The world is certifiably crazy but I am doing kind of OK.
Depression is on the rise but perhaps a puppy or kitten in every house would improve our mood. Nothing can make one smile more than looking into the eyes of these lovable creatures. Years ago, when I had stressful days at work, I would go to a local pet store to play with the animals that were allowed to roam around in the store (be careful where you step). Holding and cuddling a dog or cat changed my attitude and worked miracles. In today's frightening, strange, perplexing times, may I suggest that when listening or watching the news, you sit in the middle of a large litter of pooches and/or felines (the more the merrier to counter all the negative feelings), pour yourself a glass of fine wine, and just turn the volume to mute. We have to carry on some way.
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Depression is on the rise but perhaps a puppy or kitten in every house would improve our mood. Nothing can make one smile more than looking into the eyes of these lovable creatures. Years ago, when I had stressful days at work, I would go to a local pet store to play with the animals that were allowed to roam around in the store (be careful where you step). Holding and cuddling a dog or cat changed my attitude and worked miracles. In today's frightening, strange, perplexing times, may I suggest that when listening or watching the news, you sit in the middle of a large litter of pooches and/or felines (the more the merrier to counter all the negative feelings), pour yourself a glass of fine wine, and just turn the volume to mute. We have to carry on some way.
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| Daisy loving The Retired Man's hair. |
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Sounds like a plan! A plan that makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to smile more, Colette.
DeleteYou're right...we have to find a way to get through these worriesome times and puppies and kittens are certainly a good start.
ReplyDeleteIt is one solution. My Daisy and Wheezer lower my blood pressure and are a joy to me.
DeleteMy cat is six years old, and too sophisticated. His dignity makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteThe older a cat gets, the more blase' they become. Food and a belly rub often change their mood.
DeleteHonestly, I NEVER watch/listen to the news anymore. I don't feel the need for it at all. I'm aware of things going on, but I never take any of my precious time for it. My lifestyle is much different that relying on current events and politics, but that's just my choice. HOWEVER...I agree with you 10000000% that a puppy/kitten/dog/cat makes life so much more worth living. They are sweet, loving, goofy, needy and fun to be with. They get me up in the morning, help me to keep in shape, make me laugh and make me feel so loved and needed. Add a glass of wine, and I'm even more grateful! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your comment.
DeleteYou are not kidding - my daughter just comes in and tells me all these horrible things because I don't listen to the news - and I told her she is just worrying herself - try to think positive! lol
ReplyDeleteI had not watched the local news for quite a while but it is hard to ignore the world news as the headlines are everywhere. Lord help us.
DeleteDear Arleen, sound advice. Thank you. I've lived with cats since 1972--always one and most of the time two to three more. They have gifted me with their wisdom--that is, nap when your body tells you to and simply enjoy being. And . . . they have kept my blood pressure low! Peace.
ReplyDeleteI have always had pet/pets. Like you, Dee, they have added so much joy to my life. They teach us so much about compassion and love.
DeleteWhat a fabulous idea. I miss owning a dog for this very reason. I have a cat but affection is very much on her terms which isn't very often. X
ReplyDeleteI miss owning a dog also. That little black dog in the picture is being fostered by a friend of my daughter. I was so tempted and if I was ten years younger, he would be mine now.
DeleteHow true it is. Even Jazz, (who sometimes channels a psychotic killer) lowers my blood pressure and dstracts me from the ugliness of the world.
ReplyDeleteMy Daisy is very affectionate and follows me all over but she no longer wants to sit on my lap. I miss that. She has begun to want things on her own terms now.
DeleteThe world is totally crazy, but there's hope when there are puppies, kittens and babies. If I wasn't totally allergic to cats and moderately allergic to dogs, I'd have a cat living with me. Alas!
ReplyDeleteI am allergic to cats but have had them for years (thanks to my children, who got them and left them behind when they moved out). I keep the pharmacy and tissue business in business, but I can't live without a furry pet.
DeleteAbsolutely right! Whenever I'm feeling depressed I take the dog for a walk, and all seems better again. I would find it impossible to be without my lovely animals.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are magic, aren't they? Their capacity for love knows no bounds. I wish they lived longer.
DeleteMy cat and dog, a beer and a book, or taking a walk with doggie put a good perspective on things. I do not watch TV news, the visual impact of violence is too great on TV for me.
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you on this, Terra. Watching cruelty on TV does not help anybody.
DeleteHaving just come indoors from talking to the tree-frogs (they take up positions on the walls near porchlights) and lecturing them on the dangers of doorsills, nudging their little butts so they hop to safety, I find your views on the calming influence of animals quite close to my own. They don't have to be furry and in my lap; they can be wet, naked and a half inch long. It's the communication that counts. Still I don't like it when they hop onto my head from the porch top.
ReplyDeleteI agree Geo. All creatures are precious, maybe even snakes as they have a role to play in our world. Roaches, though, both crawling and upright turn my stomach.
DeleteI love dogs but could get by with just the glass of wine!
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s blatherskite Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
They are a responsibility, and not for everyone. I think, though, having and caring for a pet makes life better.
DeleteI think pets make us slow down, which is always good for our health. Our cats let their need for company be known; sometimes it's frustrating because I have things to do, but in the end I'm always glad they made me sit. Those pet pictures are dear.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best about a pet is that you never lose an argument to them and they hold no grudges.
DeleteAgreed totally. My black labrador functioned as a therapy dog - when anyone was depressed or lonely, Rudy would take his leash to the front door and wait for a walk to the local outdoor coffee tables.
ReplyDeleteDogs have a way a making a bad day bearable and a good day better. I have a friend with a therapy dog and the "work" that they do in helping people cope is marvelous.
DeleteThanks for stoping by, Joseph.
Ab-so-doggone-lutely! People who don't have cats or dogs miss out on an endless supply of of "free" entertainment and therapy. Hmmmm, maybe there should be a bunch of puppies and kittens scampering around in the Capitol building and at the White House. Might calm some of those folks down.
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend.
I fear that no amount of therapy is going to help the people in the White House, Susan.
Deletethat's why I have my 3 kitty girls; they keep me sane in an insane world.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Anne Marie.
DeleteWe haven't got the lifestyle to be able to look after our own animals....doesn't stop us being friendly to other peoples' beasts! Jut as good
ReplyDeleteI have been without pets at times but have always had family and friends with animals that I could love on also..
DeleteDaisy certainly put a smile on your husband's face - and on mine! I 'borrow' a friend's dog every now and then when she is busy with work or taking a holiday. Walks then are so different,a different pace altogether with things to sniff and holes to dig. Walking without a dog just isn't the same.
ReplyDeleteMy brother, whose dog died recently, gets his puppy love now by walking dogs at the local shelter. Like you, borrowing a puppy puts a lift in his step.
DeleteAbsolutely and totally agree with your thoughtful post. Our non-judgemental, unconditional loving animal friends can be lifesavers. A pawsitive distraction from the depressive state.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, my thoughtful friend.
Gary
Like you, Gary, my pets have always been very important to me and have given me much joy.
DeleteMy lucy (cocker spaniel) keeps us both happy with her funny ways, a dog is both a blessing and sometimes a heartache. A friend lost his dog yesterday to a stroke and was really broken up.
ReplyDeleteOur pets have lives that are way too short and losing them is so very hard. My condolences to your friend, I know that pain.
DeleteI definitely believe animals are good therapy for whatever ails us. My mother was recovering in a nursing home after some aggressive chemotherapy before coming home. We were able to bring her German Shepherd to her for a visit. She became very alert and happier than we had seen her for months!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 50th. You post was written so beautifully, you really expressed my own feelings about marriage and the ups and downs in life with my man by my side. You have a lovely family, I'm sure the pleasure was theirs throwing that surprise party!
Thanks always for your visits...I need to get more disciplined with my blogging!
Jane x
We brought my mom's dog to the nursing home during her last few months. Those times gave her so much happiness.
DeleteThank you so much on your kind remarks on my husband's and my 50th anniversary.
I see you had stopped by...checking on you and how are your eyes?--I'm having issues as well. We take our eyesight for granted until it's compromised
ReplyDeleteI am taking something for them, but so far, I "see" no improvement.
DeleteSuch heartwarming and wonderful thoughts indeed. The world does need a bit more compassion and love. Thanks for sharing and warm greetings to you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. Compassion, empathy, and love are needed more than ever. Thank you for your lovely comment..
DeleteYes, loving animal friends can be lifesavers ... especially the older we get. For many, they are such good companions.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
My Daisy follows me around everywhere and is my constant companion. i couldn't have a more loyal friend.
DeleteGlad to see you've stopped by, and thank you for helping to help cats in need! Hope you've had a good week. It's been steamy and rainy here in our neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good feeling to help those in need, both two footed and four footed.
DeleteHi Arlene, This is such a cute photo of Daisy and The Retired Man! Glad Daisy perks you up during these stressful times, and I'm sure you do plenty to liven things up for her too! You always make my day!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Oh, thank you, dear Julie. I am allergic to cats, but love my Daisy and Wheezer (the latter, not to be confused with The Retired Man) very much and I am willing to support the tissue industry to my last sneeze.
DeleteSuch a cute photo! I think I'd go for a dog (daughter and gr-daughters are allergic to cats.) We live in a retirement community where neighbors walk their dogs and talk about them. Not a tiny dog, mind you. Just a little dog.
ReplyDeleteI hope some little dog finds his/her forever home in your heart and life, Susan. It is a wonderful thing for everyone. You won't regret it.
DeleteA great idea, Arleen. I'm sorry I've worried you. I'm back, and will be around.
ReplyDeletex
So glad to see you back at Blogger, Laura.
DeleteWhat a great post. Love my animals but I'm really crazy about cats. I saw a program today about service animals and the difference they make in people's lives to get them through so much. Hugs..RO
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ro. Pets can tech us so much. Thank you for reading this post.
DeleteThank you for such a cute post. Animals are delightful.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what my life would be like without them. Thank you for stopping by, Munir.
DeleteI don't have any animal any more ... but if I lived the kind of life suitable to one - then I'd get one ... and I think I'd need to be near some outdoor space where they and I can roam easily ... they are always delightful creatures ... and warm so many hearts - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, I want to thank you for leaving that comment about Alexi on my blog posting. I'm going to research that and see if it might work for me--money-wise. I hope all is well with you. Peace.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. We visited friends recently with a lovely border collie, so lively and intelligent. He was tiring too but what a tonic to be with a personality that was full of fun and enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by and how are you and what have you been up to? Hope you had a nice holiday weekend? We did, and we grilled some delicious food and took long walks and did a few small house projects.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are so cuddly and cute, and they seem to know when we need them most. Lovely post, and hope you're feeling well. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteHoping all is well over there.
ReplyDeleteDoing Ok. That is as good as it gets lately.
Deletethank you thank you Arleen, and yes, we made it through just fine. The TORNADO warnings scared me more than anything!! so many of them, one right after the other! Very scary. What have you been up to?
ReplyDeleteNothing frightens me more than when a weather person talks about a tornado in my area. Glad all is well with you.
DeleteOh bless! That is cute and so sweet.
ReplyDeleteA baby, kitten or a puppy always makes one smile. I don’t have a baby, but try to be around the other creatures on a daily basis. Thank you Madeleine for stopping by.
DeleteHi, first time here. Enjoy your blog, I hope your doing well and update again soon.
ReplyDeleteAngelina
Thank you, Angelina, I have done so.
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