10 Reasons You Need a Pet

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I LOVED THIS WEBSITE! IT HELPED ME WITH EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS!! i HAD DEPRESSION BUT THEN I READ THIS AND I GOT A DOG AND NOW IM HAPPY. i AM 106 YEARS OLD AND LIVING FREELY WITH MY NEW DOG NAMED FLUFFERS

Gretal of CO 1:22PM May 12, 2011

You can not get a better small dog than a Bichon Frise as a pet. They are loyal and will be your shadow. They do not shed and are 99% dander free so if you have any allergies they are the perfect companion. They would be the perfect pet for anyone that would like a small dog. They weight up to about 16 pounds and life expectancy is around 15 years. They need to be groomed about every 6 to 8 weeks. They come in the color white only and sometime may have a spot of two of the color of apricot muted into their coat. They are wonderful with children. I also like poodles and shih tzu's. One of the sweetest pets I have ever had is a male black and white shih tzu who lived to be 18 years and 4 months old and was my shadow. I also have a black lab and shepard mix that loves me too. Rescue a county shelter animal pet who would be a good fit for you. They need homes desperately. Thanks for allowing me to express my feelings. I love all of my past pets and the nine I have presently. I am 71 years young and would have many more pets if I could afford them. Thanks, Anne Rooks

Anne Rooks of NC 10:47AM September 16, 2010

I have always had big dogs - a rottie and a lab. When my lab turned 13, I knew it was almost time for her to go. I couldn't stand the thought of coming home to an empty house, so I bought a Sheltie pup. She was full of energy and so loving. Lady Sue didn't care for Tippy when I first brought her home, but she tolerated her. That's been almost a year ago and Tippy still won't go to the side of my bed where Lady slept. Then a friend offered to give me her Yorkie. He was 9 months old and had fallen and broke a front leg. The vet said he had to have that leg removed. After that, my friend didn't want him any more, so I offered to take him. He gets around just fine and can run about as fast as Tippy. They are inseparable. One won't go outside to potty without the other. They are so cute when they play together. When Buckeye (the Yorkie) takes a nap, Tippy will climb up on my lap, put her head on my shoulder and nap there. They follow me everywhere I gp and are definitely the joy of my life. They make me feel so good and so much younger. I am 70 years old and feel so good thanks to Tippy and Buckeye. My granddaughters who are 14 and 10 just adore them. Best decision I ever made!

Marty Richardson of OH 11:39PM July 21, 2010

A dog is man's best friend. He is devoted and is always non-judgmental and cares not about you race and/or ethnic background, color or religion of a human partner. A dog merely wants, indeed only needs basic needs to sustain and to be acknowledged as a worthy living creature When a dog receives loving sustaining recognition, his loyalty,love and devotion almost single-handily contribute to a bound to his partner which is invariably reciprocated. Dogs are very frequently more trustworthy that humans.

William of AL 2:11AM July 07, 2010

I rescue West Highland terriers (Westies, for short) and they make wonderful companions for older people. Their expressive faces and funny antics will amuse you for hours on end. They don't require long walks, live 13 to 16 years, and want nothing more than to be with you.
An adult Westie weights about 16 lbs. and will sleep in your lap for hours. But terriers can be a threat to small children who often make the dogs nervous, so be sure you adopt your terrier from an organization that will take it back if Fido doesn't like your grand children.
www.dogster.com can help you decide which dog/cat/pet is best for you.

Bill of NC 6:50PM July 05, 2010

I have a 4 pound Shih-Poo, best friend I ever had. I am a single mother of 4 with 3 grand children. Sometimes I feel over welmed as im sure we all have.
Being tired after working a 12 hour day, once I get on my porch and Teenie hears me there, there is nothing more impotant than me at that moment for her, not her tiny toys or her dog treats, she welcomes me as if ive been gone a month. I can barely get through the door, she depands I pick her up and recieve her love.
Having Teenie in my life I believe helps me with everyday stresses, I believe she absorbs them from me, im less stressed I sleep sounder, Im calmer.
I encurage everyone to find a soul mate as I have found in Teenie.
I dont think it just has to be a Dog it can be any type of animal, I think they add years to your life I know Teenie has mine.

surina of WA 8:05AM June 23, 2010

Cats were my choice of companions due to mobility limitations. While a cat can be independent and low maintenance, I was blessed with loving and diverse personality cats over the past 50 years or more. One charming fellow came to me while in Italy, he was a globe-trotting companion for 14 years. He licked tears from me during times of sorrow and provided unconditional love always, he didn't "wander and cheat" on me like my ex-husband did. Most recently I spent 18 years with a cherished, loving companion cat who sat on my lap and rode with me in my wheelchair, slept besides my pillow and gave me much love and cuddles. Yet another gave me 9 or 10 years of devotion and smiles. Each was unique in their own way. My home and heart are empty now but I am seriously considering seeking another friend and companion. As a P.S. for those who prefer dogs, really tiny dogs such as Yorkie or teacup poodles or mini dachshunds can be trained to use "piddle pads" so those with limited mobiilty can still enjoy doggy love and company. Cats of course, need only a litter box and the new scoop-type litter is easy maintenance. Food and health care may cost a few dollars but the rewards and truly "Priceless".

Mary Lou 1:42PM June 17, 2010

I don't feel safe without a large dog and I didn't feel loved until I got dogs again when my Sammie died. I am alone a lot and have had my home burglarized and I also fear walking, which I must do.
Dogs can give you so much happiness and love and you meet other dog lovers while out with them. I sleep better. No more attempted break-ins since I was blessed with pit bulls. If one is out with me, there is still one to guard my home.
My anxiety comes and goes and will eventually go away but when I cannot imagine being on the street vulnerable, I take my Bubby with me. The sight of him scares most would be pan-handlers or men looking for a woman away which is fine with me.
He needs to be professionally trained but just his love and his protective attitude help me immensely.

Bunny of FL 11:20PM June 12, 2010

It would be more accurate if it was titled, "10 Reasons You Need a Dog" because you made no mention of the many other household pets that can provide all of the same features.
p.s. Here's the AVMA link to their stats
http://www.avma.org/reference/marketstats/ownership.asp

Jean of NC 4:02PM June 08, 2010

I'm 77 and sort of retired (I work at home doing creative projects for a publisher), and I have an aging Westie. I actually found him at the dog pound years ago and he was approximately 4 then, so we have been aging together. He came with his own set of habits already in place, so we more or less adjusted to each other's habits. Westies don't shed; he doesn't have doggy breath or gas, and most of the time he is a polite and considerate companion, disagreeable only when he isn't feeling well.
He is very good for me in that I feel obliged to get out and walk, something I'd be inclined to put off if alone. I take him with me in the car when I do errands because he likes to ride and is a perfect gentleman in the car. Sits quietly in the passenger seat, observes how I drive, looks out the window, and when we go through a drive-thru, always looks especially cute to get a 'treat'.
I tend to be a night-owl and stay up all hours, but he feels 2 AM is late enough and will start bugging me about then, very persistantly, so I have to give up and turn in. He is perfectly happy to sleep in until 9 or 10. And he always takes a toy to bed, even now in his old age. That's one of his signals that it is time for bed; he picks a toy and shows it to me. From the day I got him, he was right up on the bed with me and there was no putting him in his own bed on the floor. So we sleep side-by-side.
He is quite intelligent and understands most simple conversation. If I tell him, 'Go look in your bowl', he will get up and walk to the kitchen to check it out for food. And he is not at all 'yappy', barking only at squirrels out the window, or the occasional unexpected outdoor sound. He's more apt to 'talk' out the window, making a series of little growls and word sounds when a cat walks by or he sees some other tresspasser. This always makes me smile. In fact, he can make me smile most days and often he seems to smile back.
He is my best and most constant friend. I can't imagine life without him.

marilyn henry of IN 3:23PM May 30, 2010