Whenever I have to see a new doctor or a new shrink I always dread the inevitable question about my “support system.” Fact is, my support system is me, myself, and I. I have no family nearby (thank goodness!) and haven’t made any friends since I moved here three years ago. So I always tell the doctor the only time I’m around other people is when I’m at work. The rest of the time, I’m at home with my cat, and that’s just fine with me. Then I get the inevitable lecture about how I need to “get out there” and “meet new people.” As if it’s that easy.

I always say that my cat is pretty good company. Better than most people I know. My cat doesn’t care what I look like or how much I weigh. I’d probably be really lonely without him. I know lots of people are just as isolated as I am and I wonder if obese people are more likely to have pets than other people.

Do you have any pets? (Children do not count)

I have two beautiful boys. A nine year old American Eskimo named Bo, and a three year old gray and white cat named Sam. I adore them both.

Six years ago I had an electrical fire in the kitchen of my home while I was home alone. I was upstairs in the bedroom with the door closed and didn't even smell the smoke as it filled the upstairs hallway. Bo came to the bedroom door and started scratching and whining like crazy. He saved my life, so needless to say I continue to spoil him a bit. He is also the great protector of our son, who is thirteen months old. The very first time my son laughed out loud it was at Bo, who had just been told he was being taken for a walk and was barking and chasing his own tail.

Sam is a surly little pain in the ass who I couldn't live without. We have had him since he was a baby, and I am pretty sure he doesn't realize he is a cat. He shows constant affection to the dog, but only loves on us at about 4 a.m. every day. When we walk Bo every morning and evening, Sam walks with us, and the whole neighborhood gets a giggle out of it.

Pets are wonderful friends and support systems no matter who else you have in your life!