How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways - 18!



“A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”  (That quote is from the book/movie 'Marley and Me'.)

Oh, and by the way, the above picture is not of my Casey even though he looks like that. Just couldn't resist posting this one.


I got my little Yorkie 'Casey' in July 2018. It is now February 2019 and he has transformed my life.

Inspired by an article I read about therapy dogs for PTSD soldiers, I got Casey as a companion dog, a therapy dog, even an 'emotional support' dog although (I hesitate to use that term since it is getting mis-used a lot in the media).

But he has been just that - a companion, therapy and emotional support dog.

Our lives, my husband and mine, have been transformed by this scruffy little five pound dog named Casey.

How so?

1.  He is enthusiastic. His wagging tale can dispell my     tension.
2. He is comical and entertaining - that provides a  welcomed diversion from my depression.
3. He kisses me every chance he get - that makes me giggle.
4. He follows me around all the time - that makes me feel indispensible.
5. He loves walking with me and gently walks by my side - like a valued friend.
6. He lies on my lap every chance he gets, especially when I don't feel well - that soothes my anxiety.
7. When we've been apart, whether for an hour or a day, he greets me like he hasn't seen me in ages and I am the most important person in the whole world.
8. He plays with a sock, he doesn't need toys, and his playing is entertaining and makes me laugh.
9. He loves everyone, he does not discriminate - that teaches me to rethink my opinions.
10. He thinks I am wonderful, he loves me unconditionally - that makes me feel that I matter.
11. I used to walk once a day, now I walk five times a day - he gets me outside more.
12. People like Yorkies, other dog walkers love to talk - so I am pulled out of my introverted world and have met all sorts of lovely people and heard wonderful dog stories.
13. He doesn't talk so I get to continue to enjoy the solitude I need.
14. My husband and I have been empty nesters for a long time and that is fine, but this little guy has made us into a family again.
15. He loves to be petted reminding me of the importance of physical affection.
16. He likes to play - forcing me out of my inertia.
17. He knows how to relax - reminding me to relax too.
18. He loves riding in the car which I don't so he calms me down when we are travelling.

My life is better, richer, happier, calmer and more fun with this little fellow in it. And living with a chronic form of depression I can use 'better, richer, happier, calmer and more fun.'

WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Do you have a pet that makes your life better? Would that be an option for you?

Whether you're just having a bad day or a bad year, or dealing with chronic depression, there is hope for depression. Don't give up!



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