Reasons to Recover: How our furry friends helped us in recovery part two

Last year, we asked you to talk about how your furry friends supported you towards recovery – and you delivered! Not only did we enjoy scrolling through cute photos of your pets, but also hearing your heart-warming and inspiring stories. But, we received so many submissions that we didn’t just want to have one blogpost all about these fuzzy, feathery or scaly friends – so here is part two of how your pets supported you through your recovery.

Georgia & her cat Gerald

Gerald came into my life at the end of a pretty tough period. I'd just finished my GCSEs after being diagnosed with anorexia a year prior – during that year I had been hospitalised, understanding my diagnosis, and transitioned from completing my school work and GCSE revision from home to being back in school full-time.

I'd wanted my own cat for a while, and my dad agreed that I could get one, but that it would be my responsibility! My mum and I visited the rehoming centre we'd adopted our other cats from, and I instantly fell in love with Gerald. He took to me, too, and the rest is history! During some of my worst times, he made me feel less alone. He always knew when I was struggling and came to comfort me. He also gave me a sense of responsibility; he's had a fair few health problems, and caring for him provided me with motivation when I was finding recovery hard. To this day, he reminds me to focus on the good things in my life. And he gives the best cuddles!

When I was going through the worst of my eating disorder at university, I found visiting my parents' home really tough, as I wasn't in my usual busy routine and couldn't resort to the safety behaviours and coping mechanisms I was used to. Adjusting to visiting them for even a few days was really stressful. Seeing Gerald gave me something to look forward to; he's a real companion and seeing how happy he is to see me when I walk through the door is enough to put a smile on my face on the worst days!

I honestly don't know what I'd have done if I hadn't had Gerald there during those tough times. Now I'm no longer studying, I'm hoping he can come and live with me soon in Wales (sorry Mum and Dad...)!

You can read more of Georgia’s story in her blogpost here.

Ishika and her dog Jasper

Towards the end of summer 2019 I started to become very unwell, and as I began to start year 12 in September, I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, whilst struggling with a severe anxiety disorder, OCD and depression. I spent Christmas 2019 in hospital and as COVID 19 and lockdown hit, my eating disorder became significantly worse.

This was a time in which everything felt so out of control. I was trying to keep on top of my grades for my A levels, whilst becoming consumed by the latest “trends” and diet culture through social media. I turned to food as a coping mechanism as this was something I could control. Lockdown meant that it was very difficult to access support services, and my condition rapidly started to decline, with effects on my mental and physical health, and I was then diagnosed with a seizure disorder.

This is where Jasper came into my life. Like so many others, Jasper – a black labrador, now 4 years old – was a lockdown puppy, and for me, he has been my miracle. Without intending to, Jasper played a huge role in my recovery, and it is thanks to him that four years down the line, I have re-started university, living independently, re-doing the activities I love, and enjoying my life once again, something I could never have seen before. It is moments like this that make me think and want to tell anyone who is struggling: recovery is possible, and you will find happiness and enjoyment again.

I made it my top ambition to take care of Jasper to the best of my ability, to take him out on adventures and create the best memories together, as I felt like he was my responsibility, and therefore I wanted to take the best possible care of him. Having something else to care for shifted my perspective entirely, as I knew now that in order to do that, I had to commit to my recovery and make myself better so that I could give Jasper the best version of myself; similar to the analogy of “putting your own oxygen mask on, before helping others”.

I now understand the meaning of this and how true it is. Jasper helped me on my bad days by just snuggling up beside me, and every meal I had meant more meaningful adventures I got to have with him. I still have rough days, but I think how far both Jasper and I have come, and if I could go back and tell the scared 16-year-old me in hospital one thing, it's hang in there, there's so much more to come and happy memories to create. I think pets are truly wonderful, with somehow special healing powers and I am beyond grateful to have a Jasper in my life.

Darcy’s dog Barney

My name is Darcey, and I was diagnosed with anorexia in September of 2024 after struggling with food over the summer. During this period, I found it very hard to control my emotions and feelings, as many other will have experienced, due to how overwhelmed I was with therapy and learning to let go of the thing that I once thought was my friend – but really was my biggest enemy.

After thinking for a while, I soon discovered that many of my coping methods were all related to one very special boy, my dog Barney. He’s a little cockapoo, crossed with a toy poodle – but, although he is only tiny, the power he has against this disorder is so mighty! Every time I am struggling, he is there. Every time I don’t know what to do, he is there, and I couldn’t be more grateful for him. He is one of the many who inspired me to choose recovery and get my life back, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

One thing I have found most helpful about having a furry friend by my side are mindful walks, which give the chance to get some fresh air, and what better way to do it than with Barney! We sure do have a fun time listening to bird and looking at beautiful sunsets this time of year.

I hope that whoever is reading this right now know that they can do this, no matter what. We are all behind you every step of the way, and I promise, it will all be worth it in the end.

If you have any pets you’d like to share, who have supported you through your recovery, submit to our blogpost link today!