I’ve always found it easier to connect with animals than with people.
There’s something about their steady presence, their lack of judgement, their ability to just be with you, in silence, in stillness – that has always felt like home to me.
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that my pets have been my lifeline during times when everything else felt uncertain. Through heartbreak, anxiety, grief, and even the quiet numbness that sometimes follows trauma, they’ve been there.
There’s a kind of magic in how animals sense our emotions. They don’t ask questions or try to fix anything. They simply show up. Whether it’s the comforting weight of a dog’s head on your lap or the gentle rhythm of a cat’s purring as they curl up beside you, these moments have helped me stay grounded when the world felt too loud.
During panic attacks, I’ve found more comfort in stroking fur than in breathing techniques. On the loneliest days, it’s been the nudge of a wet nose or the sound of tiny paws following me from room to room that reminded me: I am not alone.
Our home is full of life – seven cats and one very intuitive dog. Each one has taught me something different about love, trust and presence. They’ve been silent witnesses to both my struggles and my healing. I truly believe they’ve carried me through things I couldn’t have managed on my own.
If you’ve ever looked into your pet’s eyes and felt seen, or been comforted by their presence when you couldn’t explain what was wrong, you’ll understand what I mean.
I think we underestimate the emotional support our animals provide. They don’t just keep us company, they show us what it means to love without conditions, to stay when things get messy, and to offer kindness without asking for anything in return.
And in a world that often demands so much from us, that kind of love is everything.
Animals are the best ❤️