Topic Tuesday //The pet effect: animals are good for our wellbeing! // Tues 18 Feb, 7pm AEDT

[Former-Member]

Wonderful to see you here tonight @Maggie 😀🐶

[Former-Member]

Wow its lovely and busy - seems animals is something a lot of us can resonate with which is wonderful. 

Some of you have already mentioned a bit about the animals in your life so for our next question I'd love to hear some examples specific to you all of the positive impacts of animals. Does anyone have a memory or a specific moment of their own of how an animal has benefited their wellbeing?

This might seem funny, but amongst growing up with cats I also had pet fish and I remember when I was younger I found watching the fish move and swim in the water would really calm me if I had had a stressful day at school!

[Adge]

Yep, hearing my canaries & finches singing in the morning - is the best sound to wake up to.

I can even hear the canaries that are outside (in aviary), from inside the house.

Squeaker the Cockatiel sings a special tune, when he wants my attention - then he walks up & down the perch, looking at my face.

Squeaker loves looking at human faces, he follows your eyes - strictly no touch though. Try to touch Squeaker, & he hisses at you.

Adge

[outlander]

Big storm here powers out so internet is droppin in and out as well and phone runnin low on battery. Hopefully will be back on soon

[Former-Member]

@Adge I can only imagine how lovely that sound would be to wake up to!

You also raised another point I think worth noting in terms of the positive impacts of animals- which can be boundaries. Something around learning another beings boundaries from small steps and non-verbal queues can sometimes help us relate that skill in the real world - has anyone felt that before?

[Former-Member]

Funny you should say that about fish @Former-Member . I never had fish as a kid on the farm. But as a little kid I can recall Mum taking me into town for a dental checkup. In the waiting room was a big fish tank with lots of tropical fish. I found it quite calming to watch them while waiting 'for the inevitable dental drill to come'. 

Now I have a garden fish pond with a couple of fish and a fountain etc. Again I find it calming to sit and watch with a cuppa in hand.

Sorry I am a bit behind with convo, slow on mobile phone.

[Former-Member]

No worries @outlander - hopefully the connection stays okay but hoping you are okay with the storm around you. Stay safe!

[Adge]

Woo Woo the Cockatiel was called Woo Woo - because he Wolf-Whistled.

Someone had taught him to do that Woo Woo sound.

I found him (someone's escaped pet) & had him for several years.

Woo Woo liked to sit on my shoulder & eat some of my Weet Bix out of my breakfast bowl (whilst I was eating it).

He also liked to eat 2 minute noodles out of my bowl too.

Ratty the white Rat used to hide in my coat pocket (whilst I was wearing it) - he stuck his head out for a piece of cheese.

Adge

[Former-Member]

Thats a lovely story @Former-Member - yes fish can be so calming in their quiet way. 

Tonight is moving quickly with a big crew of us in here, take your time no need to rush yourself 😊

[Former-Member]

I also have 12 budgies in a large outdoor aviary off our back deck. I hear their cheerful chatter every morning from my bedroom. @Adge @Former-Member