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Post by _Linda_ on May 25, 2015 13:33:14 GMT -5
I understand how easy it is to become overwhelmed with pet care and I can't imagine having to take care of animals and kids at the same time. For those of you that do that, you have my utmost respect. I have 3 cats and a dog, all of which are geriatric. The cost of food, litter and medical care has become a challenge, especially since I've found out that one cat is diabetic. Caring for a diabetic animal brings on more burdensome with giving shots on a set schedule, a special diet, and regular vet visits. Another cat had aggression issues that still have to be monitored. He was so bad that even my vet nicknamed him satan. Thankfully, he has mellowed in his old age. The third cat isn't showing any signs of failing health yet but the dog is slowing down and starting to lose her sight. Another thing that I have noticed is that my level of care for them is directly related to my depression. I hate to admit it, but when I'm in a dark place, I am not as attentive as I need to be. Conversely, when my depression is under control, I'm more on top of things. They do help me through some of my darkest times and have been the only reason I have gotten out of bed during those times. I am a firm believer in I signed up for caring for them for their natural lives and will do so as long as I am able. But, I also recognize that situations happen where it's just not feasible to do. I don't see myself surrendering any of them because of their ages, health issues, and my own mental health. I know the last part is selfish. I also know how easy it would be for me to have become an animal hoarder. Thankfully, I have learned from these 4 that I cannot handle this many pets as we all get older. I won't have this many animals again. After these beloved pets go to heaven, I will set my limit at two and I will be rescuing adult animals from the humane society when the time is right.
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Post by angela on May 25, 2015 14:28:17 GMT -5
Compassion and emotional attachment come very easily to me. What comes really hard is enforcing boundaries to take care of myself … and even seeing where the boundaries should be. Anyone else relate to this? Looks like the perfect Animal Hoarding personality, right? YES.
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Post by angela on May 25, 2015 14:32:20 GMT -5
It is wonderful to read that you are doing so much better outfromundah. It is also interesting to read about the benefits you are experiencing of not owning a cat. Thank you for sharing about being on the other side.
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Post by eatingbonbons on May 25, 2015 16:26:34 GMT -5
We're involved in animal rescue. We have cats and dogs. Enough said!
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Post by Declutterme on May 27, 2015 14:25:22 GMT -5
I had to give up my dog last sept and arrange for him to be rehomed because I was in a deep depression which I suffer with on and off since 17yo. he was part of my life over 5 and a half yrs and I cried for two days after. I am not suited to owning an animal and should never have taken one on but I was extremely lonely. I barely walked him during that whole time and only cleaned up after him once a month. I know he was unhappy living with me because after being house-trained he had started to go indoors and peed on my bed. I know he was trying to show me how fed up he was. I knew I was being totally unfair to him and I prayed on the situation for 3 weeks and asked that he be found a good home. I just hope he has. in a way I miss him but honestly it's a relief, probably for both of us.
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Post by danny15 on May 27, 2015 14:50:40 GMT -5
Declutterme, you made the right, compassionate choice for both of you. It was also very brave.
Edit ~ By brave I mean in spite of your depression you looked at the situation, recognized the extra pain you would go thru while already hurting and made a decision that was very hard. That took strength.
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Post by poppy on May 27, 2015 17:56:37 GMT -5
declutterme, Danny said it best. Thank you for sharing with us. Brightest Blessings, Poppy
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Post by prettybad on May 27, 2015 19:00:43 GMT -5
@declutter not every good decision is an easy one. Hugs to you for doing what was best for you and your dog.
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Post by mouseanne on May 27, 2015 19:43:44 GMT -5
The most pets I ever had (not counting the various temporary litters) was 7, 4 dogs, 2 cats, and a tarantula.
One dog, labrador/rot, was rehomed, she developed a bitter enmity with my female sheltie. They could not be in either the house or the yard together, or it would have been a fight to the death. I got rid of her as she was the most recent acquisition. Sadly, my daughter did not tell me how attached she was to the dog, or I would have made arrangements with a temporary caregiver so DD could take her with her when she moved out. The spider died before my DD moved out. When DD did leave, there I was with 5 animals.
Since then, I have been practicing animal attrition. As they quit or die, I have not replaced. This is a bit of a joke, because of course, no one quit. Sadly, over the last several years, I have lost them. The last two, one in November, and the other a couple of weeks ago.
...this is not a bid for sympathy, I posted & received that in Byways. I have had pets since I was 15, 43 years, except for the first few months after left my parents' home.
I love cats. I was really close with my female sheltie (november). There's no little face saying hello & goodbye. No lapwarmers.
But, I'm ready. To not have to make boarding/care arrangements when I travel. Food/Vet expense. Brushing/nail care. Fur patrol. Ready. To focus on me and the house.
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Post by mouseanne on May 27, 2015 19:46:07 GMT -5
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Post by angela on May 27, 2015 20:58:09 GMT -5
Declutterme, just adding my voice to others in support of your very brave and wise decision. Big to you. I hope you have experienced some increase in function and that you have found other ways to deal with loneliness. Please keep posting.
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Post by Declutterme on May 28, 2015 9:06:37 GMT -5
thanks for not condemning me everyone. I have done that myself! I finally sought help after 12 months and am on a new AD which is really helping me and I just wish I had gone to my dr sooner. I quit smoking 9 months ago and now trying to look at eating healthier foods and I feel ready to make improvements in my home, it's just starting. after 15 years of squalor I hope I can learn to change my bad old ways. :-)
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