What I Have To Say After 1 Year of Not Having A Pet

[ghostqueen]

I've had pets in my world for the majority of my life. My dog died when I was 17, and my cat died last March leaving my world quite different.

Sadness is harder to deal with

Those studies about cats reducing stress levels weren't wrong. Life is a nightmare and it's comforting having a furball to hang out with in between reality's never ending nonsense. When they're gone you're pretty much on your own with that.

Random noises in the apartment are worrisome

Animals are always off doing whatever they want and are usually the cause of random background noise. When you realize you don't have any animals to blame random creaks and bumps in the night you start to wonder if they've returned as a ghost or if you're finally in a horror movie.

Pets are the burdens we choose

Having pets is not easy. Grooming, food, toys, and all the other things need aren't cheap. Your world is turned upside down when you realize they're sick and you don't know how to fix them which is another expensive issue. They're physically and emotionally draining. They die. Obviously. Even when you're as prepared as you possibly can be for the death of your furry family member it's never really enough. Having animals in my life was the best and worst thing that's ever happened to me.

Feel free to add any other observations there are to be made about life after pets.

[MMayhem]

a little loyal friend is good to have in this world that is overflowing with assholes. we certainly learn more from them then we teach.

[Marissa095]

It’s lonely even got others.

[Jamie05rhs]

My dog was my best friend. She was always there for me, which meant a lot because I never had a girlfriend and I didn't have a great relationship with my mom. She was always excited to see me. She was always smiling. We went on walks together. Sometimes we ran. We raced each other. She comforted me when I was having a bad day. I hugged her, ... and she hugged me back. She tried to lick my face, though I wouldn't let her haha. But sometimes I kissed her on the forehead. I rubbed her belly. I bushed her hair. I untangled the knots in her fur. I picked ticks off of her and murdered them for the offense of attacking my loved one. I cleaned her wounds when she got in a fight with a groundhog and lost. I took her hiking with me. I taught her how to play baseball. I taught her how to play soccer. I helped her make a doggy snow angel. I always gave her lots of bones. Once I even cooked homemade treats for her. When she died, I lost a part of myself. She will never be replaced. There will never be another one like her.

[ghostqueen]

The part about losing a part of yourself is the most accurate way to describe it. Sorry you lost such a sweet companion.

[Jamie05rhs]

Thank you, @ghostqueen. <3

[opnbuk59]

Why are cars so damn sneaky you see one done 20 feet away blink and he's right next to you and I drive a lot, and I think they believe they do have 9 lives because driving down the street a car would wait till last second then dart out in front of you or sit in middle of the street and won't move till last second some make it some don't I guess they are just playful that way I don't mind then hanging around my home outside believe it or not they keep mine out you yard better than Orkin Man, the exterminator you know, but I'm as an adult want no pets as a kid I had enough of them to lay a million lifetimes, we started out with 1 dog one night I guess he went partying next morning there was 3 dogs yeah we kept em must have brought the party back to our place within 2 weeks we had 8 dogs and being the youngest to join the clan I was forced to care for all these mutts even their mess and I swore I will never have another pet ever, my kids always wanted a dog so I ask them are you going to care for him, yes they said in unison, are you going to feed him, yes, bathe him pick up his poop, yes wait dad what was that last one his crap I said he's not going to go use the bathroom in his own and flush the toilet they said no holding their nose and that was that till next year and we went through this for years, they get the itch for a dog I as the one question they say ewe there is your answer I saidi do like German shepherds think I'll get one train him to flush the toilet,

[DanOh2018]

I was just thinking how nice it's been having my fuzzy little buddy around. It was sure heartbreaking when his predecessor passed away, but having a cat is greatly rewarding. Dogs too if you have the space.

[DanOh2018]

Maybe it's time to have a pet again.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

I can't help it...
This is so adorable!

[DeeDeeDeVour]

Anyway, mourning the loss of a pet isn't easy at all for me.

[Avicenna]

Its is hard- thanks for sharing!

[msc545]

My cat is my closest friend.

[Deku2009]

Very nice to say I live my pets

[COMMODOREII]

Another mouth to feed.

[SecretGardenBlood65]

Good take