In fact, I never considered getting a dog until I married a lifelong dog lover.
He never pressured me into getting a dog, but I knew he missed his childhood dog, a Golden Retriever named Rory. I'd met Rory -- to me she was just a shed-happy, slobbery mess.
Somehow, I caved. I agreed to get a dog under the following conditions: A. It was small, and B. It didn't shed.
Two weeks later, we brought our little Cockapoo boy, Remington "Remy" Steele, home.
It was hard at first, with the potty training and boundary-setting. Early on, it caused me some extra anxiety and I wondered why I got the dog in the first place. However, it wasn't long before I understood why my husband loved dogs. I understood why so many people love dogs.
Dogs are the most loving, loyal creatures. They make you feel valued. They need you. They make you feel special.
Remy is now 1-1/2 years old, and there is nothing more precious to me than when I come home from work, and he begs to be picked up, and then showers me with his puppy kisses.
My anxiety is generally under control at this point in my life, but even then, I've come to also understand how therapeutic dogs can potentially be when it comes to anxiety sufferers.
Maybe I would have had a better childhood if I'd had a dog. I truly do think so.
First of all, most anxiety sufferers feel like they are judged and misunderstood. They feel like the world is looking at them and calling them "freak". Dogs don't think this way. Dogs don't care. Their love is unconditional, and all-accepting.
They also give a great deal of physical comfort. Especially for someone who has a hard time getting close to people, the physical affection of a dog can be that much more meaningful. Almost all dogs want to be close to their owners, and will be keen to snuggle most of the time. It still surprises me how gratifying those snuggles can be. It really makes me feel like, no matter what is going on, someone loves me and wants to be close to me.
Dogs also force you to get out of the house. When anxiety and depression are at their worst, motivation to get up and do something is at a low. Regardless of how you feel, though, the dog needs a walk. The positive endorphins given off by exercise, as well as the social aspect of having others come up to you and tell you how "cute" your dog is, will likely put you in a much better mood.
If you are overwhelmed in your life currently, a dog might make things worse. But if you have the time to spend with a dog, and have been on the fence about getting one, it could definitely increase your happiness.
If you are considering getting a dog for the first time, definitely choose a breed that is known for a calm demeanor and is easily trainable. Your first time out, going to a pound and picking up an abused (and as a result aggressive) dog would be unwise. You can definitely talk to a local dog trainer to get their input on the easiest breeds to raise. They may also have ideas on where to buy dogs from reputable breeders (no puppy mills or pet stores please!) You could also go a local humane society and choose a good fit for you among the dogs they have on-site.
Have any of you had similar experiences with a pet? Feel free to comment below.
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