Spring!

Yep, that's right! Spring is definitely on its way. Today I'm going to write about the positive effects pets can have on people who are depressed or in some other way impaired.
 
The weather has been mild for a few days, but yesterday was the loveliest yet and Mom came to drag me out on a long walk in the sun. She had my dog, we can call her Casey, with her,  as a sure way of getting me outside. After lunch, we parked a bit away from the school and let her off the leash when we came to a big field. She'll be eight this year but she both looks and acts like a puppy. When she doesn't think she is a big and menacing guard dog that is.

Just looking at her running around like mad, trying to snatch the sticks from our hands, the way she skidded at every turn was so cute that I couldn't keep from laughing. For the first time in ages I could relax and even play with Casey. Mom joined in and suddenly I realized that my anxiety was much less pronounced than before. I have Casey a lot to thank for. It's a big responsibilty, having a pet that is dependent on you. The feeling of being needed  helps a lot during recovery. Think of that next time your abstinence or anxiety hits, that you're needed just the way you are!