Testimonials from people who have pets:

A poem (click to read): Grow Old with Dogs

LOTS of testimonials on this PetPlace link: Can dogs sense when a person needs them? 

My shelter dog has been an amazingly calm, patient and soothing presence in my life in the long road before and after the dx of a rare illness. I appear healthy, but am not able to care for a traditional house any longer and home/condo life, while trying to cope with illness, can be very lonely. The fact that my dog happens to be larger than some "condo" dogs should not be a factor. Great dogs (friendly, calm, quiet and well mannered-more so than many small breeds) come in ALL sizes and should be recognized and valued to the full extent as any other companion pet. I thank God for her every day.-- (comment on OUR online petition)

As for pets, when the original documents and legislation for condo's and HOA were written there was very little recognition of how pets and their interaction with owners can medically and spiritually aid in the wellbeing of pet owners. Pets today are often trained as therapy dogs to assist those with mobility limitations and seizures. The companionship has been shown in clinical trials to promote good health and decrease depression. None of this information was available when the documents were created. I work for a large healthcare system in Broward County and we have pet therapy dogs in all five of our hospitals. They are a proven effective therapy treatment. Keeping pets out is just another example of shortsighted and narrow-minded individuals refusing to educate themselves and inappropriately holding positions of authority without adequate qualifications or reasoning skills. Also another example of how documents should be easier to update as new data becomes available. -- e-mail from Terri S.

My cats have provided many years of joy and love and companionship. They are a vidal part of my life and help me cope with daily activities as well as reducing the anxiety I feel from the simpliest of life's stressful situations. I don't know what I would do without them. They are my family. -- Diane Moniz, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

I suffer from a severe form of depression that has been responsive to a combination of medication and the emotional support given me by my two cats. My condo, however, does not allow pets -- except for birds in cages or fish in aquariums. I essentially have to hide the fact that I have my two "babies" -- who take care of me as much as I take care of them -- in order to have a manageable state of mental health and to be a fully functional, working individual. The emotional nurturing that we give each other has been a tremendous boon to my mental health, however, I live in fear that, if discovered, my cats may be taken away, or I will be forced to sell my home. Simply stated, this is a fear that neither I -- nor anyone else in my situation -- should have to live with. My cats were rescue animals, but truth be told, they have rescued me more than I rescued them. Please change the laws regarding pets in condos. -- Anne-Louise Boomer, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

I live in a condo. My cat keeps me company. Are only rich families with big houses allowed to have the comfort of a pet? -- Ellen Audelo, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

A pet is a great companion for anyone living alone. My kitty waits for me to come home and greets me at the door. He keeps me company while at home. He watches over me when I feel ill. And best of all, he doesn't talk back! What more could one ask of a housemate? -- Catherine Politi, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

I am in the Mental Health Counseling field and i have done some research on how pets help improve the psychological and physical health of people. I also know from personal experience the happiness and peacefulness a pet can bring to a person's life. -- Andrea Torres, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

I work for an HIV/AIDS organization and some of my elderly clients have to suffer in isolation without the love that a pet could bring to them because of these outdated policies. Research shows the extensive benefits of owning pets and these are tripled for the elderly especially those suffering from chronic illness. We must take action to change this. -- Teresa Neira, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My father has Alzhemier's, without his dog he would not relate to anything. That dog is by his side 24hrs a day. It gives him a reason to go on. (comment on OUR online petition)

After loosing everything in Hurricane Katrina, I do not feel I began to recover until I was adopted by my cats in May, 2006. I had lost four in the storm. The emotional support and unconditional love they gave me is without price. (comment on OUR online petition)

I am a school teacher for children with emotional disabilities. The stress I endure during my working hours are horrific. If it weren't for my dogs, I would have surely had a heart attack or stroke by now. When I come home stressed they jump on me and lick my face and just lay next to me until I feel my heart rate go down and my breathing becomes regular again. I would rather live in the streets than have to part with my dogs. (comment on OUR online petition)

These little angels are so intelligent and they can tell when something is wrong, and my little guy will not leave my side.  It’s as if he senses that we are having problems and he just looks into my eyes and I swear he is smiling at me. . . He is a yorkie- 6-1/2 pounds of energy and love.  He sits with me all day while I work and has a little bed in every room so he can relax and sleep or play while I am working or cooking. --- Andrea Redinger, Florida

My Mom is 79 and lives for her cat who stays inside and does not go out. The cat is her sanity and mine may I add. She bothers no one, does not have fleas and its my property. (comment on OUR online petition)

As the population's age increases, so will the needs of the retired and elderly for emotional companionship. The joy my 6 lb. indoor housetrained, non-barking dog has given me has replaced the therapy I was going to for the lonliness I suffered at being separated from my married children who have a life of their own. Changes are desperately needed to the condo rules because that's where the growing senior population will be living. (comment on OUR online petition)

[My brother] just suffered a horrible depression episode, where he had to be hospitalized for a week and a half. When he came home, seeing Jade [his dog] lit up his face. Jade is his best friend. (comment on OUR online petition)

My mother just spent 7 weeks in the hospital after surgery to remove her toes, and allowing her dog, Pebbles, to come by for regular visits was a big part of keeping her spirits up so she could recover. ---Stuart Goldman, Texas (comment on OUR online petition)

After the death of our daughter, a beautiful dog named Riley came into our lives. As we face a move to Florida in the coming months, I have to give Riley up due to a no pet policy in the condo we will be moving into, which has been owned by my mother in law for 8 years. Riley has helped us through and continues to support us emotionally, such a difficult recovery. He's been there for us, and now I am powerless to be there for him because of this policy. I wish we didn't have to move there...it is an unfortunate necessity. What a shame. It's 3 months away, this move and even now I cannot hold back the tears.-- Kendra Evola, Michigan (comment on OUR online petition)

I have fibromyalgia and I know that a pet lowers my blood pressure and keeps me from getting so depressed. This petition is a good thing.-- Kathie Fidler, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

As an advocate for people with cancer, I know how important a pet can be, especially to those who are ill, recovering or elderly.-- Ann Fonfa, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

I currently suffer from severy nerve damage which often causes such excrutiation pain in my foor that it robs me of sleep for 48 hours at a time. I have consulted doctors, including an endocrinologist & a neurologist, tried medications, meditation & yoga, medical acupuncture with no relief. There is seemingly nothing to lessen the pain so that I can at least get some rest. The only remedy I currently have are 2 purring cats who can intuitively sense my distress and come lay on my lap or beside me in bed to help me relax so that I might doze off, if only for a short period until the pain subsides so that I can try to live a normal life.-- Nancy Deckard, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

People need pets; Pets need people - especially those in shelters looking for a home. I have adopted two dogs and they bring more smiles and happiness to me than one could imagine... -- Niki Greenberg, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

As a nurse, I know how important and therapeutic it can be for the elderly to have pets as anyone else. I see no reason why condos should be any different than regular housing. Pets give people a reason to live. Can't we do the same for them?-- Karen Hemingway, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

Everyday I look forward to seeing my cats and my dog when I get home from work. It is very rewarding to know that I am able to give them a safe and happy home. Can't imagine living without them. I would never buy or live in a place that tells me I cannot have that joy in my life. And for an association to change to pet restricted after you purchase, that should be illegal. Humans need to be responisble and realize these animals need homes too. Shelters and euthanizations is not the answer.-- Kelley Slater, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My dogs are the emotional backbone to my family. By having these two pets, my husband and I are happier, healthier and more vital then ever. Discouraging pets from housing is simply discouraging a healthy lifestyle. Pets prolong life - the statistics cannot be discredited. Responsible pet ownership is the key to a successful pet/condo relationship. If we as owners take responsibility and train our pets to be well behaved members of our community, they should under no circumstances be denied access to our homes.-- Hilary Rakover, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My two kitty cats have had a big impact on my life. They helped me get through a couple of tough emotional situations. I call them my little stress relievers. I love them so much.--Patricia Kirschner, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

I am a former manager-specialist in senior citizen/disabled housing for the Los Angles City Housing Authority. I can testify that pet ownership results in longer, happier, and more active lives for senior citizens. That's we why have always allowed pets in our buidlings - most always without incident. (comment on OUR online petition)

I was couldn't walk for 3 years. My beloved Sami stayed in bed with me the entire time and only left to eat and go poddy. my family would try to get him to come out but he would sneek back to me every time.-- Kris Hendrix, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My little guy is almost 10 years old and we are so attached to each other.  I don’t think that there is a medication in the world that would take his place, as these attorneys think they have all the answers.

I am handicapped and my dogs with their love and companionship have helped me recover when I was feeling my worst. -- Clorinda Leon, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

As a therapist and an animal owner, I have seen the profound benefits of animal ownership on mental health. This is especially imperative for persons experiencing significant change and loss (often the elderly population), as animal companionship can offset the feelings of depression and give a person a sense of daily purpose. (comment on OUR online petition)

I never had a dog until a year and a half ago and I can't imagine my life without him. I can see how a pet can bring so much companionship and happiness to a person, especially to elderly people or those who live alone. It can help to stimulate an elderly person mentally and physically be getting them out of the house to walk the dog and keeping them active to take care of the dog. If they are not allowed in condos then a person who really needs a pet can become depressed which can then lead to more serious health issues. It is a shame that so many condos do not allow pets, it is really hurting those who need them the most. (comment on OUR online petition)

I currently live in a single family house and I have two cats. I have had them since 1995, when my previous cat died three months before her 20th birthday. My husband abandoned me in 1997 and I was devastated. If not for my two loving cats, there were some mornings I am sure I would not have even been able to get out of bed. Don't these condo commandos read all the reports about how having a pet can keep seniors from becoming depressed, lower blood pressure, etc. I can almost understand banning dogs because a lot of owners are totally ignorant and don't clean up after them. But, an indoor cat? What's the problem? I hope this petition does get the law changed. --Linda Collins, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My father and mother live in a condo that does allow pets. They made a decision to adopt a dog two years ago and it was such a great choice. My mother walks her, which has been great for her health, plus she has met so many friends through the condo that other wise she might not have met. My father, who is handicapped, absolutely adores her and she has definitely helped his health in so many ways. I am so glad their condo allows pets because it benifits them alot, it would be so nice if all condos allowed them. --Linda Halverson, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My cats bring a tremendous amount of love & comfort to me & my family. No one should be deprived of that love & compainship. Especially in a community where rules can be set forth & enforced. --Gary Lasky, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)

My cats bring a tremendous amount of love & comfort to me & my family. No one should be deprived of that love & compainship. Especially in a community where rules can be set forth & enforced. (comment on OUR online petition)

My cat is my whole world whenever ever I come home from work she is always there to make the problems of my day melt away with the little chirp sound that she makes that melts my heart. My stress level comes way down. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my cat to brighten my days. (comment on OUR online petition)

As a veterinarian, I see on a daily basis the tremendous benefits of the human-animal bond. Pets bring happiness and companionship to the lives of so many and to deny a homeowner (whether a free standing home of a condo) the great privelidge of an animal family member is wrong. --Esther Devlin, DVM

HOAs are unfair and impinge on my right to pursue happiness. My dogs=my happiness. Dogs are our children and I feel I face discrimination every day because I am a dog owner. (comment on OUR online petition)

As a business owner of an all natural pet treat & gift basket company for pets, and an animal lover (I have 3 Shi~tzu's & 2 Cats), I feel it's an injustice to owners and their pets to not be able to live a good quality life together no matter where their dwelling may be. My babies are my children and the very heart of me... my life, even at my young age. I could not image life on this earth without them! --Maggie Stallings, Florida  (comment on OUR online petition)

Pet owners are typically better housekeepers, happier neighbors, and in deed, dog owners in urban environments often spend more time outdoors! I have fought to for the five years I've lived with my loving dog to find places that allow muts over 20lbs! It seems a standard thing to force people to seperate from pets, which breaks down an important bond and way of keeping happy and healthy. -- Maggie Armstrong, California  (comment on OUR online petition)

Recently I found myself in a terrible depression with frequent anxity attacks. I was having a hard time leaving my home and missed lots of work and school. I felt sick all the time. Than Max came into my life. Max is a beautiful Lab/Boxer mix who presence I have found to be instantly healing. Max is seven years old and has the perfect energy level for me. Words can not describe how wonderful it has been to have a companion. I am so grateful to him and the relief from depression and anxiety that he has brought. I finally feel like a real person again. I strongly support this petition. --Amy Maddock, Arizona (comment on OUR online petition)

...my lil baby is not just a dog but also a emotional support animal. I suffer and am on medication for Major Depression and Anxiety, since I got my dog I havent had 1 panic attack since we have had her! She means so much to me and I would not be able to cope without her in my life.

“I have had animals, mostly cats all of my life. I have a disease which is progressive and have had a number of surgeries in my life time. I live with my folks in a no pet condo. In the past year I have adopted a feral family of cats that I had spayed, neutered, and released. I and another neighbor feed them 2x a day regardless of what the condo commando's say. I look forward to every evening when it's my turn to feed them. I sit with them and they all come up to me waiting to be petted and loved. They are not really feral any more but they know they make me happy and are my medical drug.

Cat's have been their for me when I was independent and able to have a pet.  When I was in a surgical halo for 6 months they slept by my side. I was in an abusive relationship and the cats knew when I was upset and calmed me down.” --Karen

"I wouldn't know what to do without my pets..Animals are sometimes a person only lifeline.I know from my own personal experience..... "  (comment on OUR online petition)

"My pets literally saved my life after sustaining a near death head injury that took 3 years from which to recover. I truly believe that forcing homeowners
to give up their pets not only puts the pets in a situation where they are likely to be killed in a shelter since they are usually older animals, but can lead
to the deterioration of a person's health. Animals not only increase a sense of love and well-being in their owners but also their loss
can have devastating effects due to worry and grief."  (comment on OUR online petition)

 first got a dog--for protection--after my divorce recovery group suggested it to me. I didn't know I was a "dog person" until the day I rescued one from the pound! Since then, I have volunteered for a local no-kill shelter and taken in a stray puppy as well. Their love is priceless. I quote Gandhi: "The greatness
of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."  (comment on OUR online petition)

"Whenever I am sad, all my dogs are near to cheer me up. What's life without a dog? Thank God I won't ever have to find out." -- Princess05 at Eons.com

"Without Bubba, my Jack Russell I would be very lonely in my condo." Barbara Sullivan , California (comment on OUR online petition)

"I live in a condo and have my dog he keeps me company and makes me smile everyday!" --beeblst on eons.com

"Without my cat I would not be able to maintain my currently very fragile grasp on life.  My cat provides me with companionship, love and affection, a sense of being needed and cared for, and caring for someone else, giving me reassurances that I otherwise would not have in my life.  He stays near me all the time.  At bedtime he curls up in my arms which enables me to fall asleep; without this I have great difficulty getting to sleep and even then pain from my back and neck injuries wakes me after 3-4 hours.  Then he sleeps on my pillow at the top of my head and affectionately puts his paw on my face or my head and sometimes I am able to fall back to sleep.  He is such an affectionate cat, always climbing on me to be held and stroked, or lays on the back of my chair – which soothes and comforts me.  When my heart starts racing from the anxiety and trauma I’ve experienced, or when I am so depressed I just wish I could die, holding him while he hugs my neck and rubs his head on my face and jaw calms me.  When I have to do something at the desk he lays on the desk near me or curls up in the bend of my arm.  I often find him watching me which makes me feel like someone cares and is watching over me, keeping me safe – when I feel far from safe.  He shows me a dynamic energy when I feel like there is no longer anything to live for.  We play together which is a wonderful distraction from all the stress and worry from the uncertainties and situations I experience every day.  When I can’t bear things any longer and break down crying uncontrollably he comes to be held, licks my tears, purrs so reassuringly while rubbing his face on my face and later after I’ve stopped crying he lays along the top of my chair and I lean my head on him and sometimes I am able to fall asleep.  He allows me to love on him and show him affection.  Having to take care of him provides me with the responsibility to care for something other than myself and has kept me alive these many months and given me a reason to function during the course of a day when it would be so easy to just give up and crawl into a corner; I cook organic chicken for him every morning and night, I groom him and take care of his needs.  I pay attention to him.  He greats me affectionately many times throughout the day and lets me know he loves and needs me – something that is invaluable to me since I have no family at all and very few friends to engage with since my injuries from the accident have kept me virtually housebound.  He is everything to me.  I have very little else in my life except stress, anxiety, pain and trauma.  He gives me some hope that life might eventually get better."
--Linda S.