Midweek Mental Greening
Last summer, I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Bruce Goldstein’s Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story Of A Man And The Dog Who Saved His Life to review. Puppy …
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There is a great deal of research about the benefits of associating with animals, in a variety of ways: companion animals, therapeutic visits (e.g., to nursing homes and care facilities), animal assisted psychotherapy, etc etc.
For some basic research, go to: http://www.deltasociety.org
and click on the “education and research” button.
My greyhound is my life. If I didn’t have her, my mental health would suffer. We walk 2 miles most days of the week, which is good for us both mentally and physically. She pampers me with her cuddling. She’s sensitive to my emotions. She’s the reason I get out of bed when experiencing anxiety or depression.
I don’t have a dog but I do have a cat and he is my mate. He is feisty, independent, cheeky, cuddly and more. He is my reason for getting out of bed each day. He does not have a nasty bone in his body yet he and I are vilified by others where I live. I am so protective of him it seems he is the child I never had.He and I actually have short conversations and I swear he knows what I am saying. he is a delight to come home to.
@ Annette Holloway – Thanks for sharing the link!
@ Arden – It sounds like you’re both really lucky to have each other.
@ Helen – I’m glad you mentioned cats – they are fantastic, aren’t they? I’ve owned cats all my life (literally, the only time a cat wasn’t living with me was the first half of college, when I lived in the dorms) and their independence is astounding. Actually, because of their independence, cats might be better pet choices for many folks.
Countless times i’ve been brought out (temporarily usually) of a very low depression or an insanely high manic episode by the simple thought that my dog, Beans the pug, needs to go out, needs to fed, needs to play or sleep. if it weren’t for her basic needs i would easily neglect my own and any of the ones of my fellow humans. Having a dependent is definitely good for your mental health.
She is about 3 or 3 (I rescued her from a shelter in IN, so i can’t be sure how old or what she’s been through), and seems to sense my moods. she wants to devote all her time to me and can sense if i just need a companion. She can be playful when i am, and delicate and consoling when i’m down. i like to think i have brought a new life to her as she has brought new life to mine.
There is absolutely NO REASON mentally ill people cannot care for animals.
@ Sherye – Have you read the book I mentioned in the post? Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac? I think you’d really relate to it. The author, Bruce, talks a lot about how those same thoughts helped him.
For the past six years, I’ve been employed at an animal shelter. I applaud you for adopting your dog from a shelter (rather than going to a breeder).
After I started working at the shelter, I became much more attuned to animal issues in general (not just limited to dogs & cats). I found out about the terrible exploitation of farm animals, and I’ve become a vegan. It’s the best decision I ever made. Being a vegan helps your health, it helps the environment, and it certainly helps the animals.
I urge anyone who really cares about animals to stop eating them, stop wearing them (i.e., fur and leather), and stop using them for entertainment (i.e, circuses and zoos).
@ Alex C. – Thanks for chiming in
You have an admirable job indeed. The world needs more caring, devoted people like you.
@ Everyone – I ran into this blog today: All God’s Creatures. I don’t know the owner, but I’m told it’s written from the viewpoint of a therapy dog.
Thanks for sharing this. My mom and I are training a few of our dogs for use as therapy dogs. I will share this blog with her. Back to the topic of the original post, I wholeheartedly agree with you that mental illness in itself should keep you from owning a pet. My dog made my day so many times and calmed me down after a nasty day at work. There’s just something therapeudic about having someone who is ALWAYS thrilled to see you — especially when you need a little unconditional love and healing.
I commend you for composing coherent and insightful blog entry that supplicates readers to think carefully before adopting a pet. I am an avid proponent for animal adoption, but I agree with you that “animals aren’t toys, and if you can’t dedicate a significant amount of time to taking care of a pooch, you shouldn’t get one.” As an experienced dog owner, I could easily relate to your joys and miseries that accompanied the experience of raising your dog. Although I was very young when my parents brought home a puppy, I believe my parents experienced some concern (which you cleverly termed “canine postpartum depression) after seeing a big hole in the wall created by our new puppy. Thank you for your precaution to potential animal adopters. As I mentioned in my most recent blog entry, many animal shelters are struggling to cope with the 6-8 million cats and dogs entering shelters year. It is certainly important to encourage pet adoption by increasing awareness about the advantages of pet ownership, but adopted pets will only end up back in shelters if their adopters are not financially, psychologically, and physically prepared to care for their new companions.
In the remainder of this comment, I hope to provide your readers with a brief synopsis of mental health benefits associated with caring for companion animals. Your link to dog rescuer and trainer Silvia Jay’s blog post titled “Dog Ownership and Mental Illness” is very crucial for dispelling the false belief that people with mental illness cannot be good pet owners. Jay’s story about her mentally disable friend who “belongs in the top 1% of amazingly caring and responsible dog owners” is a powerful testament to the competency of pet owners who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression. Further research into this subject brought me to the conclusion that animals make an equally significant contribution to the lives of their mentally ill caretakers. According to Dr. Aaron Katcher of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Patricia Gosner of the University of Southern Alabama, animals offer social and emotional benefits to those with mental illnesses. In fact, the Americans With Disabilities Act provides guidelines for training service dogs to mitigate certain mental impairments such as Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), and depression. For example, service dogs use their bodies to maintain distance between panic disorder or PTSD masters and anyone who may wish to approach their masters. Since panic order and PTSD patients often react strongly when another person comes too close to them in a crowded area, these dogs allow their masters to regain independence by giving them the confidence to do their own shopping or ride on public transportation even when it is crowded. Studies on the mental benefits of pet companionship can also be generalized to “normal” individuals who occasionally suffer from negative emotions such as stress or anxiety. Researchers have known for a long time that attachment to a pet could combat depression among older persons in situations of personal stress (such as death of a spouse).As another example, a news article by Barry Serafin from ABC News described the role of specially trained therapy dogs as “counselors who never say a word” to those who lost loved ones as a result of 9-11. From examining past and present scientific documentation as well as personal testimonies, it is clear that a pet could offer many mental benefits to its loving and responsible owner.
@ Yannie Cheng – I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks so much for such an informational comment! Your mention of pets combating depression for older folks (say, if they’ve lost their spouses) is very interesting. I’ve read a lot of studies regarding Alzheimer’s and how the death of a spouse seems to “trigger” it sometimes (“trigger” probably isn’t the best word to use, but, it’s early here, haha). I wonder how/if getting a pet would help in that kind of situation?
Great piece Alicia, and thanks so much for mentioning my friend Andrea Perdue’s blog – or rather her dog Sitka’s. I currently have two dogs – a cocker and a lab, and a rabbit, that have helped me through some rough days over the years. And, you’re right, animals do make us step outside of ourselves and learn to appreciate the small things while living less selfishly!
@ Colleen – Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And no problem – finding out about it was very timely!
I have a beautiful gray cat that I adopted from a shelter about two years ago, and I also have depression and anxiety. My cat is the best thing for me when I feel depressed, she just seems to know. She will come and sit on my lap or lay on my chest if I am in bed and just sit there, curled up for as long as it takes. Then when I feel better, she is up and about, and I constantly am delighted by her personality. Even if I am sick with a headcold she seems to know. Shes my pet but she’s also my best companion.
@ Lily – Awe, she sounds very sweet
Although cats are seriously underrepresented in this post, I believe they can be just as beneficial as dogs to our mental health.
When I was in a phase of really deep, suicidal depression after a bad breakup, I accidentally acquired some goldfish. Every day, I thought “No, I can’t kill myself. Then no one would feed my fish.” Today I’m back to my normal, reasonably happy self, with a better relationship and two big healthy fish.
@ Robin – Thanks for sharing! And what a really goodhearted person you must be – so many people are careless with smaller pets like goldfish; for some reason, it seems like they just don’t see them as “real” because they’re not as in-your-face as cuddlier dogs and cats.
The stories you share are beautiful and encouriging. I recently lost my dog of 13 years to cancer, and the depression associated with her loss was intense.
My dog offered a great sense of security, in and out of the house. And the warm welcome every time I walked in gave me something to look forward to. She assisted me with more than my depression. I’m single, have no children, and have a multiple seizure disorder, better known as epilepsy. After loosing her I found my seizures increased dramatically. Although many would say that I lived alone, I was never alone while I had her. When I woke from a seizure she would by right aside of me, offering support. She may have been the only one concerned.
Like most of you the long walks, playing games, and the love offered by this pet was truly therapeutic. I shared this therapy the elderly and disabled by visiting nursing homes and veterans shelters. Almost all of them told me that they had one just like her, or at least wanted one like her. This provided a sense of satisfaction. When I went to the animal shelter, she came over and licked my hand. I knew instantly that this was the one for me, and that I could be just as loving and caring as she was.
Although it’s been nearly six months, I still look for her every time I walk in. Although prices at shelters have gone from $50.00 to $375.00 I would certainly save up for another dog, even though she could never be replaced.
Although my Neurologist recommended that I should get another dog. I face the depressing issue of a new landlord that won’t allow any pets.
Best of luck, and keep sharing the happy stories. It’s good to know that so many dog and cats have found the same sense of love and security.
@ Jackie – It sounds like your dog provided 13 years of love, support, and companionship, and I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure you have a world of wonderful memories of your dog, and I know how important those are. I completely understand the hesitation to adopt a new dog; I’ve often wondered if I’ll ever have another one after Chopper is gone. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
As a side note, I also hate to hear how much it costs to adopt a dog from a shelter in your area – I wonder if that high price stops some people from adopting? We’re lucky here – it only costs $55 for a dog, and $30 for a cat. Plus, when people adopt from our area’s shelter, they automatically get an appointment for a “free” spay or neuter (I used quotations for “free” because part of the price to adopt actually goes into the cost of the procedure – still, huge discount!)
My take on this topic is simple. If it weren’t for my dog I would have no reason to live. We’ve been together every day since she was 12 weeks old (she’s almost 5) and I couldn’t imagine just leaving her; or for that matter being without her.
YES YES YES! I volunteer at a not-for-profit training facility of service dogs. I was working with a retired service dog once a week for several months so she would keep her basic obiedience and also get the exercise, interaction, etc. I started calling my weekly visits at dog-therapy. After much back and forth thinking I applied to adopt her. I got a letter from my p-doc saying an emotional support dog is necessary for my treatment, etc. etc. to give to my landlady. The facility certified her as a Therapy Dog and she lives with me now. I can’t tell you how my life has changed. I am BP II and suffer a lot of depression even when my meds are in good balance. The daily walks, the fresh air, the comforting hand licks, and on could go on and on and on about the benefits. I continue to volunteer when I can but I am required to keep in contact with the training facility and they like to make sure her basic obedience is still being maintained. I have to laugh because the first day I had her she escaped the house while I was trying to carry stuff to the car and I chased her three blocks before I tackled her in someone’s back yard. She wants to be obedient, she really does, but she’s also 10 years old and enjoys a little mischief still. Everyone who is alone, shut-in, or disabled in anyway should have a pet they are responsible for (even if it means someone has to help them) because when I am sad even if only for a second she is right there laying her head against my knee or pressing her nose into my hand.
What if you know someone who go the pet but now is fixated on the pet, and projecting their own emotions to the pet’s feelings? I am worried about my friend…
I think that anyone who contemplates adopting a dog (from shelters or rescue groups, of course) should ask herself if she will benefit her dog’s mental and physical health, because after all, they’re beloved members of the family, not feel-good therapy tools or punching bags to hit when you feel bad. So having a certain amount of mental stability and a sense of responsibility are important factors in dog adoption because, just like kids, they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
@ John – I’m glad she means so much to you
@ Tammy – What an inspirational story. I’m glad things worked out and your landlord allowed you to have her!
@ gin – Have you talked with your friend, or you friend’s family member to see if they’ve noticed any of this behavior?
@ ardeth – Yes, animals deserve every bit of love, respect, and kindness. I think most people who find themselves with dogs (or any pets) as therapeutic friends do so for the love, companionship, company, and feelings of responsibility and pride their pets bring them. On the flip side, I think folks who have animals they use as “punching bags” didn’t obtain their animals for good or therapeutic reasons in the first place – most likely, their pets just happen to be there and, therefore, unfortunately feel the brunt of whatever issues the pet owner is obviously not properly dealing with. In other words, there is a difference between people who have pets that help with mental health issues and people who abuse their animals because they have mental health issues.
Hello all. I’ve been a subscriber to the Psych Central Newsletter for well over six months and this is the first article that has ever compelled me to type up a response. There is *no* doubt in my mind whatsoever that an animal companions – dogs in particular can affect your metal health in a very positive way. I know this through personal experience.
When my mother passed away unexpectedly back in 2000 – she had a tiny little Yorkshire Terrier by the name of Odie. Knowing how much she adored this tiny little dog – there was no way that I could give him up, to *anyone*. Now, despite the fact that I had been surrounded by dogs all while I was growing up, I didn’t have the first clue as to how to properly care for one – I learned quickly.
Being that this was my mothers dog (he was four years old at the time of her death) – we were both grieving her loss. Odie knew me well since (and was just as attached to me as my mother), for the first three years of his life, I was still living at home. The year before her passing, I married – and moved not too far away so, we continued to visit on almost a daily basis.
When my mother did pass away – my husband and I took Odie home with us, and not once did that loving little creature leave my side. For the first few months following moms death, both myself and Odie were barely capable of doing anything except keep each other company which, in effect helped both of us. More than anything – his companionship, his little “doggie kisses”, the long walks and his antics helped me from continuously slipping into a state of major depression. My husband also helped along those lines as well though, when he was at work – I couldn’t call him every single time I felt on the brink of a psychological meltdown.
With the passage of time, all three of us were doing well – and life slipped back into “normal” daily routines. Then, Hurricane Katrina hit. Needless to say, we evacuated – and our little Odie came along for the ride. There was NO way we were leaving him behind. We, my husband and I were scared out of our wits – the not knowing if we were even going to have a home to go back to was near unbearable. Odie however, viewed this one month long evacuation as an adventure – and his attitude was contagious. All was well.
On the flip side, animal companions can definitely have a negative effect on your mental health. Despite annual visits to his veterinarian – one major thing was missed, health problems that are common to Yorkies. At the beginning of May of 2007 – our little angel begin exhibiting signs of these health problems. We brought him to his veterinarian, he spent the entire day there undergoing testing. When we picked him up, his vet told us that he had congestive heart failure with a collapsing trachea – and there was nothing they could do at that point with the exception of making him comfortable. She also told us that she didn’t expect him to live past six months. Needless to say, we were devastated with this news. Needless to say, we made sure that he took his medicine every single day, was comfortable and we spent every waking moment with him. His vet was wrong in the prognosis of six months. My sweet little Odie died in my arms only 19 days following the diagnosis. As with humans, when you become that attached to an animal companion – their loss is equally devastating. That was almost two years ago, and quite often, I still find myself in tears.
A few months following his passing – my husband suggested bringing another Yorkie home. I was nowhere near ready for that, still – grieving for my Odie.
By December of 2007 – we both felt that we were ready to welcome another Yorkie into our hearts and home. New years day of 2008, we brought “Sir Sirius” home with us – named after the Dog Star – because he *was* the “star dog”. Sadly, I was wrong – I wasn’t ready. Every single time I looked at this pup, it brought back painful reminders of my Odie and it took several months for me to get attached to him. My husband, being the good man that he is – took care of our new little furbaby until I was psychologically able to warm up to him. And now? Despite the fact that I still cry over my Odie, Sir Sirius is my “shadow” – my best non-human friend, a constant companion who – with his antics, pure love and affection helps to alleviate the worries and stresses of everyday life. Even more importantly – I know that we have the same effect on him.
Considering the events of the past several years in our lives, I will *never* understand how others can mistreat or ignore such affectionate and loving beings. Nor, will I ever understand how others completely fail to recognize the positive impact that a furry companion and another human being can have on each other – in particular, the mental health community (but, that’s another LONG story).
@ Jean – Well, first let me welcome you to the world of commenters
I’m very glad you chose to venture out of the world of just reading to join us – one, because we were able to experience your story, and two, because experiencing others’ stories is always beneficial 
Your adventures with Odie and now with Sir Sirius were/are very heartwarming and heartbreaking (but then, one always comes with the other when we’re talking about our pets, doesn’t it?
) And your story not only reiterates how beneficial pets can be to our mental health, but also shows how they can “negatively” affect our mental health. Losing a pet can be an extremely depressing experience, and I’m very glad you’re moving forward and able to bond with Sir Sirius now. I think in the beginning, for some of us (and this might not have been the case with you), part of us sort of feels as if a new pet is maybe disrespectful to the memory of our old pet – when, really, a new pet means we still have enough love and protection to give. And that’s a very good thing. You realize how much you loved Odie, and you’ll always have your time with Odie to look back on and smile at; however, you also have enough love, respect, and the desire to care for another living thing to welcome Sir Sirius into your life. 
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and don’t be a stranger!
I just printed off a copy of this article to take a closer look before really commenting, but off the top of my head – this is an may not be a good idea depending upon individual attitudes and personalities (or disorders).
Example: I have PTSD, bi-polar, and yes anger issues. That said, I draw the line on beating my wife, kicking the dog, or shooting the cat.
POINT: My anger issues lead to loud verbal outbursts NOT putting my fist through walls, people or animals.
We cannot say that for all people. I went to my first and last PTSD Rap session at a Veterans Hospital in Ohio. In fact, there I witnessed one guy bring his large fluffy friendly dog in as therapy to calm the rest of us. That’s the part I like.
On balance, there was an angry Vietnam Vet, or so he said he was, wheel chair bound talking about how he still got pleasure out of shooting small critters in his back yard. Squirrels, chipmunks, and so on.
Those of course were the two extremes.
My point is that like me the guy who brought his dog to the Rap session would see the value of THIS ARTICLE.
However, we would not let our dogs anywhere near the guy who still got off on saying he likes to shoot small harmless rodents instead of people.
In fact, I notice the guy who brought his dog to the therapy session didn’t let the dog near the other guy talking about shooting animals of any kind.
Oh, before I forget. My wife and I intentionally got a young female dog from a rescue that was on court hold for being abused. She had been left out in the cold, literally, for most of her puppy life tied to a tree. Point: If one is a patient dealing or coping with PTSD or something related WE tend to be sensitive toward other mammals who also are going through PTSD.
I’ve personally found that me with my PTSD and Bi-polar and my dog with her PTSD are well MADE for each other as long as I don’t have physical anger issues or any desire to harm or shoot anything.
However, that’s off the top of my head. I can better comment after a deeper look at this article.
Bobby Hanafin
Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired
PS: There are, and I believe the initiative should spread, Military Veteran, and therapy groups that are promoting the use of therapy dogs to help our troops and Vets with PTSD to better cope and readjust to society by getting closer to man’s and woman’s best friend. MY OPINION.
More needs to be done to get Mental Illness therapy dogs just as recognized as guide dogs for the blind in many public situations by some kind of license or recognition. It would also tend to decrease the STIGMA that mental illness has over lets say loss of a limb or eyesight.
@ Bobby – Thanks for chiming in. I don’t think I’ve yet talked to anyone with PTSD who benefits from any kind of “animal therapy,” and it was great to hear your perspective.
As for individual attitudes and personalities/disorders being well suited (or not) for pets, I think the same thing can be applied to any kind of treatment program – whether its various kinds of medication, support groups, one-on-one with therapists, etc. Whatever it is, whether or not it’s going to work (or even be safe) is always dependent upon the person, I think, and the same is true for pets.
I like your idea of having therapy dogs just as recognized as guide dogs. There are lots of organizations and websites out there devoted to therapy dogs, but I think/hope one day in the future their visibility will be just as high as guide dogs’. About a year ago, a lady who works in the therapy dog field held some kind of online “conference” or something similar for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance; I wish now I’d had the time to participate.
P.S. Is that your website you linked to? It’s very nice.
У меня что-то сегодня с утра Ваш блог не открывался. У всех все нормально было?
Thanks for posting a very interesting article. The well being of dogs should be taken care of. Negligence often causes death of pets that should have been avoided when care is given. I also read an interesting article on http://www.englishbulldogpuppyblog.com that tells why we shouldn’t feed our dogs with chocolate, raisins and grapes.
There was a book years ago written by a woman about how getting a dog had helped her overcome trauma that had happened in her life and how she was able to come out of her shell as a results of that relationship.
She also had other stories of people and their relationships with dogs.
My recollection is that the author committed suicide a few years ago.
Does anyone know the author/title of the book? It is driving me crazy. I want to recommend teh book to someone.
You might be thinking of Pack of Two. I hope that’s it! : )
Owning a dog can be one of the most fulfilling and joyful experiences which can get owners out of the house, enjoying the benefits of exercise and meeting new people. It is important not to undertake this lighly though. Dog training is a vital step in having a happy dog that behaves well. Taking on a rescue dog needs more commitment as unwanted behaviours may need to be trained too.
Dogs are great to have as pets and are great to have to keep you motivated to exersize by walking them and they help you not feel lonly.
However it comes at a price of needing to take good care of the dog to keep them fit and happy. Without this many people just abandon there dogs and leave them in pounds
I have an 8 year-old chihuahua. We initially got him to accompany my disabled brother who cannot get out of the house. Our dog was a great companion for him but we overlooked the fact that we had to train our dog. So our dog is like a little king at home and he does what he likes and marks his territory wherever he wants. The situation was bad and it got worst when my brother passed away last year. I was forced to search for a solution. You can read more of my story from my site at http://www.trainingyourpuppydog.com
I must be the odd man out. I used to own a cat because I felt it would be nice for someone/something to live with.
I guess I have lived alone too long because looking after the cat (Misty) stressed me out. If she wasn’t tearing up my furniture, she was constantly grooming herself in front of me (too much licking noise: drove me crazy).
Having dogs my entire life, now especially as an adult, I can honestly say that the unconditional love of our dogs is one of the greatest joys of our lives every single day. Their love, expression, kisses and emotion is beautiful on a scale you have to experience to understand. People can learn a lot from dogs. They’re a treasure.
We can get very attached to our dogs. They think more and are much smarter than we give them credit for a lot of times.
I have found that dogs bring much more joy into our lives than how our lives would be without them. Dogs are a blessing to people.
Everyone should have a dog!! I could not imagine life without mine. No matter how bad my day has been, no matter how I look, or even if I am feeling a little cranky, my dogs are thrilled to see me when I come home. Any problems I have just melt away when I see those happy, wagging tails. Dogs love you unconditionally, they give you friendship, protection, and someone to talk to when there is no one else there. I couldn’t imagine life without my dogs. They give you a reason to get up in the morning, even on those days when you really don’t want to. They make you go out and get some fresh air, and enjoy life a little. Anyone who is capable of taking care of a dog should have one. The mental health benefits are enormous.
Your post truly hit home with me. After my former dog passed away, there were things that were going on in my life that basically turned my life upside down. I was extremely depressed and even had thoughts of ending it all.
For nearly two years, I refused to adopt another pet because of my mental state, but then one day I was in the pet store for something for my cats and a little puppy (black lab) would not leave me alone. It was like she was beckoning me over to her. I went to her cage and spent some time talking an petting her and as I was leaving the pet shop, she was crouched down and staring a hole through me.
Although I didn’t feel ready for the responsibility, I felt that she chose me and later that evening I went and picked her up. From that moment on, I started to feel some joy in my life again. She helped me overcome the depression and I literally felt that she saved my life!
My life has completely changed since I rescued my 2 boys. I could not imagine my life without them. They are my best friends, love me unconditionally and complete me. I’ve seen dogs save lives of depressed owners.
Thanks for posting a very interesting article. The well being of dogs should be taken care of. Negligence often causes death of pets that should have been avoided when care is given
I have 2 dogs and they help to calm me when I am upset and they are always full of energy and uplifting. My mother is 92 years old and my sister lives with her. Last year my sister got a small dog and the dog follows my mom everywhere. My mom loves the attention and her attitude is much better. Yes I think dogs can definitely affect our mental attitude in a positive way.
Thanks
Jim
Great article. I also have two dogs, a 2 year old English Bulldog (Seamus) & Macy our 8 month old Rottweiler and they bring so much happiness to our life. Nothing better than going on a nice walk with the dogs to clear the head and relax.
There are some people with mental health problems who honestly should not adopt a dog, let alone any animal.
People who are still battling drug and alcohol addictions that make them chemically incapable of caring for themselves, let alone another living animal.
I know someone who had problems with meth and alcohol, went to rehab, got clean, and shortly after decided to adopt a puppy. Three days later, he abandoned the puppy in a trash can. Luckily, the woman who gave him the puppy happened to be in the park and saw him do this.
His friend, also a former addict, got a guinea pig and couldn’t bother to look after his cage, stuck him on top of a fridge (where all the heat comes off) in the middle of summer, and the poor thing died in squalor after a short life.
If you’ve cleaned up from an addiction, great. You’ve learned to take care of yourself. Next, try taking care of a plant. And if you can handle a plant, then okay you can think about adopting an animal.