Pets and Recovery

Research has shown that animals help people who are stressed or are healing after surgery. Humans have a unique bond with animals – dogs, cats, and in my case, parrots. I know when I’m having a rough day, a little time with my pets makes me feel better.

In early recovery in particular a strong bond with a pet can really help a person deal with stress. I’m not saying run out and buy a puppy – but if you have a pet, don’t forget that animal can be a great companion in early sobriety.  Feeling anxious or restless even after a meeting? Take your dog on a nice long walk or get a new yarn toy for your cat. Feeling a little run down? Curl up with a good book and your cuddly creature.  Hey, and if no one is around have conversations with your pet – why not?! They do seem to like the interaction and it might make you feel a little more down to earth (aka silly) and help you not take yourself so seriously.

I’ve been trying to teach my amazon parrot to sing “Low” by Flo Rida. I’m jealous of the amazon parrot on You Tube who intones: Low, low, low…boots with the fur, with the fur… She doesn’t seem to be willing to sing it, but she dances with me, bopping her head up and down in rhythm to the music.  The experience takes me out of my head for a moment and connects me with my heart and the pure joy of living.

I think anyone in early recovery who has a pet just has a little added bonus – a nonjudgmental friend who just seems to know when you need a little extra attention.