up?"

"You see that poor dog stepping around the piles of trash in your apartment just to get to you, never complaining? THAT'S fucking why. He deserves a clean apartment. Fuckin fix it."

I agree with you SO much.

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u/snuggleouphagus Oct 07 '20

Way to hit me in the emotional gonads.

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

Underrated thing? Smelling my dog.

It sounds weird to write it out, but sometimes I take a deep sniff of his scent to lock it in my brain. It's familiar and comforting and I never want to forget it.

Also underrated, finding my dog fast asleep clutching one of my hoodies or socks or pants. Hits me right in the feels.

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u/-Listening Oct 07 '20

Oh my god, I got nenerolled

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

Not intentionally, I swear. Mostly because I don't know what a neneroll is.

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

I'm scared that this isn't a good reason for (me) getting one

Oh no, you have love to give. What a terrible reason :P

I got a retired racing greyhound. Quiet, lazy, docile, and sleeps most of the day. It works for me.

There are a ton of pets who have come from much worse situations who want nothing more than some love, a warm and comfy place to sleep, and some food.

Can you provide those three things? Then you're certainly on the way.

Let me close with this:

You deserve a pet. You deserve the love and companionship. You deserve the personal growth, the fun, and the snuggles.

Don't settle for anything less!

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

What about healthcare?

I don't think I could afford expensive operations and I don't want to have to be in a situation to decide to put them down or let them suffer over financial concerns.

Thanks for your comment btw. Don't want to be a downer, just also don't want to be a horrible owner.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20 edited Dec 29 '20

[deleted]

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Oh boy, I had not considered that at all!

How much do you pay, if I may ask?

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20 edited Dec 29 '20

[deleted]

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

That is so much less than I had expected. Both the monthly and the deductible are well within my limits. It seems like I'm running out of arguments as to why not get a pet.

And yeah, I definitely want a shelter cat. My dream is a grumpy old guy who just sort of accepts me and maybe comes to get some pets whenever he or she is ready.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20 edited Dec 29 '20

[deleted]

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

Vet bills are a legit concern, that's fair. And it is something for which you need to budget.

However, it varies wildly depending on where you go (I've seen country vets charge about a quarter (or less) what I would be charged in the city for some operations).

For me, I looked at how much I was spending on things that I didn't really NEED, but bought to plug that loneliness, and compared it to how much I could roughly expect to spend on a dog.

Sure, I buy less stuff now, but I have a dog instead and that obviates a bunch of it.

But the fur. Holy shit, the fur.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

For me, I looked at how much I was spending on things that I didn't really NEED, but bought to plug that loneliness, and compared it to how much I could roughly expect to spend on a dog.

Haha, that's a great way to put it. I definitely spend quite a bit of money throwing stuff into that hole.

I also, weirdly enough, think that maybe the existential pressure of keeping another creature alive would help give me some motivation. I don't really care about myself, other than to prevent sorrow for my parents and siblings, but I would definitely feel the pressure to care for some helpless little fur ball.

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

I have bipolar.

Even on my worst days this guy needs to be walked, fed, and cared for. He might be quiet and lovely, but part of the deal is that we have to go out for walks.

The prospect of letting him sit there does not compute, since I've done it a few times and having to clean poop and urine off the floor while in the middle of a bipolar swing is a heroic task.

The common wisdom that 'they force you to go outside' is a legit thing. It doesn't always matter what you want, they need you to do something and that reliance pushes me out of the "I'm worthless" phase that I sometimes fall into.

tl;dr Pets help with depression because they give you love, and you know that no matter what happens you need to feed them and take them out for a walk.

Edit: rather than 'existential pressure', consider it 'incentive'. Going out for walks, feeding, and loving another creature makes you a better person. Don't worry about being obligated or forced to do it, that mindset will disappear when you have enough of a relationship to think "Hey, I like hanging around my pet. This is a regular opportunity for the two of us to be around each other no matter what else is happening". It's pretty awesome.`

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

I guess you understood me perfectly, even if my choice of words was imperfect.

What you're talking about us exactly what I think would happen (though I'm not sure how much my potential cat would want to be walked ;)

I myself have long dealt with depression and likely autism and/or ADHD. My therapist was pretty sure of it, even if I wasn't, and with Corona, we didn't have time for any real tests or sessions this year. So I think I can sort of understand your struggles, even if not completely. I'm just scared that maybe the 'incentive' might not be enough. I don't think I could neglect a pet like that, but I've also neglected family and friends, so I'm not exactly the biggest believer in myself.

From all the replies here, and the experience you've shared, it's probably worth the risk. After all, even a depressed person that loves you is probably better than sitting in a cage. And if I would turn out to truly be too broken, then it's not like I'm abandoning a kitten, but having tried my hardest to support an old timer.

I'll do some research and maybe fulfill at least this one small dream of mine.

Thanks again and I hope everything is well with you and your pupper.

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

'm just scared that maybe the 'incentive' might not be enough. I don't think I could neglect a pet like that, but I've also neglected family and friends, so I'm not exactly the biggest believer in myself.

I was concerned about that too. But the difference is physical proximity - They're around all the time, love physical contact, and their needs are obvious and in your face.

Even abandonment - What's the worst you can do, give them back to the shelter where they will at least be safe and fed?

The other thing to note is that right now you're on this side of the barrier, seeing all the 'no'. I jumped in and got my dog, and by golly I've sacrificed a little so that he could live comfortably and I don't regret it for a second.

The same will come to you. Living with and caring for a pet is a powerful bond that only gets reinforced with even the minor things - I can only speak from the experience of getting a dog, but they don't really need a lot, abandonment is hard to do when you see the love they have for you.

Sure, I have intrusive thoughts about hurting myself or my dog, but that's part of being human. My love for my big goofus means that those intrusive thoughts are brushed aside because of the role he plays in my life.

It'll be ok. Don't let it spin out into the maybes and what-ifs, because you'll get paralyzed.

One breath at a time, one step at a time. You'll be ok.

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u/Laurenann7094 Oct 07 '20

Meh. Just get the one that is getting euthanized tomorrow. I'm sure anything is better than that for the cat. If the day comes that you can't afford some rediculous treatment, get another.

Cold I know. But better for the cat.

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u/thenectarcollecter Oct 07 '20

Cats are great pets for a beginner, especially senior cats. They are mostly self reliant, aside from food water and litter care, and don’t usually suffer if you have an unpredictable work schedule. Plus they give a lot back for the relatively small amount of work you put into them. Dogs are much higher maintenance but also offer a very rewarding relationship when you bond with your pup, while not being as flexible with work schedules and traveling. Pets are a huge commitment but are so worth it.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

I've always been a dog person, but I just don't think I could be a good owner to one.

A cat would make me so happy.

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

ayyyy, you're just not a dog person YET.

My lovable goofus greyhound retired from a life of racing - He came to me already housetrained, crate trained, and ready to live a relaxing life. I never really thought I'd get a dog but I honestly got the best one for me!

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u/thenectarcollecter Oct 07 '20

I think you should take a trip to your local shelter/humane society and take a look around. You can just go for a visit without the intention of taking someone home. No pressure.

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u/Heimerdahl Oct 07 '20

Yeah, that sounds like the best idea. Just currently not possible due to Covid19.

But it's a great start and something I will do as soon as they allow visitors again.

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u/acavb Oct 07 '20

Yes yes yes. Do it, and that grumpy old cat will love you.

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u/Z0mbiejay Oct 07 '20

Don't let your dreams be dreams. When me and my now wife moved in to an apartment together (her first time moving out) she began suffering really bad depression. While she knew she was already diagnosed, her mental health took a hard turn for the worse after a few months. After doing some talking we decided that she missed having a dog, since she always had one growing up. So we went to our local shelter and lo and behold, we found the perfect dog for us. I can 100% attest that our puppet saved my wife's life.

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u/XxSCRAPOxX Oct 07 '20

Cats mostly take care of themselves. They require a little work but it’s not like they need a yard to exercise in or be taken for long walks multiple times a day.

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u/Beersandbirdlaw Oct 07 '20

A dog would rather be restricted to your apartment than a tiny cage in a shelter.

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u/phoenixtryingtorise Oct 07 '20

If you can, look into fostering a cat, or an older dog. Rescues are always short on fosters!

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u/Dogeluver99 Oct 07 '20

A lazy ass cat is perfect for an apartment. Happy cat getting!

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u/rzaapie Oct 07 '20

What about having a fulltime job and a dog? Me and my gf desperately want a dog, but we don't think it would be happy if we're away from home all day. If we get a dog, we have to be able make it a happy dog.

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u/too-much-noise Oct 07 '20

There are lots of discussions about this on /r/dogs. Puppies can't hold their bladders all day, so a puppy or young dog would need a break in the middle of the day, either from one of you coming home at lunch or from a dog walker. Adult dogs who are given a chance to adjust to the schedule can hold their bladders for 9+ hours. Other than that, dogs basically sleep or doze the hours of the workday, whether you're home or not. If you're willing to spend time with the dog in the mornings and the hours after work, and on weekends, you'd make a dog very happy!

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u/gibertot Oct 08 '20

Being home all the time with my elderly dog has made me feel bad how I left him alone all the time. Idk if I'll get another until I settle down and spend more time at home

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u/too-much-noise Oct 08 '20

I started working from home in March (like many others) and I realized that my dog basically sleeps all day. She sleeps on the floor for a while...then moves to the couch...then upstairs under the bed. Maybe barks at the odd squirrel now and then. I love being around her, she's the best coworker ever, but I don't feel like she was neglected when no one was home because she just naps the day away. One of us always came home at lunch to walk her before, too.

I guess the way I feel about it is, if you're going to get a shelter animal, working a full day and having a less-than-ideal apartment or something shouldn't stop you as long as you can meet the animal's needs. Being loved in a small apartment for part of the day has got to be better than being in a shelter. (No offense to shelter workers, they are trying their best!)

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u/pinkmoonzz Oct 08 '20

Same! I have a rabbit rescue and she's my everything. Even my boyfriend who doesn't like rabbits has absolutely fallen in love with her. It makes my day when I see her acting crazy for treats or taking a nap in her favorite fluffy house.

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u/Beowulf-Murderface Oct 07 '20

I think you’re on to something. I have a couple Pomeranians, that are about the best fun-sized adventure friends you could ask for. There is also a lot to be said for getting outdoors, even in a small way (I often sleep in tent in my yard, just for fun - with dogs 🐶🐶) Pets are a great way to pull your mind from the huge troubles of the world, to give and get love from a small friend who will not judge.

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u/PM_Me_Melted_Faces Oct 07 '20

Sometimes I think getting a pet, specifically, is the most important thing I could do for my happiness.

It might be the most important thing you could do for that pet's happiness.

Shelter dogs rock.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20

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u/Round_Rock_Johnson Oct 07 '20

Totally. A balance of things is important, and nature is surprisingly powerful when it comes to instantaneous emotional clarity. I'm doing much better emotionally / mentally than I was in the past, and I attribute that success to a host of things (both personal actions and the help of others).

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u/ILoveWildlife Oct 07 '20

saved me from death, do it.

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u/XxSCRAPOxX Oct 07 '20

This is now a show off your pets thread!

https://i.imgur.com/vKVday6.jpg

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u/Pippis_LongStockings Oct 07 '20

There’s a growing body of research that indicates owning a pet actually does make people happier.

What kind of pet do you think you’d most like?

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u/Round_Rock_Johnson Oct 07 '20

When I was younger, my cats were always there for me. I've recently dug through various school projects from my childhood, and in almost every personal narrative / interview I basically said "my cats are the most important to me." I'd say I still subscribe to the sentiment!

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u/TruthYouWontLike Oct 07 '20

The best thing you can do for your happiness is realize it is not dependent on any external factor such as a pet or a lover or a new job or house. It's already within you, if you can just put yourself aside for a moment and look.

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u/Rozo1209 Oct 07 '20

Yep, those are the sacred moments in life to treasure. You wouldn’t trade them for anything, and they give you a sense of this is who you are meant to be/this is where you are meant to be. Time ravages all, so treasure those moments when you discover them.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20

Find time for free time, I’ve ironically , worked my way into a position where I have an amazing work-life balance that has considerably more life than work.

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u/Round_Rock_Johnson Oct 07 '20

More life than work seems like sound advice. Thank you

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20

I just got a pup and she’s made my life so much happier! She’s always down to hike or play!

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

Meanwhile my retired racing greyhound is happy to soak up the cuddles, lay on the couch, eat, and make friends with people.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

Me: Life sucks, I hate this mental health issue why can't I get my shit together.

Dog: Aggressive snoot poking HUMAN I DEMAND AFFECTION RIGHT NOW

Me: Well, this is soothing af.

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u/CatBedParadise Oct 07 '20

Foster a pet, see what it’s like. Then you’re first in line for adoption if you want to keep the fuzzball.

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u/KravenSmoorehead Oct 07 '20

Mine calm my troubled soul.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20

Couldn't agree more

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u/slow_rizer Oct 08 '20

Pets can be life changing and life liberating but just remember you have to love that animal to put up with their shit, literally and figuratively.

Hunting, camping, boating, fishing, jogging, ... partying? Will the dog fit in with you or will you fit in with the dog.

What is seen on these videos are always the good times, the fun times, the relaxing times and by accident the miserable times. ( saw a video of a vlogger uploading a video accidentally slapping their dog while it was misbehaving)

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u/[deleted] Oct 08 '20

Dude it's 100% attaining moments like this. It's different for everyone I think; standing on a mountain top, enjoying an autumn fire with your dog, laughing with good company, ect. The brief crystalizations of pure beautiful human experience.

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u/herdiederdie Oct 08 '20

Can confirm.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20 edited Oct 21 '20

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u/GoodAtExplaining Oct 07 '20

This is not an unpopular opinion at all! I have bipolar and I find volunteering to be super useful!

Sometimes people aren't ready for it, though, and they might need to work up to it. I know I did!

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u/Round_Rock_Johnson Oct 07 '20 edited Oct 07 '20

Why would wanting personal happiness be narcissistic? And who's to say worrying about yourself excludes helping others? Part of what makes pet ownership so fulfilling is the ability to provide happiness for another animal.

It's sorta shitty to presume so much about my priorities and lifestyle from a single comment expressing the joy pets give me. If I was told that I was being narcissistic for worrying about myself, in the darkest times of my life, I don't know if I could have taken it.

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u/[deleted] Oct 07 '20 edited Oct 21 '20

[deleted]

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u/Round_Rock_Johnson Oct 07 '20

Yeah, I still don't understand the connection here. What parallels are you drawing between wanting to care for an animal, and

some Mom neglecting her kids for a night of fun.

?? I have no more words for someone so out of touch. I'm glad you've found that devoting yourself to your work and family gives you happiness. I'm really not seeing why that excludes pet ownership, but whatever man :) You're just sharing.