Not long ago, I was continually plagued with a feeling of emptiness. I had a whole lot of love to give each day, but I was unable to express it to the degree I wanted to. Thus, the quest for an emotional support animal came to be.
I adopted a seven-month-old kitten named Monte from a rescue called Urban Cat Coalition. They are an organization that fosters cats and finds them forever homes. I was very interested in the organization because they do a thorough job of finding the cat that is best for you based on your personality, lifestyle, and preferences. The first time I met Monte, I fell in love. From his bubbly personality to the curiosity that almost kills him on a daily basis to his cute little pink paws... I knew he was the one for me. Finding an emotional support animal can be hard if you don't know what you're looking for, but all of the extra efforts are completely worth the benefits of having a supportive little friend.
There are many pros to having an emotional support animal. Here is a list of the many pros I have experienced while taking care of my sweet boy, Monte.
1. They teach you responsibility
Monte teaches me to be responsible on a daily basis. I have to feed him wet and dry food each morning, which he reminds me of the moment I wake up with his boisterous little meows. I have to refill his water bowl whenever it gets low. I have to clean his litter box every couple of days and thoroughly every week. Having an animal teaches you the responsibility that is almost relaxing to perform because the reward of seeing your furry little friend happy as can be is priceless.
2. If you give and you shall receive
There is a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. I give him plenty of pets, play with him with his favorite toys and give him yummy treats. In return, he sleeps on my neck at night or cuddled up in the crook of my legs, lays in my lap while I study, chirps at me when he's happy and wants attention, and simply loves me. Having an animal that you can express your positive emotions to in which they reciprocate those emotions to the same extent is so gratifying. It is a special bond and the outcomes are extravagant.
3. They teach you to budget better
Having a cat teaches me how to manage my money better. With vet visits, food, litter, treats, toys, and cat towers, the expenses really add up. However, while I am a college student (aka poor), I am actually able to manage my finances better by making sure I pay bills on time while still having enough to buy Monte wet food for the week, for instance.
The list of pros can go on forever. Why? Because I love Monte. He is my heart and soul. Having an animal that loves you just as much as you love it is the epitome of happiness. It fills the empty space in your heart when you're sad about life in general or just need to take your mind off of things.
If you are plagued by sadness, overflowing with love and want to express it, or simply want to give an animal a forever home, then you should go and adopt an animal! I highly encourage you to adopt from a rescue as each and every animal deserves a chance at happiness and life just as much as you do.
If you want to see more pictures of my sweet boy Monte, you can follow me on Instagram @cameranesi21! Happy animal searching!
