A New Furry Member of Our Family!

So I've been seriously distracted the last two days and it's been because of this little darling! I haven't taken "before" pictures yet and I sincerely apologize for that. They will be up by the end of the week. :) Anyway, I wanted to talk today about Companion/Service Animals for those who have mental health problems. 

Months ago I had a bug put in my ear about getting a companion animal. I hadn't really ever thought about it because my apartment complex doesn't allow pets. I just figured I wouldn't be able to have one. And I had to have my last cat put down about a year and a half ago, so I was not terribly excited about getting another one yet. But I was speaking with a friend who had decided to get a companion animal after a traumatic event in her life and she said it made all the difference in the world. She has a dog though and I knew that the upkeep on a dog in a small apartment would probably make me more stressed than not. So a cat was the logical answer.

At my last doctor's appointment (I have them monthly to monitor my medication intake), I asked her about writing a letter for me to have a pet and she said she would be happy to. I spoke with a few more friends and the consensus was that companion animals helped immensely. I was still on the fence though. 

On Monday, my friend called me and said she was going to go pick up a kitten for her two year old daughter as an early Christmas present. She told me that there was another one that was still available and if I wanted it I could take her. I talked to Shon and he pretty much left it up to me. He was worried that it would stress me out more because of having to take care of her along with Donovan. To be honest, I was nervous about that too and when I got in the car with my friend to go pick up her kitten, I was convinced I was going to wait.

We arrived at the owner's house and OH MY GOODNESS!!! I fell in love with this little girl. She was the runt of the litter and the most curious. The owner had told me that she was her favorite and that she was also the smartest. I called Shon and after a long talk, we decided that she would be right for our family! Yay!

Of course, that meant that I had to scramble to get the doctor's note, all the kitty gear, food and vet appointments made. But I was in heaven! She has been a gift from God, for sure! She is and active, playful little kitten, but she also snuggles and purrs and talks and is just a perfect "companion". 

We got her yesterday and she slept in the bed with us. I was more relaxed and peaceful as I was falling to sleep than I have been in a very long time. I had zero pain! It was incredible! And I have been more cheerful and carefree ever since. Donovan is, of course, learning how to interact with her appropriately, but that is expected. And he's already getting better with her. He kisses her goodnight and says goodbye to her whenever we leave her. He adores her! :)

We had a hard time coming up with a name that Shon and I both agreed on. I let him pick, but I had veto power. We finally settled on "Kya", pronounced, "Ky-yuh", and she was born on September 1.  She is already responding to her name and has fit in perfectly here. She is a blessing and an answer to prayer. If I had known how she would help me, I would have done this months ago. Of course, then I wouldn't have gotten this particular kitten, and I think we were put in each others' lives for a reason. I sincerely believe that! 

I know that maybe a companion animal isn't for everyone, but if any of you have ever thought about it, I highly recommend it. They bring a happiness and lightness to life. Kittens are such adorable little imps and they take a lot of work, but she is so worth it to me. I love her so much already! 

Here is a link to the benefits of a companion animal. Seriously, it has changed my life in just 36 hours. 

http://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/management/upload/Comment-4704-attachment_.pdf