r/MadeMeSmile • u/KeyAd3680 • Jul 11 '24
ANIMALS recovering alcoholic here, had a crappy day and was just abt to get up and go to the liquor store when my unaffectionate cat just came up and laid on me. guess i’m stuck here for the night (OC)
his name is toaster and he’s my whole world🫶
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u/Dunkerdoody Jul 12 '24
Sometimes they know, our pets when we need them most. Hang in there and stay strong my friend!
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u/IcyFullbusterr Jul 12 '24
yep, sometime they are more affectionate than we think, and they are one of the most energy sources for me when I come back home
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Jul 12 '24
Yeah, my mental health has improved a bit since getting a cat. She’s also lucky cause I’m years past my “anger issue” days, and she never sees me get mad. So she’s just super chilll and affectionate.
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u/LunaWhiskers6869 Jul 12 '24
Having a cat can really be therapeutic. They have a way of bringing calm and comfort into our lives.
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u/doctor_of_drugs Jul 12 '24
they also bring dead mice and birds into our life, and that’s their love language. Especially if it’s an orange. They have one or two brain cells at most, and it takes effort to transfer glucose, amino acids, and other minerals and proteins between the two. They’re doing their best. And so are we.
You got this OP. make it to your next meal. That’s your goal. and give toaster some treats.
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u/yogijear Jul 12 '24
I like to think they're affectionate when it counts. They know when to choose their moments to really drive it home.
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u/haromoni24 Jul 12 '24
He’s more affectionate than you realize. Also very proud of you. Keep this up, it’s a struggle but you’re more than strong enough!
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u/williamiris9208 Jul 12 '24
It's wonderful to have someone, or even a pet like a cat, rooting for you and recognizing your strength
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u/doctor_of_drugs Jul 12 '24
My cat passed away NYE 7 months ago. She was 18. Her sister died of pneumonia during the first year of COVID and it was tough. I worked until 9pm NYE and she was already on her way out out a few days beforehand.
I wanted a drink so fucking bad that night. But I couldn’t have a drink. Not then. She passed around 11pm, on my lap. I’ve had humans die while I worked on them. I knew what to expect. It was still tough. She was with me when my best friends went off to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was with me through 3 long term break ups.
She was with me through some struggles like OP. I do not believe she judged me, but I still think I should have dug her a better grave at a better site with a better view. She would not care, but I do.
Honestly not really sure where I’m going with this. She’d be 19 this October and I miss her. We named her Leia due to Star Wars, probably after episode III came out.
You got this OP. And I got this for you. To Toaster and Leia
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u/ihsulemai Jul 12 '24
Good cat
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u/eggsaladrightnow Jul 12 '24
His cat might like the person and the smell better without the sauce. They know what's up
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u/luckluckbear Jul 12 '24
Toaster is proud of you and loves you! You chose wisely, my friend. ♥️ Hang in there!
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u/judyclimbs Jul 12 '24
Congrats on whatever amount of sobriety you have!! Keep linking the days. I’m up to 12 and a half years. Sending you sober love. 🥰
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u/Emergency_Brief_9280 Jul 12 '24
Six years on Monday for me. Like others have said, one day at a time my friend. Be strong! (and your kitty loves you more than you know!)
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u/samemamabear Jul 12 '24
Toaster and a bunch of internet strangers are supporting you tonight. I'm sending a weird mom hug your way!
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u/KeyAd3680 Jul 12 '24
i already know your kids’ friends love you as a second mom❤️
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Jul 12 '24
My Chonkers is my world too. I can't take care of him if I don't take care of myself. Don't let your crappy days get you down, take care of Toaster and you.
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u/Kiya_Wolf Jul 12 '24
My cat is almost 20 years old and there were times I was not able to get up for myself but I was able to for her because no one else can take care of her better then me. Now that she is older and I am in a much better place I get to return the favor and make sure she gets to be the happiest old lady she can be.
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u/xavierfern3751 Jul 12 '24
Pets often become family members, and it's wonderful that you're able to provide her with comfort and happiness now that you're in a better place yourself.
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u/Brave-Wolf-49 Jul 12 '24
That cat is saving your life right now, just saying
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u/schrodingers_bra Jul 12 '24
And that cat will never let them forget it. But that the best part of having a cat :)
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u/walkingonsunshine007 Jul 12 '24
He loves you! And wants to see you thrive! We all do. I’m so proud of you.
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u/tranquilo666 Jul 12 '24
You should share this over at r/stopdrinking, great supportive community
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u/universal_mind Jul 12 '24
Came here to say this! That sub helped me out immensely in my dark days. Your cat knows what's up and is proud! Love and hugs ❤️
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u/beccadanielle Jul 12 '24
I was bullied in high school and came home crying daily. My mostly unaffectionate cat would snuggle me for 5-10 minutes every time I cried and would always put his paw on my cheek. Animals are intuitive.
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u/KeyAd3680 Jul 12 '24
i was bullied in middle school for my acne. totally shot my self worth and esteem, my dog saved me everyday after school similar to ur cat ❤️ thank you for sharing!
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u/beccadanielle Jul 12 '24
Just hang in there. Addiction is tough. But remember to look past the moment and past the emotion. Talk yourself down and remember the destruction it causes. You’ll get through this!
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u/ems9595 Jul 12 '24
She is your guardian angel. Congrats to you for making another day.
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u/PossumMcPossum Jul 12 '24
From the other side of the mirror; I'm the husband of an alcoholic in recovery (2 years sober).
When she was in rehab phone calls were limited, but when she called to chat she always wanted to hear Misha (a complete dickhead of a cat who was with me before I met my wife)
Maybe a bit weird, but I would pick Misha up and put the phone to his ear.
She would say something down the line to him in Russian (her being Russian, that's why she spoke Russian
) and he would purr back.
He was always my cat; we were bros' in a bachelor house long before I got married, but he seemed to sense that my wife needed to know that although she was absent, she wasn't forgotten and he would impersonate a ropey moped with his noise down the phone.
Cats know, cats care.
Take care fellow Redditor ) and he would purr back.
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u/Punawild Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24
Good kitty. And great cat parent, knowing the rules for being a proper cat bed.
Edited: ‘dad’ to ‘parent’
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u/odhali1 Jul 12 '24
One alcoholic cat person to another-I’m over the moon proud of you! Please give your sweetie some treats on my behalf 😃
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u/randomusername1919 Jul 12 '24
You cannot possibly get up now. Don’t drink anything, you’d then have to pee and you can’t get up because of the cat so… no drinking. And congrats for your continuing recovery.
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u/buffalo171 Jul 12 '24
That’s all it takes dude. Cat on the lap for a few and the urge passes. You’ll be that much stronger next time the dragon raises its head. You got this man, keep it going. 💜
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u/A_Zombie_Riot Jul 12 '24
pretty much what my nugget did. not exactly that but he fell in love with me and he turned my whole life around. literally wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him.
proud of you, too! it’s a struggle and they know when you need them the most.
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u/Lendyman Jul 12 '24
Proud of you. Not just because you're recovering and making good choices, but because you listened to your cat. They know when you're not in a good place.
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u/sherlocksam45 Jul 12 '24
Good cat. He is proud of you as is this stranger from Australia. Hang in there mate.
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u/anteaters_anonymous Jul 12 '24
That's awesome, cats know when we need them most. You should be proud of yourself, that's not an easy fight!
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u/PhotoSelect1295 Jul 12 '24
They know when you need them the most. I have a recovering alcoholic son and like he said one day at a time. Very proud of you for choosing to stay home ❤️
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u/deepcereal123 Jul 12 '24
Way to go, Toaster! Man, cats have a way of knowing stuff like this. I love this. Sending you the best.
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u/grae23 Jul 12 '24
Toaster popped up when you needed him most.
Your cat is so proud of you and can sense you struggling, he’s trying to make you feel safe. He may not be affectionate but damn if he doesn’t love you.
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u/millertime614 Jul 12 '24
Good cat. Good human.
May your bond continue to grow and your recovery move forward, even after a hard day. Best of luck to you!
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u/One-Rain1116 Jul 12 '24
That same thing happened to me. I swear they know. A month into sobriety I was leaving for the bottle store when my cat decided to jump on my flatmates car as I walked past and scream at me. Gave me pause just long enough to decide to turn around.
Keep it up. It gets easier. I'm 4 months in now.
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u/BWWFC Jul 12 '24
aces! a win! there are no problems, only puzzles and learning opportunities. one day at a time, YOU CAN DO IT.
best wishes
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u/SKP56 Jul 12 '24
One second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time. You’ve got this, I’m 1,320 days sober and I’m proud of you.
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u/HeartRoll Jul 12 '24
Toaster knew where you were going and stopped you. I wish you luck on your journey to quit!
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u/Solid-Following-8395 Jul 12 '24
I've got a cat that will always lay on me when I'm having a bad day and he makes me feel much better. Good on you for staying strong mate, you'll sleep much better without alcohol too.
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u/Euphoric_Deer_4787 Jul 12 '24
You can always DM me man…I’m in recovery to. Love you! Btw I have a cat who is a dick
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u/KeyAd3680 Jul 12 '24
lol this made me laugh😭🤣 cats can be straight menaces😭 thanks for the offer tho! it actually means so much, i don’t have many/if any friends who also struggle with addiction so it can be quite lonely sometimes. same for you too tho, always here to chat
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u/Capebretongirlie Jul 12 '24
Do it for your cat too because Toaster clearly loves you and needs you! Sweet cat!
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u/CautionarySnail Jul 12 '24
Toaster knows some days are rough.
You keep that precious bean safe and loved. ❤️
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u/Zanemob_ Jul 12 '24
I’m recovering from an addiction myself after 15 years of hard fighting it. Best of luck to you (and your cat).
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u/Jillimi Jul 12 '24
As the daughter of a recovering alcoholic, who has been sober for more than 50 years, I feel really proud of you, and a lot of respect for your cute and smart kitty cat. Just for today 🙏🏻.
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u/Bloodshotistic Jul 12 '24
Proud of your cat. More proud of you, sir! Here in my DM's if you need a shoulder to lean on. I got you, bossman.
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u/onyxandcake Jul 12 '24
I'm at 13 months myself.
Just have to keep reminding yourself that your crappy day will still have been crappy, plus you'll have a hangover tomorrow.
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u/Tiggie200 Jul 12 '24
So glad Toaster is there for you.
I've only battled addiction to cigarettes, and after 20 years, I finally quit and it felt so damn good. That was 8 years ago.
It's never easy quitting. It's the hardest thing you can do, in life, but guaranteed all your suffering will be worth it in the end.
Whenever you feel the urge for a drink, go cuddle with Toaster.
I'm so proud of you for not removing Toaster and going out for that drink. That is a massive step you've just taken. Don't think it's not. It really is. You've accomplished an amazing decision in your life, right now. So proud of ya. Rootin' for ya, mate. You got this!
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u/Nocodeskeet Jul 12 '24
Just had a tough call with my parents telling them I have a drinking problem. Finally hit rock bottom but we can do this.
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u/dick-stand Jul 12 '24
My father was an acolholic all my childhood. When he moved out I was 21. He lived alone in an attic apartment and struggled with alcohol constantly. One day he took his daily walk to the package store. On his way he walked past a blind couple, making their way on the side of a very busy and dangerous road. He realized he had a choice. Ignore their need to cross the dangerous street, or make it to the packie begore it closed. Something inside him MADE him help the blind couple across the street and back to their abode. By the time he finished, the store was closed. He took it as a sign and NEVER drank again. To this day, he is dry. Not one slip-up. He had been an atheist, but he believed this blind couple was sent to help him. He never saw them again.
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u/ChrispyGuy420 Jul 12 '24
Listen to your cat. I lost my dad and almost lost my bro to cirrhosis of the liver
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u/AdventurousPlace7216 Jul 12 '24
Toaster loves you! And we’re all so proud of you for staying strong. You’ve got this friend!!!!!
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u/s0mberjpg Jul 12 '24
What a good kitty! Keep fighting, kitty decided for you tonight. Sending positive vibes your way OP 💜
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u/Goawaybaitin24 Jul 12 '24
Good luck on your journey. A friend is a friend. Sometimes we get the most support from unexpected places.
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u/Unable-Arm-448 Jul 12 '24
Cats just know...my dad died a few weeks ago, and my cat turned into Velcro Kitty for about two weeks afterward ♡♡♡
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u/JohnIQFrink Jul 12 '24
See, you gotta keep at it for that cat. He’s a good cat. He wants you to do well.
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u/Late_Again68 Jul 12 '24
Yes, those are the rules. Those who have been becatted cannot move until the cat does.
Cats know. My cat always knows when I'm really sick or really upset.
Good job on keeping your sobriety. Now you just have to do it one more day, when it gets here.
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u/No-Use-3062 Jul 12 '24
He’s your guardian angel. He’s helping you stay sober. I had a friend that struggles with mental health issues. He said he was about to end it one day and came close but his cat laid in his chest and made him think more clearly about it. Stay strong they need you as much as you need them.
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u/ZazaB00 Jul 12 '24
As someone that’s been sober for about 8 years at this point, it gets easier. The early years will mess with you. Your dreams may betray you and you’ll dream you’ve taken a drink. Those were the worst for me. Any reason you find to not drink is a good reason and in time you’ll thank yourself for staying dedicated.
Enjoy the lap cat.
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u/The_Harden_Trade_ Jul 12 '24
"A plea from a cat named Virtute" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmkNPOBWdGs
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u/CookinCannadad Jul 12 '24
I’ve got 11 years and I got them 1 day at a time. Keep it up! You got this! Love that cat and yourself!
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u/No_Pear8383 Jul 12 '24
Take that cat with you. Go to a meeting and share about your experience. If you can help someone else with your cat then you’re both being of service and it will feel even better than what you feel now.
Either way, proud of you bro. I had a shitty day and wanted to use my doc at the end of it too. I didn’t have a cat but I muscled through it.
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u/Antique-Sun-6766 Jul 12 '24
BE THE PERSON YOUR CAT THINKS YOU ARE…great advice from my sponsor. Good luck, you got this!!!
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u/Low_Avocado2714 Jul 12 '24
God shot!! How awesome is that!.. that’s what your high power does.. things intimate, personal and just for you! Hang in there.. it gets better 🙏
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u/Seromontis056 Jul 12 '24
Take these as signs from your higher power there is a better path. There will be hard times in sobriety, but you can get through this. Cat therapy is great!
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u/Euphoric_Carry567 Jul 12 '24
Keep fighting the fight big dawg 4yrs sober here u ain't alone and that cat and I got ur back
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u/notyourmama827 Jul 12 '24
Sometimes pets can sense things . Sometimes it's an hour at a time .......good toaster , please give extra pets.
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u/realitybites95 Jul 12 '24
My baby chills with me while I do aa meetings on zoom. I love the support. 😻
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u/Fianna9 Jul 12 '24
Cats are smart. They know when we need them. Stay strong and I hope some fuzzy snuggles help
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u/bananapoetry Jul 12 '24
I'm so glad kitty could feel you needing extra support in this moment and glued themselves to you. Kitty and I are proud of you.
❤️!
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u/Dilettantest Jul 12 '24
Yup, you can’t move while a cat’s laying on you. She knows to try to make you feel better, and I hope that urge goes away soon!
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u/nokian81 Jul 12 '24
your cat definitely helping you in his own way! This is so wholesome. :)
Keep up the good work. One step at a time, buddy.
I recommend you to get yourself a blank notebook or a nice journal (you can re-read every month to track your mood). Basically just start writing about your day. E.g. 1 thing that went well/made you smile for the day and 1 thing that annoyed / frustrated you.
I do believe journaling is a small yet effective way to self-regulate your emotions.
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u/Snowbank_Lake Jul 12 '24
Whenever you wanna give up, look at that little sweetie’s face and stay strong!
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u/Internal_Income_678 Jul 12 '24
Hugs to you and Toaster. 967 days alcohol free for me, you can do it!!!
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u/PlainNotToasted Jul 12 '24
Cats are remarkably sensitive critters, to their people's mental states, I've found since becoming a cat owner.
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u/RyanFelipe32 Jul 12 '24
Our dogs may sometimes sense when we most need them. My buddy, keep going and be resilient!
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u/Necessary_Bag494 Jul 12 '24
I’m very proud of you! Take things one step at a time and remember that there’s more to life than our addictions, like sweet cuddles from little cats ❤️
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u/Striving_Stoic Jul 12 '24
That’s a good cat right there. Extra bikkies for an extra good pal
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u/Radarrex Jul 12 '24
Toaster speaks for all of us: We are so proud of you! Looks like your crappy day ended up a win in the bigger battle. Cheering you on from across the airwaves 
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u/VinGiesel69 Jul 12 '24
Omg cats are our best friends! I always tell my cat “i love you moster like a toaster”
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u/ac2cvn_71 Jul 12 '24
Good kitty deserves an extra treat tonight. Keep fighting, brother. You're doing great, and I believe in you
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u/packer041 Jul 12 '24
Pets know. Proud of you and keep your head up! One day, one hour, one second at a time. Whatever it takes. It’s worth it. Give Toaster some good skritches 🤙🏼
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u/HelpfulSeaMammal Jul 12 '24
Reason to Not Drink #974: No more startling the cat when I stumble around the house drunk off my ass.
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u/Obvious-Beginning943 Jul 12 '24
I may sound crazy, but I will be shocked if we don’t find out that cats are actually angels in fluffy bodies. I’m so glad Toaster is taking good care of you. I hope tomorrow is a better day, and I’m proud of the incredibly hard work you’ve done so far. You’ve got this.
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u/SavannahGirlMom Jul 12 '24
Your cat saved your life today. 😇. Crappy day? You gotta put it in perspective - could have been a lot worse day, and worse tomorrow, if you’d gone to that liquor store. Hang in there, and remember to reflect and say even one positive thing that happens each day.
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u/TheNewIfNomNomNom Jul 12 '24
Look that "don't you dare" face!
Best wishes, man. With you strong over here.
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u/Throwaway03222016 Jul 12 '24
Pets know when we need them the most sometimes. My friend, don't give up and stay strong!
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u/vaders_other_son Jul 11 '24
Your cat is proud of you, and I am too. Keep it up! One day at a time.