It’s not all about the cuddles.

What is good about having a pet?

Of course pet cuddles and lovings are great. That’s the first thing we think of when we think of needing a companion pet to help with depression or anxiety.

I would like to point out that all the training, potty situations, and some destructive natures can be annoying and increase anxiety and absolute stress at times. I am going to say it’s worth it, and here is why.

There are times when I could barely get out of bed, much less open my door and leave my house. I may have managed to get my kids out and to school, but after all that mess when I got home the anxiety would leave me paralyzed in my car for who knows how long. Just sitting – thoughts flipping like an old radio station- faster and faster. I knew I needed just to simply move to break it. I wasn’t even breathing for half my life, I’m sure of it.

Yet, then there’s chickens locked up in a coop out back that I knew needed let out so they could get a drink. My dog needed to come outside and go potty. They were more important than me. So they would force me out. Then I was in the backyard.

In the backyard, I would see the tiny ladybug fly over to me inquisitively. The dew drops glisten on the leaves. The Norway Maple tree towers over me with its hundreds of years of wisdom and offspring seeded all around in various stages of growth. Then I would quite inside, and remember.

This has been going on so long, and I am a part of it. Just another helicopter seed that landed. I knew I need to sway with the churning winds and changes, or I would snap. I needed to be like the tree. I needed to sit still like the dew drop until the sun soaks me up. I need to curiously flitter around not stay focused on one too long. I need to be, and recognize that all these things running round and round in my head just really weren’t important.

The backyard was important.

This is why having a pet is important. They make you go outside.