Does a pet make a house a home?


In the last week on BBC Surrey & Sussex there have been the results of a survey on loneliness. Not just in old age but among us and our contemporaries. It was rather shocking in fact and really made me think about later on in life. It was rather depressing to think I’ll probably outlive my husband and the children will have left home. One lady informed them that she didn’t have any contact with anyone apart from once a week when she walked to shops.  Loneliness is often associated with some dreadful states – depressions, anxiety, alcoholism and many more. 
What therefore can you do to counter this? Yes there is the case for joining clubs left right and centre, tennis, golf, bridge – whatever interests you! But do you know what was the leading cause of getting rid of all of these symptoms? You’ve got it! A pet! I have my own gorgeous dog and yes she hears a lot more of my rants and questions than many others and is endlessly loyal back. I personally feel a dog makes a house a home and I don’t think I would ever want to be without one. On the long evenings when my husband’s away with work she curls up on my lap and we can enjoy a chat and biscuit over coffee and a good book.  My husband feels the same way about cats and I have a wonderful friend who feels the same way about her guinea pigs! So what happens when you reach a lovely old age but cannot cope with a new puppy etc? Well it appears that if you head to Sunrise Senior Living you might be in good hands. They have a resident cat or dog at every community!  What do you do to combat loneliness? And do you find your pet makes you feel better? 

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