I'll second that. I totally agree!

I am sorry to hear about everyone's health issues - it is so sad to know that this kind of thing can affect anyone.

I stand in the middle. Pets or anything from nature [even gardening] can be a restful place to be. To break the habit forming anxiety a pet or a friend is a brilliant step, I think. If someone only uses the pet - well that is sad. IMO Pets can bring people out and help them be more social. Once they are happier by being with their own species - then the pet is a bonus.

If someone isn't an animal person I think they should try another route. One such route is to practice non-judgment on other humans. I know this is helping me a lot - I am stopping the voice inside that is quick to say, 'will you look at that! ....' Once we start that we can see other humans as being in the same place we are. We can be like a 'pet' and just give them that space to be themselves & in turn encourage it in kind. You also have to say to your ego, 'No they probably don't care enough about you to make a proper judgment so get rid of the derisive talk in your head.' I think the big box store is a bad idea - i feel quite overcome in them. I prefer the mom & pop stores.

I probably did suffer & still suffer from this too - obviously on a smaller scale. I have had to goose-step myself out the door & to where ever many times. Although I love to be with people I equally love to be alone & that can become very strong. I love having a pet & the older I get the more worried i am at the affect being a pet has one them. So I am torn.

Oh believe me, I know! I used to have to convince myself to go to the mall or grocery shopping...or anywhere. Anywhere where I can not get out of easily & quickly (like a plane, train, church, etc) still kind of gives me panic attacks.

And I will whole-heartedly third that!