The Seattle Times asked readers to share how their pets bring them joy and keep them connected to their communities. Here are some of their stories.
I’m not sure how long I’ve had depression because it hasn’t been diagnosed for many years. I knew there were many times when I couldn’t be an “adult”: keeping my house tidy, opening and handling my mail, functioning above and beyond my normal life, etc. normality because my cats helped me stay at that level, which is just above depression. That line between depression and not depression.
I have always had cats, from childhood in my playpen until now, and I will have them as long as I can support them.
The sandpaper kisses on my eyelids, the feline paralysis, the softer belly hairs, velvet and silk, the rumbling purrs that comfort me, the hums and the knowledge that they protect me from insects and ghosts, all soothe my soul. And my mental health.
-Victoria Johnson, Seattle
Jasper takes me for a walk every day, whether I need it or not. It’s a slower paced exercise and, equally important, we get to see old acquaintances and meet new people in the neighborhood. My wife always comes with her e-trike.
It really makes you have to take care of a dog. You want them to eat, sleep and poop regularly. Just as we wish for ourselves.
–Don Brocha, Woodinville
I use a wheelchair and our pets don’t think twice. For them I am the fully capable person who gives them everything they demand. (Joking, sort of.) Having rescue animals think I’m unconditionally wonderful makes me feel really wonderful.
-Carrie Lehner, Seattle
My goats, Runa and Jost, have given me the ability to stay grounded and maintain my mental health. Every day, twice a day, in any weather, I walk 50 meters to the shed to feed them. Once a month, I trim his hooves. Our veterinarians come out once a year and as needed to help keep the goats healthy.
These goats helped me through graduate school, when my father passed away. then, five years later, my mother. My journey through infertility and the general ups and downs of daily life here on Earth. I spend a lot of time outdoors because of these goats, it keeps me connected to a world outside of myself, like I am in nature. I love my goats, I love taking care of them and without my goats I would definitely be a different person.
-Peggy Engstrom, Snohomish
My furbabies bring me joy all the time. Just watching them play together is incredible. But one of the happiest memories I have is seeing my Pickles, the most amazing Chihuahua, bring joy to children and their families along with the staff and volunteers at the Seattle Ronald McDonald House. She was so in tune with his emotional needs. It was truly a joy to watch.
-Mary Schumacher, Stanwood
