Survivors and our pets, an unbreakable bond.

Being the particular type of blogger that I am, I spend a lot of time writing about tough topics; Dissociation, Anxiety, PTSD, Surviving Trauma, etc.  Sometimes though, it’s just fun to write about a bit lighter topic.

Something that so many can appreciate, that has impact on our lives, and makes us smile and feel loved.  Our Pets and the unbreakable bond we share with them.

Even if you don’t have a 4 legged friend in your life right now, perhaps you had one as a child or a teenager. Those memories can offer just as much as comfort now as they did then. 

Is there anything more relaxing, reassuring, and comforting than the unconditional love that a pet can give us?

For those of us who have experienced any type of trauma, having a pet in our lives can mean the difference between having love and companionship and feeling completely alone. They offer an unmatched friendship that never waivers.

A living, breathing, security blanket if you will.

They greet us at the door every time we come home with a welcome purr, bark, or chirp (insert whatever animal sound you like). And when we leave, you can see that look in their eyes that says, “please take me with you“.

I’ve always felt that for as much as pets enjoy walks and car rides, it’s more about the experience of being with their owner. We can be as much of a security blanket for them as they are for us.

What better time is there for a dog, than driving down the the road with their nose and ears in the air, as their master is by their side. Almost makes you want to be a dog doesn’t it? 

For as much as they rely on us for food, shelter, and love;  we rely on them to always be there for us and help makes things seem not quite so bad.

I mean really, is there any better listener than your 4 legged family member?  No matter what, they are always there to lend a listening ear, give us a slobbery smooch, and make us feel like everything will be OK.

Even if they don’t understand every word we say, their inate ability to sense just when we need them the most and be there for as long as we need them…well let’s just say that I couldn’t have gotten through some of the toughest times in life without my little Lady, or Bug, or Mads, or Molly.

I’ve had pets in my life for as long as I can remember. Each with their own unique personality and look, but every one being able to offer that same feeling of peace and acceptance. A best friend who’s loyalty never waivers.

Isn’t that what we all want, as survivors or not, to just be accepted for who we are and feel that acceptance unconditionally?

We live in a society where everyone is either so wrapped up in their own world that they don’t notice anyone around them, or they are so busy trying to change everyone’s belief that they are blinded to the simple needs and longings of acceptance from others.

Animals don’t expect us to fit into some predefined mold of looks, behavior, religious, or social beliefs. They are perfectly content to take whatever attention you can spare, and they are happy with that.

How many times have we seen an animal who’s been abused by their owner, and yet they still reach out and lick the hand of the person who is there to rescue them. They don’t ask for much, and their forgiveness is never ending.

Such a simple concept, spare a little kindness and attention and we just might be amazed at what we get in return…exactly what we desire and need the most.

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone looked at everyone else through the eyes of a dog or cat?

-Matt