You’re getting a divorce, you’re moving, you have double (or half) the responsibilities you had before, your kids are upset. There are a lot of things happening in the life of a person who’s going through a Michigan divorce, and because of this you can easily say that there are now even more reasons not to get a pet. Yet, here’s the thing – there are more reasons to get a pet, especially when your life is being turned upside down.
1. You’ll Have Company
You may have a robust support system with plenty of friends and family to keep you upbeat and feeling good as your marriage ends. However, there will be times when everyone you count on is busy with their own lives, your kids are with your ex, and you find yourself feeling lonely. A pet can fill the void immediately by offering incredible companionship, especially if you aren’t feeling motivated to connect with people at the moment. Sharing your space with a lovable creature, whether feline, canine, or otherwise, can make you feel fulfilled.
2. You’ll Get Unconditional Love
Sure, you might end up with a persnickety cat or a lazy dog, but you know what? They know who loves them and feeds them and cares for them and they will return the favor when you need it most. It’s hard to look at the gift of soft fur and sweet eyes with anything but gratitude, especially when you’re at your lowest.
3. You Need a New Routine
Even if you’re staying in the home you and your ex shared, that person’s absence from your daily life means everything you do changes. A pet can help you establish a new routine that you associate with a new, beautiful phase of life rather than a forced change caused by your divorce. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have some structure and stability when your foundation is in flux and a pet’s needs will keep you accountable, something that can make even the toughest days less difficult.
4. You’ve Always Wanted a Pet
Your ex didn’t want a dog. Or a cat. Or a bird. Or any creatures. If you always wanted a pet, now is the time to make it happen. Talk about instant delight.
5. Enjoy Emotional Support
Eventually, you’ll start to worry that you might be burdening family and friends with your divorce details. You might be tempted to get quiet and then you’ll be dealing with your feelings all on your own. If you latch onto a dog or cat, you’ll appoint yourself an emotional support animal, even if the creature isn’t formally trained for such a role. Pets are good for a person’s mental health and can reduce anxiety, stress, and negative feelings while promoting positive feelings.
6. You’ll Be Healthier
How can a cat that sleeps 20+ hours a day make you healthier? Believe it or not, those animals deliver mental and physical health benefits like lower blood pressure, a reduced chance of heart disease, and improved mood. Prefer a dog instead? That guy will make you walk day in and day out, and we all know that movement is healthy for overall well-being.
It’s good to distract yourself with something you love while you’re dealing with a Michigan divorce, and a pet can fit the bill. Get additional support from the divorce lawyers at Femminineo Attorneys. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.