The need for pets

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Do you think pets are beneficial to those living with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome?

I had a small, Bichon Frise for ten years...until he needed surgery last April, 2007 and the Veterinarian gave him too much anesthesia during surgery and he died in the recovery room. It was a might blow to me as he didn't seem "sick"...and I am still grieving over this loss.

I tried to obtain another Bichon Frise through Pet Finder. com but, the woman at a rescue shelter in Syracuse, New York gave me false hopes and a sweet Bichon Frise Mix named "Kodiak" to people who already had an older dog. Another devastation to someone already grieving. I am not sure if I should purchase a Bichon Frise outright as breeders are so expensive.

Does anyone else find "pets" essential to their overall social well-being?

I have a cat who is very shy around strangers, but who loves me to death. The feeling is pretty much mutual. I've had him since he was a kitten (he's 4 now), and I can't imagine life without him.

Yes, I think so.

Sorry to hear about your dog. I lost one due to vet incompetence too. He was suffering from pneumonia and the vet (clueless) treated him for asthma for months. When we finally switched vets, got him a simple X-ray to confirm it, he was already beyond saving.

I think pets are very good for people with AS and autism. I have two dogs and two budgies, and I couldn't imagine being without them. Losing my cats affected me quite deeply, and I know I'd feel the same if I lost any of my other pets, since I adore them all!

I too am sorry to hear about your dog. I currently have eight pets, which is low for me & my past (I've lost a lot also) I couldn't live life without my furkids myself. They keep me active & healthy, entertained, the love me without question. They are a lot of work, but it's work that pays off. Good luck on your search should you choose to get another Bichon Frise.

My dog Crosby is great, but Dakota was my best friend from when I was a baby until we put her down a few years ago (she lost control of her hind legs somehow and couldn't walk, she was 13 or 14, I think). I think pets are good for anyone who has any sort of problems, social, mental or otherwise.

This is a recent event (reguarding a "pet") that now has me very sad, but happy because I think Asimov prefers it this way. On Tuesday at 2 am I caught a baby house mouse and last night I was showing it to a friend and it got on my glove and climbed my sleeve and ran away. I'm still crushed (emotionally). I wanted Asimov (the mouse) to be my best-friend for 12-24 months (its expected lifespan). I'm trying to catch it again, but I think it prefers being with its family so I might not keep it.

I wouldn't've survived the last few years without my two bull terriers, Winston and Disraeli [Say hello boys - "WOOF!" "woof!"] They get me up in the morning, get me exercised and get me talking to lady dog walkers... They see off a**holes and seem better judges of humans than me. Have you considered other breeds apart from BF? I know of a bull terrier rescue place in NYC that's always looking for new homes for their pooches.

My dogs and I are rarely apart. I have two whippets and they're rather clingly, emotionally needy dogs. They sleep in my bed (You can't keep them out), we go nearly everywhere together. The fur family!

I like snakes.

We have two Ragdoll cats which are a lovely gentle breed perfect for aspies, that don't scratch or kill things and bring them in. They are like big teddy bears and I wish I'd had one as a kid as they love snuggling.

http://www.ragdollcats.co.nz/

I absolutely do. I think my first Siamese, Samantha, saved my life when I got her and enhanced it throughout her 20 years with me. She was with me through every important event in my life.

I couldn't imagine life without my two huge dogs, Sasha and Jazz.

And if you're going to get a pet, go to your nearest humane society or ASPCA. They have the pets that are really in need of a good home, not all those snotty purebreds.

YES, for me it is. It helps make up for the lack of human contact.