Posted on Apr 30, 2018
What does your pet (dog, cat, etc) do to help improve your life after the military?
37.9K
279
93
63
63
0
I got out of the Army back in 2014 and I just recently adopted a German Shepard named George. He is a bit of a prick sometimes but I have found that having that other living thing at home is actually really nice. With the exception of George, I live alone and quite a drive away from any family or friends. I have had a rough go at it after the military due to my bipolar disorder and a myriad of other little issues but it has gotten a lot better. My mood has improved, I have begun to get into better shape, and all around life seems to have gone into an upswing since I got the little furry bastard. Do you have any pets at home? If so, what do they do to improve your life?
PTSD
Resiliency
Pets
Mental Health
Dogs
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 52
20
20
0
Suspended Profile
I love min pins
CWO3 (Join to see)
We've had 6 min pins. Like Lays potato chips, you can't have just one. The last pup is near 19, deaf, and blind, but still active. They are truly The King of Toys, and have brought so much happiness to us all. The last two girls are gone.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
19
19
0
I've had my fair share of disorders, as well. My dogs and cats provide routine and motivate for me to stay active. Yesterday, I attended a dog-friendly social event that randomly pops up on days with perfect weather. My cats let me face plant on their stomachs when I need to de-stress. The house has never been cleaner, because the puppy mandates that I need to keep chewable items out of reach. I am basically rebuilding my life with consideration for living creatures other than just me.
(19)
(0)
Jenn Moynihan
Nothing better than a fuzzy cat belly! SSG - glad the four-footed friends are helping you rebuild. Keep on keepin’ on.
(4)
(0)
17
17
0
I have a farm. Every animal serves a purpose:
_Goats - Milk, other dairy products, meat, hides, and cash; plus amusement
_Turkeys - Meat and cash
_Chickens - Eggs, meat and cash, plus amusement
_Goose - Meat and I am always ready to be attacked, plus alarm system
_Pigs - Bacon, plus other lesser value pork.
_Rabbits - Meat and Fur
_Cats - Rodent control, plus they accompany me and supervise me doing farm chores
_Livestock guard dogs - Early warning system of coyote attack on goats
_House Dogs - Traffic control on goats and companionship
-Horses - A reason for my wife to stay with me until she finds someone better looking, richer, and who will also shovel money down a horses throat for nothing but manure. Fortunately most of the men in the county are smarter than me.
Seriously, if it weren't for the animals, it would be too easy to become inactive and a couch potato. They gotta be fed and farm chores gotta be done. It's one thing to let an inanimate thing go neglected. it takes a heartless bastard to neglect a living thing. I am many things but not heartless.
_Goats - Milk, other dairy products, meat, hides, and cash; plus amusement
_Turkeys - Meat and cash
_Chickens - Eggs, meat and cash, plus amusement
_Goose - Meat and I am always ready to be attacked, plus alarm system
_Pigs - Bacon, plus other lesser value pork.
_Rabbits - Meat and Fur
_Cats - Rodent control, plus they accompany me and supervise me doing farm chores
_Livestock guard dogs - Early warning system of coyote attack on goats
_House Dogs - Traffic control on goats and companionship
-Horses - A reason for my wife to stay with me until she finds someone better looking, richer, and who will also shovel money down a horses throat for nothing but manure. Fortunately most of the men in the county are smarter than me.
Seriously, if it weren't for the animals, it would be too easy to become inactive and a couch potato. They gotta be fed and farm chores gotta be done. It's one thing to let an inanimate thing go neglected. it takes a heartless bastard to neglect a living thing. I am many things but not heartless.
(17)
(0)
Sgt Jim Mullins
Always had dogs in my life. They love you no matter what and always greet you home with wagging tails.
(0)
(0)
MAJ Harry Williams
MAJ. Harry Williams R
Could not get along without my Yellow Lab, she "Lights Up My Life Daily". I feel Relaxed & Comforted just by her being present. She knows when I need her to be close to me & is always there with wagging tail & paw touch at just the right time.
Could not get along without my Yellow Lab, she "Lights Up My Life Daily". I feel Relaxed & Comforted just by her being present. She knows when I need her to be close to me & is always there with wagging tail & paw touch at just the right time.
(0)
(0)
10
10
0
Liza Jane calls the shots at our house, SGT Joseph Gunderson! She's a pure bred miniature long hair dachshund, and she is as sweet as she is pretty! She'll be seven years old this summer.
She brightens the day for my wife and me, and if she senses you're in distress (like when I had a coughing spell), she comes to you to see if she can fix what ails you!
Maj John Bell SGT Joseph Gunderson Jenn Moynihan COL Mikel J. Burroughs SGT Mark Anderson
She brightens the day for my wife and me, and if she senses you're in distress (like when I had a coughing spell), she comes to you to see if she can fix what ails you!
Maj John Bell SGT Joseph Gunderson Jenn Moynihan COL Mikel J. Burroughs SGT Mark Anderson
(10)
(0)
Cpl Gabriel F.
Good on you. Dachshund what pal. Now that song is stuck in my head. Little Liza Jane.
(3)
(0)
(0)
(0)
8
8
0
I have 2 Mini-Pinchers and quite frankly, their antics and love kept me from eating a bullet, till the VA started helping me, they still help with my depression.
(8)
(0)
CWO3 (Join to see)
We've had 6 Min-pins Bill. Parents (Smedley and Molly) and 2 girls (Minny and Pinny) have passed. The remaining male and female (Chesty and Daisy) are blind and deaf. No words for the joy they have brought us. They truly are the King of the Toys. Pics are parents and deceased sisters from last litter.
(0)
(0)
6
6
0
Honest to God answer - my Lab is an anchor in my life - call me what you will - she is an emotional de escalator for me, and her presence and love are dear to me - hell - she means more to me then most people - she doesn't lie, steal. or judge me - all she does is love me.
(6)
(0)
6
6
0
Pets don't care what kind of day you have...they just greet you when you walk in the door with a smile. They are just glad to see you and want to be with you with love unconditionally.
(6)
(0)
6
6
0
Good looking pup. Heads up if you have not researched this. Emotional Support is one of your K-9's best attributes. George will keep you from ripping someone's face off because you do not want George to have a problem when you go to jail. Always there waiting, ready to walk or run and keeping people from sneaking up on you. Always listening, watching and scenting. George may have had some issues with folks before you adopted him. Thus the being a prick sometimes.
Mine is a Dachshund. The only dog recognized as a above and below ground hunter. Think tunnel rat. When the girl was kicked to the curb she could not take him. He has been registered as a Emotional Support Dog. Complete with certificate, I.D. Card, with copies of federal law that states he can ride the plane, train, bus and stay with me and go most any where. Good luck, be patient as you are able and enjoy your new partner.
Mine is a Dachshund. The only dog recognized as a above and below ground hunter. Think tunnel rat. When the girl was kicked to the curb she could not take him. He has been registered as a Emotional Support Dog. Complete with certificate, I.D. Card, with copies of federal law that states he can ride the plane, train, bus and stay with me and go most any where. Good luck, be patient as you are able and enjoy your new partner.
(6)
(0)
5
5
0
I'm former Law Enforcement with USCG-Aux background. I have a spinal injury but adopted a Pit Bull in 2009 (something I would have never done because of my ignorance of the breed but She manipulated me with her eyes) After a bad Truck crash and further injury, a friend, and K-9 trainer suggested I get her up to speed as a Mobility Service Dog - She changed my Life... and Rescued it.
I lost her to Cancer in 2015 - hardest thing I've endured, harder than the loss of my Mom 2 months later. I now have an American Bulldog/Pittie Service Dog. If you're interested and willing - I'm betting George can pick up his game with the help of some training aids and you'll benefit too with the association. The more I know and have Dogs... the less I like humans!
I lost her to Cancer in 2015 - hardest thing I've endured, harder than the loss of my Mom 2 months later. I now have an American Bulldog/Pittie Service Dog. If you're interested and willing - I'm betting George can pick up his game with the help of some training aids and you'll benefit too with the association. The more I know and have Dogs... the less I like humans!
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
Could have had the worst day ever, but the clouds left and the sun came out when I would see these guys waiting for me after work.
(5)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google