My partner and I finally got our dream puppy! He's soooooo smart and kind, even for an 8 week old lil guy. Rewind 6 months ago and my mother passed away. It was hard, but I maintained. I told myself that if I could stay stable I would get a puppy. This idea was on hold before my mother got sick. Now he's here and I'm happy, but also strangely scared. I've been really paying attention to my moods, and I feel my partner is as well. I haven't had any kind of anxiety attacks, perhaps a few after my mother but they were surprisingly mild.  However, all this  lack of anxiety is causing me *some* anxiety.. does that make any sense? — Anyway, I love the little guy and training him is challenging, but I'm loving that part! This puppy keeps it 'real," if that doesn't sound too cliche'. 

Also, does anyone have a pet, and do they help you?