I don’t know about you all but I recently adopted a pandemic puppy, and I think it was the best decision that I could ever make.
Before I got Azula, my beautiful three-month-old pit bull, I struggled with anxiety and loneliness. I live alone, and though I love my personal space, I would still feel lonely from time to time.
Transparency moment: I sometimes disliked being alone with my own thoughts, and I’d get depressive episodes where I just wanted to lay in bed all day or wake up at 2 p.m. Being unable to see friends as much, especially during a pandemic, forced me to have to deal with being by myself. I felt like something was missing, but adding a puppy definitely eased up the air in my home.
These days, I come home and Azula’s waiting to give me all the love. It makes me look forward to opening my front door. A pet is a lot of responsibility, but having to wake up in the morning to take her for walks allows me to get up out of my bed and get vitamin D from the sun which brightens my mood.
Dogs also can feel your energy, and whenever I am starting to feel anxious, nervous, or sad, she comes ready to cuddle and give me kisses, and it brings a smile to my face. The house is also never quiet with either her having the zoomies and running around, or with her squeaking her toys, which literally makes me realize that I am no longer lonely.
I know it’s a huge leap, but I recommend you get a pet. Notice how the responsibility of a pet that loves you can reduce loneliness.