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Comment by op03 | Hacker News Reader

Get a dog or three.

This is questionable advice to someone who’s struggling. A dog is a lot of work, which might be great if it motivates someone. And a dog is a fantastic companion, I know that this past few months would have been a lot more difficult for me without my pup. But they’re living beings, they deserve to be brought into homes where their care is assured. You don’t just “get” a dog. It’s a commitment and a lot like caring for a person. It can also be that rewarding. But a dog isn’t something you go pick up at the store on a lark to feel better.

As a person who’s now glad to have a pup: go spend time with a dog or three. Take your friends’ or neighbors’ dogs out for a while and see if you feel like the company is beneficial and if you want that responsibility. If you do, awesome! If you like the hangouts and don’t want one of your own, awesome! If it’s not for you, now you know but you tried a thing and that’s awesome too!

After cat sitting for a neighbor recently, I've been seriously considering adopting a pair of cats :)

Look for a rescue that will let you give it a try, as it were, for a month, and if it doesn't work out you can return the animal without issue (so you won't feel like you have to keep the cat if it isn't working out).

I did that back when I first was on my own and wanted a pet...and then found my allergies couldn't handle it. Was so thankful to be able to return her to a good home. Her personality changed completely, too (which wasn't a problem, except she went from being very standoffish, to becoming a complete cuddle bum, which exacerbated my allergies even more).

Try out being a foster for a rescue. It gives you a chance to practice adopting, plus the organization will usually pay for supplies and medical costs. And if you're a "foster failure" (i.e. you keep your temporary guest permanently) that's not the worst thing in the world.

I just adopted a 1yr old cat. It’s been wonderful. He’s a little monster, but he’s also on a routine, and is someone else to care for. It keeps me in sync, and I’ve been much better for it.

It’s obviously a long commitment, but I had been wanting a cat for a while.

At the same time, I’ve been actually getting help psychiatrically, which has been life changing.

I'm sure your suggestion is coming from a good place, but dogs can be quite a burden sometimes, and taking care of them properly is a responsibility. I am taking care of a dog right now that has real barking issues and it's quite annoying but I can't blame the dog.

God please no. Heal first, then get a dog.

Not sure about this. Only if they're sure the dog will be well taken care of, rather than a burden.

I was going to recommend cats but then I guess they’d just make you more depressed with their condescension :)

No, haha :) See my sibling post. I've recently done some cat sitting for a neighbor who was away for a week and that was a huge boost to my mood.

Don't fight your cat's nature; you will lose.

They're very loving - on their own terms. I personally prefer the dumb loyalty of a dog but YMMV

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