My Dogs , My Comfort

The act of having a domesticated animal as a companion or pet is referred to

as pet ownership. This entails taking responsibility for the animal's care and well-

being, which includes providing food, shelter, and veterinary care. Pets come in a

variety of shapes and sizes, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and other small

mammals. People keep pets for a variety of reasons, including companionship,

love, and a desire for purpose and routine. Pet ownership can bring people joy

and happiness, as well as emotional, physical, and mental health benefits.

Many people consider their pets to be their friends. The bond between

humans and their pets can be very strong, and pets can provide a sense of

comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. Owning a pet can bring joy and

happiness into your life and provide a sense of purpose and routine. Having a pet

can also improve your physical and mental health by reducing stress and anxiety,

promoting physical activity, and providing emotional support.

Dogs have a unique ability to provide comfort and support for people

struggling with mental health issues. Interacting with dogs has been shown to

lower levels of stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of

happiness and well-being. Owning a dog can provide a sense of purpose,

structure, and fulfilment, which can help to improve symptoms of depression.

Dogs can also encourage physical activity, such as taking walks or playing,

which can have a positive impact on physical health and mental well-being.
Furthermore, dogs can provide a source of emotional support, offering comfort

and reducing feelings of loneliness. While dogs cannot replace professional

treatment, they can play a valuable role in helping to heal and improve mental

health.

Having a dog as pets can be a life-changing experience. Personally, I

have had the pleasure of being a dog owner and I can attest to the joy that my

dog brings into my life. My dog brings me so much happiness with his wagging

tail, playful personality and of course his unconditional love.

This is my story about how my dog became my best friend. Growing up I

didn’t have much friends since I barely talk to others and would always lock

myself in my room. It was even worse at school as I would always avoid people

that would approach me and talk to me. I always prefer to sit alone at the corner

of the classroom and kept my head low since I’m not really good at making eye

contact.

One day, on my way out of class I overheard a classmate gossiping

behind my back and saying that I’m a weird person. This made me feel sad and I

was trying my best to hold in my tears during the entire way home. The moment I

stepped my foot into my house, I quickly ran to my room and cried my heart out.

My dog followed me to my room and sat still on the floor watching me cry with his

big brown eyes. When I opened my eyes, I realised his eyes were clogged with
concern. I found it comforting that he was worried about me and decided to call

out his name. “ Shiro come here boy.“ His face brightened up and he leaped onto

my bed and into my arms. I pet him and decided to take him for a walk.

As I take my dog for a walk, I ran into the person who was talking about me

behind my back. I turned pale and was too scared to walk past them, so I

stopped and turned to walk the other way. I could hear one of them was laughing

and it made me turn my head back to look at them. I saw one of them was

pointing at me and it turned out that they were laughing at me. I quickly turned

around and walked away from them. I began to overthink why would these

people make fun of me and what did I do wrong. Suddenly, I fell hard to the

ground as I stumbled over a small rock and I just couldn’t hold in any longer. I

broke into tears and keep asking mytears streamed down my cheeks. "Why does

this always happen to me, why can't I be happy and have fun like everyone

else?" I broke down in tears.

As I sat on the ground crying, my dog approached me and placed his

head on my knee; he then licked away my tears. After a few moments he walked

away for a about one minute before returning with a branch. I smile, knowing he

was actually trying to cheer me up. I then remember I have to take him for a

walk, so I wipe my tears away, stand up and take the branch from his mouth.

When he saw me standing up, his tail wiggled and his face brightened with a

smile.
 As we resumed our walk, I realised Shiro was the one who was always by

my side when I was at my lowest. "Thank you Shiro." I said while smiling and

crying as I looked at him. I would always tell him about my problem after that

incident, even if he doesn't understand what I'm saying. Every time I tell him

about my problem, he sits still and stares at me. Looking at his face, I got the

impression that he understood what I was going through and wanted to console

me. Looking at his face always puts me at ease. He became my best friend and I

resolved to look after him in the same way that he always looked out for me

when we were out together.

Dogs are more than just furry companions, they are an embodiment of joy,

comfort, and boundless love. With their wagging tails, wet noses, and a spirit that

radiates playfulness, they invite us to appreciate the beauty in the present

moment. A dog’s love is pure and unchanging, a constant source of comfort and

security that brightens our days and eases our worries. These gentle creatures

aren’t just animals, but rather cherished members of our families, their presence

gracing our lives with warmth and wonder. The bond we share with our dogs

transcends time and space, a love that endures through every moment of our

lives.
 A faithful friend, man’s cherished mate

A canine companion, both loving and great

With wagging tail and wet nose so kind

They great us each day with a love that’s divine

A dog’s devotion is pure and boundless

Their loving spirit is truly flawless

They see the best in us, without a doubt

A source of comfort, their presence about

They never judge, but always forgive

Their loyalty and love, how they truly live

Their gentle souls, a balm to the soul

A furry friend who makes us whole

In moments of sorrow, they offer a paw

Their company a comfort, a heart to draw

The steadfast presence, a source of delight

A faithful friend through day and night

So here’s to our dogs, our companions true

Whose love and loyalty forever renew

May we cherish them always, until the end

For they are more that pets, but a true friend.

 Thankful for you

Friendship is one of the purest things that one can ever ask for. A good
company is based upon loyalty, honesty and support. How strong your friendship
is depending upon how close you are to the person. There are so many people
whom we meet in the journey of life but only a few of them are considered as
best friends and confided to share personal problems and happiness. We rely on
our friends for support, encouragement, and companionship. It is no secret that
having a strong support system can have a positive impact on our mental health.
Friends can help us to navigate the challenges of life and provide us with a sense
of belonging and purpose. We can choose our friends and create a comfortable
space with them. The quality should matter over quantity.

The person who I consider as my best friend has made a significant

impact on my life named Phoebe. We have shared beautiful moments together
and the most beautiful thing is that our friendship is still growing. We’re so close
that we knew each other’s thoughts and feelings without having to say a word.
We always argue over a small things but the arguments helps me to understand
Phoebe more. I'm a person that don’t really know how to express my feelings
when I’m hurt or sad. I deal with this feelings myself and remain silent. Phoebe
changed me into a better version of myself. She always ask me how I am feeling
whenever she noticed I’m acting strange than usual. Whenever Phoebe hurts or
irritates me, I can tell her directly and we can resolve it together. We always
share our problems and become a listener for each other. I realized that my
friendship with Phoebe had been a huge factor in improving my mental health.

This is the story of me and Phoebe. Phoebe and me had been best friends
for a long time. We always look out for each other. We were inseparable, and
nothing could ever come between us. But as we get older, I started to struggling
with my mental health. I became increasingly anxious and depressed. Phoebe
noticed the changes in me and became increasingly worried about me. She
came to my house and sat down with me to talk about what was going on. She
listen carefully as I explained how I was feeling and the difficulties I was having.
Phoebe reassured me that she was there for me and that we would get through
this together. Phoebe makes an effort to cheer me up by taking me to my
favourite spot. We spend time together, and it makes me feel better. She would
check on me regularly, send me texts and calling me just to make sure I was all
right.

One day, I hit a low point. I felt like giving up and didn’t see the point in
continuing. Phoebe was there to comfort me, telling me how much I meant to her
and how much I was loved. She make sure that I knew that I was never alone
and that we would always find a way through whatever life threw at us. I
gradually got better. I learned coping strategies and ways and ways to manage
my mental health. I started to enjoy life again. Phoebe was proud of me and
continued to support me every step of the way.

Friendship is the most treasured relationship in a person’s life rather than

having many important things in life, if we lack a trustworthy friendship, no one
has a satisfying life. Everyone needs a friend to share bad and good moments,
enjoy happy moments and also intolerable events of life. A good and balanced
human partnership is essential for survival and share each other’s feelings or
thoughts that bring a sense of well-being and mental satisfaction.

I hope you find someone that you can call when you get a flat tire or when
somethings terrible happens. It’s the people who, near or far, know everything
that’s wrong with you and love you anyways. These are the ones who tell you
their secrets, who gets themselves a glass of water without asking when they’re
at your house. These are the people who cry when you cry and always care for
you. I hope you realized that you should count on someone that you can call best
friend to share your problems and not endure it by yourself.
“ Like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, a true friend can illuminate the darkest
corners of our minds and lift our spirit high. In the midst of life’s tumultuous
journey, the gift of genuine friendship is a soothing balm that nourishes our souls
and eases our hearts. With unwavering support and understanding, friends
provide a safe haven for our vulnerabilities, reminding us that we are never truly
alone. For true friendship is a beautiful tapestry of shared moments, laughter,
and love, woven together to create a masterpiece that heals our minds and
enriches our lives.”
 In times of darkness and despair,

When life feels like an endless snare.

There’s one thing that can lifts us up,

And brings us back from the abyss to the top.

It’s friendship, a bond that’s strong and true,

A love that’s pure, sincere, and new.

It’s the laughter and joy that we share,

The moments of happiness that we dare.

With friends, we find a sense of peace.

A place where worries and troubles cease.

We talk, we listen, we lend a hand,

We help each other to understand.

Friends provide a light in the darkest of days,

A beacon that guides us through life’s maze.

They lift us up when we are down,

And help us find our way back to solid ground.

In friendship, we find the courage to be,

To embrace our flaws, to feel free.

We find a sense of purpose and belonging,

And the strength to keep on going.

 Black Box

It's dark and suffocate...my short of breath is killing me. The sudden loud noise of

clapping surprised me as it makes my hallucination burst to air. Reality hit me the

deepest sea. I was in front of room full of strangers masking up their boringness

while waiting for me to open my mouth. "Silence is the best response to a fool"

said the teacher while she fold her arms. Following the monologue of her, I hear

the room starting to fill with sound of laughter, as it was funny. "My name...is

July" are spoken by me with trembling voice. The teachers send me signal to sit

to the place I was assigned. My walking steps sounds are parallel to my

palpitating heart. I sat down and try the "478 breathing technique" that I found on

web. "Ah...I totally forgot I'm back to school again".

   First semester's are started with mathematics subject, which is my weakest

subject. All of sudden, the table I was placed are knocked by someone nearby,

my tablemate. His eye's are sparkling with 'bright' emotion. His eye's were a

warm shade of brown, and they lit up when he first smiled at me. He then

introduce himself by sharing his name which is Danny and where he was from,

plus he shared a little bit about his interests and hobbies. "Ooh... I see" I said

with a ponder on my face.

 As I open my eyes, I say "second day of suffering" which defined as the

declaration of war against "me and myself". My torturing day are started when I

watch my reflection on the mirror in front of my bed and praying to have the same

feeling and emotion which is 'normal' as other human. I force myself to go

outside my black box in order to add my energy in the dinning table. "How's your

school yesterday?" said by my mother while she put my breakfast at the table.

"It's okay, I guess" I replied as I chew the sandwich. "Great ! Don’t forgot to bring

your pills, and just to inform I will be home late". After a short moment of silence,

I walked into my black box again to get ready for school. My bag are filled with

bunch of books and notes. As I arrived in front of my school gate, mom give me a

kisses on my cheeks, signature as a 'goodbye'. I get off from the car and start my

step to cross that school gate. Walking around a crowded human is making me

anxious despite my head kept saying "that person must be judging me because

I'm alone". I'm tired of myself.

On that night, I spent most of the time just sitting on my table wondering

about my problem. Did I do something wrong? I pray everyday for small pieces of

happiness, yet life is still hard. I guess I didn't deserve to life either. I was holding

a ruler as an object, to leave a mark on my arm. Right at that moment, my phone

screen light up and show new notification. I hesitate at first but I open it as my

curiosity rises. As a result of it, I see unknown person sent me some link and

somehow I tap it without realize. The link bought me to an e book called "Getting
back on track". I read almost half of it before I somehow get myself to sleep

without taking my sleeping pills.

When you're at your lowest moment, don’t blame life, don’t blame Gods,

You're being prepared for a bigger and better things. Stay strong.

This is something that was writhed by someone I am unfamiliar with, yet I

feel some connection as it answer my situations. I feel heard and listened even

without saying what my problem is.

By the time, I finally finished the book and I realize that what I experience

is something that 31.1% of world population feels too. I also try my best to come

outside my black box where I am alone there. I also speak up on what I am

feeling rather than keep it on myself. I am lucky enough to have shoulder to rely

on which is my parents. I now can see the lights of my life. I am a better person

when I acknowledge myself as an individual who have feelings and solve it by

having someone who I can cry on, my parents.

 Finding Purpose and Meaning

You can't always wait for the perfect timing or moment, even the smallest

step in the right direction can end up being that biggest step on your entire life.

Your life is too short to be born as you've been. Look forward with hope, don’t

look back with regret.

When we find that we have nothing to do in life or nothing to interest us.

We try out new things. What we can do is experiment new hobbies or activities

even if they're outside of our comfort zone. This can help us discover new

interests and passions. For instance, if we're used to staying at home and playing

video games all day, it wouldn't hurt to go out and play soccer or even take a

stroll outside Who knows maybe we'll find new hobbies.

Besides, we can set goals so we can accomplish and achieve it. To do so

requires a realistic , measurable and a clear deadline type of goal. This can vary

depending on the type of goal we're trying to achieve. It can be from doing

homework to completing a life goal such as climbing Mount Kinabalu. Firstly, we

should break down our goals by dividing our goals into smaller parts, for

homework; we should prioritize the ones with closer deadlines or the easiest to

finish. This makes the goal less overwhelming to achieve. If we are close to

giving up, Stay focused: Avoid distractions and stay focused on your goal.

Remember why you started and what you hope to achieve.

 Don't let someone who doesn't know your value, tell you how much

you are worth. Because your worth is more than you have ever imagined.

Last but not least is building sense of purpose in life. Building a sense of

purpose in life is a crucial aspect of personal growth and well-being. Having a

sense of purpose provides direction, motivation, and fulfilment in life. It helps us

to set and achieve goals, form meaningful relationships, and find happiness. For

example, engage in meaningful relationships. Building and maintaining strong

relationships with friends, family, and community members provides a sense of

belonging and fulfilment. Having people to share our experiences and support us

in our pursuits can be a source of great strength and motivation. In conclusion,

finding purpose in life can be a lifelong journey and is a deeply personal and

subjective experience. It involves self-reflection, exploration of values, passions,

and skills, and experimentation with different paths as what brings meaning and

fulfilment to one person may be different for another. It's important to remember

that purpose can evolve over time, and it's okay to adjust your goals and

aspirations as you grow and learn. The key is to keep searching, trying new

things, and being open to the opportunities that life presents. With persistence,

self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change, you can find and fulfil your

purpose in life.

 
 References

1. Mental Health Foundation, (2022) Pets and Mental health.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/pets-
and-mental-health

2. Lawrence Robinson, (2022, December) The health and Mood-Boosting

Benefits of Pets.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-
dogs.htm

3. Marlene Cimons, (2016, September) Your dogs can make you feel better,
and here’s why
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/your-dog-can-
make-you-feel-better-and-heres-why/2016/09/19/fde4aeec-6a2a-11e6-
8225-fbb8a6fc65bc_story.html

4. Hijrahsoul, (2022), Self Love,Harpeteen

5. Crystal Raypole ( 2020, November), 8 ways to give you mind a deep

cleansing
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-clean-your-mind