A Story on Obatining a Cat - by Sally T (Pioneer Clubhouse)
(You Won’t Believe the Difference a Pet Can Make in Your Life!)
My name is Sally and I had what I consider to be almost intractable anxiety and depression for just over a decade. Then, two amazing things happened! I was given a very affordable Bridge Housing property that is spacious and has spectacular water views. However, the best was yet to come!
Under Bridge Housing rules, I am allowed to keep a cat. (In Dee Why, where I used to reside, I was not allowed to keep a pet.) So, off I went to a vet in Ermington (near where my brother lives as he was helping me), to pick up a kitten. There were four to choose from in the same litter, two males and two females. I wanted a female, because they tend to be easier to manage. So that narrowed it down to two. We took the two females out of their cage and held them. Both were purring loudly. However, one kitten appeared to be quite scared of a dog that was in the same room barking, whilst the other appeared to be not at all phased. My mind was made up! I thought my chosen cat was beautiful to look at too – white tummy, white paws, black back and tail and pink and black paw pads.
We made the long trip home to Manly on the bus and then the ferry. Once we were safely at home with the door shut, I could hardly contain my excitement. I opened the carrier and waited. Little Temps did not jump straight out, but slowly observed her surroundings. After a little while, she got out and began to look around. I now had a cat!
I had always thought that getting a cat would improve my enjoyment of life, but little did I know that she would almost completely revolutionise it. When I am at home with her, I feel happy – if I am not patting her while she is purring loudly, I am watching her play with one of her numerous toys. Me feeling happy and not anxious? That is new!!! I feel as if she has given me my life back. My anxiety is almost completely under control and the depression I had is all but gone.
A few more words on what she is like…. Not long after I got her, I observed that one of her toys was two rooms away. I thought to myself, “Gee, she has batted that a long way!” but then I saw her! She picks things up with her mouth and carries them like a dog!
I also love the way she communicates. She talks all the time. I answer her with a, “Yes my love.” If this exchange happens three times in a row, I go to her and make sure she’s okay. She seems to like this.
Finally, I would like to reiterate that a pet can really change your life! The difference Temps has made in my life is profound. I would say to anyone with a mental illness, get a pet! They really do bring so much joy!