They’re all cat cousins!
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Hi everyone… saw this thread and figured I’d reach out for some advice/experience/opinions…
I suffer from depression pretty badly… I’ve always wondered if having. Dog would bring a joy into my life that would help keep me active and too busy to sit around feeling sorry for myself…
But… I’m hesitant because:
Is owning a pet expensive? Will it put me in a financial hole?
I’m a firefighter and at times am not home for 24hrs, who will walk my dog??
enter other concerns that I am not currently aware of because idk what it’s like to own a dog
What do you guys/gals think?
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Those are all very good concerns. Especially for your long shifts. I’m a cat person and they don’t need as much attention, but she’s so happy when I come home, 
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Dogs are amazing for mental health but you would have to be prepared to spend money on them (vet bills are unpredictable and expensive, even if you have insurance it doesn’t cover all costs).
They do need a lot of time and attention to get them well trained and then keep them mentally and physically active. Bored dogs can be very destructive. Some really hate being left alone and get distressed as well as destructive.
Ideally dogs shouldn’t be left regularly for long periods of time - if you do have to leave them then you would either want a friend, neighbour or dog walker (although another cost) to make sure they get a toilet break and food/ exercise as appropriate.
I suppose I wonder if buying a pet to improve mental health is a good idea (rather than wanting a dog and having better mental health as a bonus byproduct). Maybe to start with you could try signing up as a volunteer to walk other people’s dogs? It would give you the motivation to get up and out without the same level of commitment, see how you find it?
Or, get a cat 
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Oh good idea with walking dogs! Or volunteer at the local rescue!
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I love my dogs but they are a lot of work. And they need to be let out and walked. A lot!!
Let a cat rescue you. It worked for my daughter in her recovery. She did not rescue the cat. The cat literally rescued my daughter. Kittens are cute but they can be trouble to begin with and a lot of work. 2 kittens rescued my son during his recovery. It’s best to get 2 kittens so they have a companion. Let a cat get you that’s not a kitten. The cat will teach you a lot.
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please think about it twice. a dog is work and needs love and caring. and if you think about cats: not one cat alone, cats need buddies, at least one.
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Super cute dog!!!
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Alice just got her new heated bed. Shes 14. I’m sure the warmth on the old bones feels good. I hope I’m not buying 3 more of these for the young bums.
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Aww they’re okay with being this close! (Krieger (right) has not been very welcoming to Patience) She’s doing her best.
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Awww, they could be twins
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Have patience (cute name!). My older cat hissed and growled when I brought Dozzi home. Now they are fine, even if not BFFs. They sometimes sleep close together.
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Yeah, they’re doing okay. He hissed a lot immediately when she just wanted to play with him but now hes trying to be playful and I think shes a little scared now. It’s only been a week and they’re home alone together a lot so they can take their time getting to know each other.
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Trying to get some purs. Not sure if she knows how. I thought I felt it for a few seconds the other night but didnt hear it. Ahhh! I love her!
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