Submitted by tazangel36 on 03/01/2010.
Do any of the AD families out there have pets? What animal do you have? Has it proven to be therapeutic for your child, or has it made your home life more stressful? What pet advice would you have for a wife & mother of ADHD? Thanks!
We've had many pets during
Submitted by newfdogswife on
We've had many pets during our 28 year marriage. Unfortunately in my case, I also was the main caregiver for them, too. Like every other aspect of our life they just became my responsibility. I'm sure to some they can be a form of therapy but to me it was just another chore that had to be handled on a daily basis and added to my stress. Therefore, my husband enjoys them much more than I do. Don't get me wrong, I love animals but after you have had to take care of them all of that time, after awhile you become very tired of it and have had enough. We've had dogs, cats and birds. We are now down to three dogs. My husband has stepped up to the plate and does help with feeding them, most of the time, but that has only happened as a result of me having a mini-meltdown several years ago and letting him know that I was tired of taking care of the animals. Also, remember that with animals comes more messes that have to be cleaned up especially if they are indoors. Hair, dirt tracked in from outside when they go out to do their business, accidents in the house, tearing up things, etc. Things that may just add to the already existing chaos. One more thing, unless you stay at home all of the time, you'll have to work your plans around them so far as letting them out at certain times and when you go on vacations you'll either have to take them with you or board them somewhere, which can be very expensive. It is a big responsibility.
animals
Submitted by SHERI on
I have ADHD and we have 2 dogs five cats and three tanks of fish, I provide most of the care and do not mind at all .