Is your dog literally your best friend?

[Crazy Dog Man]

I have people as friends but not many, because of my Autism, Depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Anxiety, I struggle to socialise because of trust issues because of unfortunate events.

I find having a pet very therapeutic, whenever I visit my parents' house, I get so excited to have this small hyperactive dog jump on me and slobber all over my face.

Lady is so unique, she's not like all dogs, she's very domesticated, she grooms herself excessively like a cat, she loves fish, cheese, some spicy foods as well as plain meat and she's very gentle. She's never once bitten anyone and she's 14 years old.

Before I met Lady, I was obsessed with my brother's cat Bruce, he's a short-haired tabby/bengal mix cat but he made my allegies bad so I couldn't spend much time with him but as soon as I met Lady, I just want to spend so much time with her.

She gives me kisses whenever I'm sad.
God forbid, if she passed away I'd be so heartbroken.

I think of her whilst watching A Dog's Purpose and I end up with my bed covered in snotty tissues. She's my furr baby!

 

[JudyN]

It's lovely to hear how much Lady helps you - dogs can be very supportive. Jasper could be considered my best friend too! I have a mild chronic health condition but, out of necessity, he has got me out of the house and walking, up hill and down dale, further than I used to think I possibly could. He has quite possibly extended my lifespan

 

[Cash_Dolly]

Yes! my boy Cash who had to be pts on Christmas day was the best friend I ever had. When I got him I was with my ex who had working dogs and would be out all hours ad it was just Cash and I. he came everywhere with me and we had this remarkable bond. When we joined a new vet the receptionist said she couldn't believe it she had never seen a dog so devoted to its owner as he rarely took his eyes of me. He was such a little companion and was by my side through the hardest times in my life - bad relationship, breakup, my Mum dying, my Grandad dying, house move. Never left my side. I got Dolly as a companion for him as he liked company and playing and then we became a little trio! Now that he is gone I really struggle some days. He was only 6 and 1/2 but unfortunately over the last year he had several health issues which escalated quickly. I absolutely adore Dolly ad wouldn't change her for the worl but it is so so different. She is much quieter, not as troublesome(!) and so chilled out (not as playful or fun) as Cash and it is unusual for me because it was always me and Cash, or me Cash and Dolly. Now that it is just the two of us I really see the difference in their personalities and we are still adjusting to how different things are. She is more independent than Cash and in honesty probably a lot "easier" but she can be affectionate too and sometimes she has a little burst of excitement when I get home from work that honestly makes me want to cry. I am looking into activities we can try together to help us strengthen our bond. I absolutely believe dogs can be your best friend They are certainly the most loyal and will never let you down!

 

[Josie]

That was a lovely post @Cash_Dolly - made me all tearful!

 

[Crazy Dog Man]

Yes! my boy Cash who had to be pts on Christmas day was the best friend I ever had. When I got him I was with my ex who had working dogs and would be out all hours ad it was just Cash and I. he came everywhere with me and we had this remarkable bond. When we joined a new vet the receptionist said she couldn't believe it she had never seen a dog so devoted to its owner as he rarely took his eyes of me. He was such a little companion and was by my side through the hardest times in my life - bad relationship, breakup, my Mum dying, my Grandad dying, house move. Never left my side. I got Dolly as a companion for him as he liked company and playing and then we became a little trio! Now that he is gone I really struggle some days. He was only 6 and 1/2 but unfortunately over the last year he had several health issues which escalated quickly. I absolutely adore Dolly ad wouldn't change her for the worl but it is so so different. She is much quieter, not as troublesome(!) and so chilled out (not as playful or fun) as Cash and it is unusual for me because it was always me and Cash, or me Cash and Dolly. Now that it is just the two of us I really see the difference in their personalities and we are still adjusting to how different things are. She is more independent than Cash and in honesty probably a lot "easier" but she can be affectionate too and sometimes she has a little burst of excitement when I get home from work that honestly makes me want to cry. I am looking into activities we can try together to help us strengthen our bond. I absolutely believe dogs can be your best friend They are certainly the most loyal and will never let you down!

I really hope the bond between Dolly and you gets better. I'm really sorry to hear about Cash, he sounds so sweet.

 

[Whippylove]

My border collie Zak was my best friend he went through a lot with me, especially with my disabled son. We went everywhere together, even when i went for a bath Zak would be there.
He became ill at the age of 8 when his liver started to struggle . Arthritis kicked in and he struggled to move.
At the age of 13 he suffered a stroke and i had to have him pts he went in my arms.
He was the most amazing boy he helped me cope when things got difficult .
So yes he was my best friend and nothing else will ever come close as he was unique border.

 

[Crazy Dog Man]

My border collie Zak was my best friend he went through a lot with me, especially with my disabled son. We went everywhere together, even when i went for a bath Zak would be there.
He became ill at the age of 8 when his liver started to struggle . Arthritis kicked in and he struggled to move.
At the age of 13 he suffered a stroke and i had to have him pts he went in my arms.
He was the most amazing boy he helped me cope when things got difficult .
So yes he was my best friend and nothing else will ever come close as he was unique border.

Zak sounds like an amazing collie, I'm really sorry you lost him.