Welcome to Ben’s Friends Laura!
I don’t think I’ve ever come across somebody that loves BOTH cats and dogs - do you have both? and if you do, do they live together? I assume there would be problems…but I really have no experience with that 
Also, how are you managing with school and Chiari? I know that’s a hard balance to keep for alot of our members. But the fact that you do it shows alot about your character!
With regards to the community, I read that you had your decompression surgery. Alot of our patients on this forum have had it / are awaiting surgery, so you will find a wide variety of people to get in touch with. Please don’t hesitate to get involved in the community or to ask questions - we all want to help eachother.
Once again, welcome to Ben’s Friends Laura!