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• Housecall
• Alzheimer's caregiving
• Living with cancer

• January 8, 2010 8:32 a.m.

  I just had to post another one! A few years ago, at age sixty four, I decided to take up the trumpet. Let's just say I'll never be a threat to Winston Marsalis. I really worked at my instrument. Blossom would be sitting in the living room where I did most of my practicing. She developed the habit of putting her tail between her legs and leaving the room whenever I pulled the trumpet out. At first I thought it was a fluke. Then I realized she did this each and every time. And the look on her face was priceless! Both my kitties bring laughter to my life. Barbara a "Cry Depression, Celebrate Recovery."

  - Barbara a

• January 7, 2010 9:23 p.m.

  Do I ever love my kitties. Blossom is an overgrown obese cat whose favoritie occupation is eating. poor little Oreo is so skinny because when I feed them Blossom gets to the food first and little Oreo gets the left overs. Bur she doesn't seem to mind. I have fond memories of Oreo swingin on the drapes when she was a kitten and jumping on the kitchen counter to see what mom is cooking. And of courst the toilet paper had to be guarded when both of them were kittens. I love them both to tears of joy in my heart. Barbara A, author of "Cry Depression, Celebrate Recovery." coming soon.

  - Barbara A

• May 10, 2008 10:00 a.m.

  Being the care-giver for my husband who has cancer, the one thing that helps me thru the day is taking my dog for a walk. It helps me unwind and I get some exercise, and some me time.

  - San

• May 10, 2008 9:28 a.m.

  My little dog Bunny has been a lifesaver for me. Recently someone disappointed me greatly. But when I came home that day, Bunny was waiting and eager to see me. I can't think of a time that she ever let me down. All she lives for is to love me. It's a cliche, but I really do wish I were as good a person as my dog thinks I am.

  - No name given

• January 4, 2008 7:54 p.m.

  I lost my husband last month. I don't know what I would do without my little rescue PWC Corgi. It is so comforting to have her jump up in my recliner and snuggle next to me. I think she understands my grief. Her cheerful, playful nature gets me up and moving and out of the house for walks. Keeping her combed and brushed and picking up after her are good for me too. If I go out somewhere, I don't have to return home to an empty house or go to sleep at night alone. She is such a comfort. -Gertie

  - Gertie

• December 13, 2007 10:36 p.m.

  Oops, that was me about the purr therapy. I've also heard that merely looking at pictures of your beloved pets induces positive mood hormones to flow through your body. So take those pictures with you to work!

  - Sylvie

• December 13, 2007 10:27 p.m.

  I have the most affectionate Turkish Angora kitties ever! When they snuggle up against me or sit in my lap and just purr, I call it "purr therapy". It relaxes me and lifts my spirits.

  - No name given

• December 11, 2007 5:09 p.m.

  my pets help me when i feel like no one cares. they are there and just manage to lift my spirits and make me realise life is worth living.

  - samantha

• December 10, 2007 8:11 a.m.

  Janet, the best thing you can do to reduce shedding is to brush or comb your dog often. Unfortunately there's no "cure" for shedding, but I think the sweet, furry little creatures are worth all the hair we have to deal with. :-)

  - Jillian

• November 21, 2007 8:17 a.m.

  "Bean" a gift from my grandaughter after my husband's death and I would have never gotten a dog myself but she has been a life saver and worth all of the many dollars I have spent on her. However I am hopeing some of you pet lovers have a solution for SHEDDING!!!! Thank you Mayo for giving us the opportunity to post a comment!!!!!

  - Janet Yontz

• November 18, 2007 7:56 a.m.

  I have three weiner dogs....the best pups in the world. I had my first one for 13 years, he has passed now, but when I had cance 2x, he was my all and all! The pain, the worry.......and he was all love, kisses all of the time. I miss him with all of my heart. I continue to be healthy now, but even with the stressors of a "normal" life,these guys are 100 % there for me, every single day....they want love, kisses, touches, and of course, food! Pets are more my friends than many people are!

  - Nan

• October 26, 2007 2:51 p.m.

  My husband and I have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a tarantula. A lot of times the stress is so bad that our pets seem to be all that keeps us sane. We rescued the cats (they were abandoned outside our home), the dogs we adopted from family and friends and the tarantula we bought from an exotic pet shop. I love them all. The puppy Nibbler and I were in our towns' Christmas parade last year.

  - laura

• October 25, 2007 7:43 a.m.

  I, too, am stressed out about cleaning up after my two dogs. I love them dearly but surely get tired of cleaning the messes they make. I thought my days of a diaper bucket was over only not it's a towel bucket and mopping constantly. I wouldn't want to live without my two adorable dogs, I am getting older and it is harder to care for them.

  - helen baughman

• October 24, 2007 6:37 p.m.

  most wise comment by sunil chiplunkar!

  - sam

• October 23, 2007 12:26 p.m.

  We got our dog at a local animal shelter and we lover her to death. She is always the happiest one to see me when I get home and she never argues with me. Check out my site http://www.strongcedric.typepad.com/

  - Strong

• October 10, 2007 9:26 a.m.

  I have the sweetest Pic a Poo, she is always there for me.. Having a lot of pain she curls up to where ever hurts,, she just amazes me,, I don't know what I would do with out her in my life,,,

  - windy

• October 3, 2007 6:30 a.m.

  You people that adopt animals from shelters and rescues are the best!

  - dave

• September 30, 2007 11:59 p.m.

  I have noticed lately, I am SO stressed that I am stressed by all the cleaning up etc from my dogs. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but we have a 12yr hound,and 1.5yr Rottie(belongs to daughter) I quess I am just too stressed right now.

  - Maka47

• September 29, 2007 3:37 p.m.

  I have a rescue German Shepherd. Its the best thing I ever did as she needs me so much. I am a senior & alone. She needs walks & feeding & a lot of company. I love her dearly. I hope when its time to go we both go together. Gremlin

  - Gremlin

• September 28, 2007 9:45 p.m.

  I lost my dear doggie, 16 years old and found out what stress really is. Now have a 7 yr old beagle rescued from SPCA and we are getting to know each other

  - mariedixie

• September 26, 2007 10:36 p.m.

  The best part of my day is coming home to my pets. They love you unconditionally. What more could you ask for?

  - Kim Kim

• September 26, 2007 2:47 p.m.

  My cat makes me laugh with his funny faces and sounds and anticsa all the time -- a great way to combat stress if i just pay attention!

  - Laurel

• September 26, 2007 11:56 a.m.

  Our pets are one of God's greatest blessings. They provide connection, comfort, love, warmth, and acceptance. It's not surprising they have these godlike virtues when you consider they are made by the One that created us all. Makes me wonder where the gift of love is really coming from.

  - alilybird

• September 26, 2007 3:24 a.m.

  I think that too much of a self centred life is stressful for oneself and others. It is important to care for something or someone else other than oneself too. That is where pets can help in acting as antistressors. But paradoxically in certain situations pets can also cause stress.

  - Sunil S Chiplunkar

• September 25, 2007 10:42 p.m.

  Oh Yes ! I have a Poodle. I get stressed then she gets stressed and I - We stop, talk, walk, take a nap and all is well.

  - Mitz Derence