General
Pets
March 11, 2025
in General
In our support group tonight we mentioned pets and the benefit they can have on our mental health, and I wanted to start a thread so I can see your fur babies!
this is my puppy, IV (like ivy, and yes it is short for intravenous). She is 100% the reason I get out of bed most days. She takes such good care of me when I’m feeling under the weather and doesn’t leave my side. I feel so much better having her around.
share the love - I wanna see your pets! Does having a pet impact your mental health?
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I do not like pets, never did. Since my transplant, I am afraid of them, transmitting disease. I avoid visiting friends and family who have pets. The thought of slobbering mouths discusses me.
Alas, we had to ours down a year ago. Have not gotten another yet. I do like having a pup,
Pets are the best!! I love my doggies. Especially when I'm are and they cuddle with you under the blankets. They are so sweet! I'm so grateful for their unconditional love. Dogs have helped me to get through some heavy times throughout this 25 year journey.
Transplant Patient
@Captsewer to each their own! I know I’m definitely not a cat person, and I could totally live without my dog’s incessant licking. I use my dog as my mental health boost throughout the day - what do you have that helps give you that feel good boost? I'd love to gather more ideas for the non-pet people
this is Mozzie. Pets are amazing for my mental health
This is Scout. She is the greatest gift from our son. He brought her home to me for Mothers Day the year I got sick and she was always by my side. She was why I made myself go out and walk in all kinds of weather. She needed me. I needed her, she would sleep on my lap on paracentesis days and after procedures. And now, after losing my husband, I need her more than ever. Growing up in a farm I’ve always had pets and love them all big or small.
This is Ursula. Can’t imagine life without her. When I was in the hospital for a year pre-transplant, I begged my family to smuggle her in! First year after transplant my daughter cleaned her litter box. Now I wear a mask and latex gloves then change my cloths and wash my hands. Outside of my daughters and partner, she was a reason to cling to life when I was dying.
OK, I can’t attach a photo, it says “request failed with status code 400”
Transplant Patient
@Jeanmarie what did you say the hack to attaching photos was? 😂
@AliEm14 @TheMac You have to make it small. Like 200x200.
The older one is my boy Crosby. He’s 6 1/2 years old. He’s been my rock this whole time. Well I got bored during my recovery so we got Cambridge. He’s about 6 months old in this picture. I am currently 8 months post liver transplant.
hey guys these are my cats socks and paws they have been with me ever since i was in a coma in 2021 they are gonna be 4 this year and they are both sisters and they are always there to cheer me up when i'm down or going through a bad day .
Sorry I tried to shrink the picture. These two "good boys" are Malachai and Kovu. They were my first grandkids. pre-transplant, Kovu would rest and press against me, ( I heard these are hugs in Malamute? language) They always sensed when I needed emotional support. At first, I was leery about interacting with them post transplant, but I couldn't resist. I waited until all my stitches and bandages were off before I got close to them. They brighten my day so much. They are quick with a tail wag and are always happy to see me. After playing with them, or hugging them, I wash up. If I commit to brushing them, I mask up. I always feel better after hanging around them, plus throwing the ball to Mal, counts as exercise! 🤣