Your Furry Guardian Angel

It is in the middle of the night and you are feeling the acute effects of your illness. Pain throbbing, sweats and fever. You got it all. Then you feel the soft, warm and comforting ball of fur snuggled right next to you on your chest.

You know what I am talking about.

It is amazing how our pets can sense when we are sick and are there to comfort us in those times. Whenever I get a flu or nasty cold, my cat always snuggles right next to me. In my case, either my stomach or right to my chest like she did last night. On another occasion, I awoke in a panic attack and my cat (actually my kitten at the time) was meowing loudly beside me. I suddenly sat up in bed thinking I was having a heart attack for some reason. My furry angel’s meowing snapped me out of my panic attack and I was drifting to sleep in no time mere moments after that.

Anti-Anxiety

You ever notice how people bring their dogs into stores and other public places with a permit? These service dogs are especially granted to relieve anxiety. People with PTSD, agoraphobia, panic attacks or other anxiety disorders bring their furry friends with them for this reason. If you watch them, their owners snuggle them, stroke their fur and nuzzle them frequently. They are comforted and as a result, their anxiety dissipates completely. When you think about it, it is better than taking anti-anxiety medication.

The Truth About Anti-Anxiety Medication

Anti-anxiety medication is addictive! No matter how much you rationalize how it can make you feel better, think of the cons. You have to be wary about driving machinery. There are side effects that can cause adverse reactions such a suicidal thoughts! Yes, these are printed as side effects on the prescription of some of them. Although these side effects are rare, they are there. Is it worth it? Is it worth to have to take them for months, even years before you stop them? And is it worth the withdrawal symptoms of starting up your anxiety all over again? Cutting down slowly is encouraged by the right doctor. But these pills do not offer the softness, the comfort and companionship of a pet that will stick by your side for many more years to come.

Cat or dog?

In my own personal situation, I have a beautiful ginger cat I call Buffy, in inspiration of that vivacious Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She is a bundle of energy, comical when she wants to be and so gentle and comforting when she knows I need it. I got her at the earliest age I could get her as a kitten and she is so far nearly a year and a half year now.

A kitten brings tremendous pleasure and less responsibility than a dog. Lower maintenance, you do not have to take the cat out in the wee hours of the morning or several times throughout the day whenever the call of nature beckons. The only responsibilities are maintaining the cat litter box and indoor feedings of your furry friend. Of course, you have to cat proof your home as well, such as obtaining furniture that your feline will not likely scratch. You have to be careful also, that things are not that easily knocked down by your energetic ball of fur running about in those power charges. Get plenty of cat toys, a scratching post and cat nip for feline fun!

Getting a dog is more high maintenance. No matter what the weather may be, you will have to take your best friend out to tend to the call of nature. Don’t forget to scoop the poop, too, as it is illegal to leave it to waste out in the open. A dog also needs more room in your home than a cat does, unless you get a very small sized dog like a Chihuahua. A dog in a bachelor apartment or very small apartment is like keeping a person in a small room with nothing else. You also have to consider the training your furry friend will need. You don’t want barking to be disturbing your neighbors when you leave for hours. Playing inside may be a little more challenging for a dog, depending on their size and the kind of furniture you have your place. On the bright side, you can bring your pet outside and for walks. This is especially great if you are an avid outdoor person. If you suffer anxiety, you have a service dog to guide you in your journeys.

The Joy of Your Furry Friend

So whether you have a dog, a cat or the bonus of both, you furry friends will give you a warm winter during the holidays. They do make a difference in your life and can change it for the better!