animals

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif HI guys ,don,t know where too post this hope its all right here.
what do you all think about pets helping us.
thinking about gettting dog again not sure if i will cope .
we got one a couple of weeks ago but i had to take her back because she was so used to the farm she came from that she was terrified of cars and everything really .
so she pulled a lot and my hands got badley swoolen .
but i miss her now and feel i should have tried a bit longer with her .
do you think it would be better to get a pup and train her from scratch ????
do you think it will help with fatigue ????? as i feel i am not going out a lot again .
what do you think ??? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wiggle.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif tink

[Raglet]

If you want to get a dog, adult or pup, then it will need to be trained to walk nicely on the leash. Unfortunately they aint born knowing how to do it, there's no advantage to it that they can see, so we have to persuade then to do it (and they will, coz they love to please us).

A dog won't fix fatigue, but it will need daily exercise. So unless you like walking, don't get a dog ! I take mine out for an hour each day, and I really love it. I am getting slower and slower, and know that it is on the cards that I will need to walk them from a mobility scooter, but that's ok, I will just have to teach them how to walk along side a scooter.

In some ways dogs help with fatigue as exercise is an important way to combat fatigue - but then again, they can be a killer too when I am totally zapped and have to drag myself out with the dogs, rain or shine (and yes I do walk them in the rain - light rain anyway. I teach them to like rain when they are pups). So it can go both ways, sometimes it makes me more tired, but it does get me off the couch.

But, the rewards of dogs are huge, mine are my babies, such good company when I am not well, active companions when I am. I have had dogs my entire life, and always will have at least one.

obviously, I am a total dog nut .....

What sort of dog was the one you sent back ?

cheers

raglet

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif hi raglet,did have a jack russel before she died about two years ago now .
but i did not have this illnes then thats why it worries me ,weather i will cope or not .
it was a springer spaniel six months old .
like you i don,t mind the rain used to walk other dog all the time in the rain only one in the park sometimes style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
can,t make mind up terribly undecided all the time drives me mad style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hehe.gif
my hubby is great says he will walk the dog first thing in morning and at night hopefully we can do that together, if i can decide tink

[mandynor]

Hi there!
I love this subject, cause I'm a huge animal lover...

I don't know what I would do with certain parts of my day if I didn't have dogs! My husband and I have two between us. I walk them daily at a park close by. half hour to an hour. It's what has gotten me back into reasonable shape after being layed up in the hospital for two weeks. They keep me company when my husband can't be home....like every day when he's working! My dogs bring me sooo much joy, I recommend dogs to anyone that has the time. We also just adopted a kitten. It's been really fun as I've never had a ktty before. Our dogs are BIG, so it's nice to have a little guy around that can snuggle with me on the couch.

My only advice...get a dog you can handle and only do it if you've got the time...that's only fair to the pooch.
and have fun!!

mandy style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Christine UK]

Esmae is my gol lab.
i swear she is human....follows be around the house all the time...unfortunatly i cant walk her hubby does that,but we do take her to the beach in the car...its lovely to see her running around.
also we have a puddy cat phoebe shes an old girl now...bit like me style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/aww.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/callhf/esxmas.jpg

[raggedyann1]

Tink,

This is exactly the right forum to post about pets. I am gathering that you don't have a yard at all. This makes it definite to walk a dog every day. We have a large backyard so our dog get plenty of exercise without us walking him. At the moment we have 2 cats and 1 dog. We had 2 dogs but we had to put my little one to sleep this summer. Because our dog is so attached to me and very jealous hubby said it wasn't a good time to get a lap dog for me.

I think pets are wonderful therapy. Especially when we are home alone so much of the time. At least that is the case for me. It is nice to have animals that are happy to see me when I get up in the morning. Both my dog and one of the cats tend to be in the same room with me. I am sure there company has eased many a rough day in the past almost 3 years.

If you are a cat person you could go that way also. I even know people that find birds to be good companions. I really don't think it matters what kind of animal as long as you are attracted to them.

I say go for an older pup perhaps. That is what we did with the dog we have now. I was still working and he was home just with the other pets for several hours everyday. Because he was older he was almost completely house broken. It is the toss up of missing the young puppy looks and laughter and what can you physically handle as far as training goes.

Karen

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif Hi everyone ,still can,t decide just read a book from the library the dog listener by jan fennell
good read new way at looking at training dogs ,interesting .
might wait till after xmas now as its getting to busy time soon .

Hi mandy kitten sounds like good fun enjoy .
we had a cat along time ago when the kids were little she had one kitten it was great watching them together then ,you remind me of that . style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

Hi christine ,esmae looks lovely thanks for picture ,do i see xmas lights up allready or is it old picture ???
the beach sounds good haven,t been for ages its getting very cold here in scotland style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

Hi karen ,not got huge yard but do have back garden and small bit at front ,need to close it off a bit more maybe more fenceing .but hubby so busy right now with work .
gosh sorry you had to lose the little one style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif
I understand what you mean about puppys thats why we got the one at six months but we did not take into account that she had never seen anything outside the farm and was so terrifide it was awfull to watch
even the vet reconed it would take months for her to settle ,so hench her return to farm
will have to watch where we get next one from ,
sounds like you have great company theres something relaxing about having an animal, best wishies tink.

[Christine UK]

Hi Tink....
it was taken last xmas.
Esmae was actually creeping to my husband as he had her advent calandar,and he was just opening it for her.........
yes thats right esmae gats a calandar too style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rotfl.gif

[Raglet]

Karen, how on earth do you get your dogs to exercise themselves ? I am just so envious ! My golden retriever likes to sit out on the deck cuddling his pillow, while my other dog stays glued to me where ever I am. They like to wrestle on the mat in the living room and tug is a favourite - especially with one of my socks which smells oh so much better than their tug toys - but despite having a section (yard) they just don't seem to be the self exercising variety. They just love to walk with one of their humans in tow. I am so envious of people who can get their dogs to exercise themselves. Maybe I've just got the wrong sort of dog. It used to be easier when my daughter was younger and tearing around the place, the dog I had then would tear around after her and wear herself out

cheers

raglet

[mandynor]

HI there...

Raglet...I understand about hte dogs that need their humans in tow for exercize. WE have a big yard, yet the dogs "demand" to be walked daily. We had a house sitter once that walked them two or three times a day, and now if they don't get out, well, we know it. Dogs are so funny. Mostly I love my dog walks, but there are those days where I wish we could all just sit around at home all day. haha. Anyways, just had to throw that in...

mandy

[Vette73ds]

I love animals, in particular cats, and find them very soothing and calming.

My cat is a little baby and he loves company, fusses and attention but when I am sick he climbs on the bed next to me and curls up in my arm, with his paws wrapped around them, burys his nose and goes to sleep almost as though to say 'don't worry mum, i'll look after you'.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/Vette73ds/Pippie2.jpg

[raggedyann1]

Raglet,

One of the things we do on occasion is throw a tennis ball. Our Golden that we put down 5 years ago used to love to play ball also.

Baxter our current baby, tries to find an open gate when ever he hears any kind of workmen near our end of the street. Some of our neighbors must be flush with cash since it seems that they almost always have workmen at their house. We live in the hills and their is a coyote highway on our upper terrace. Baxter runs and jumps trying to get to them, he wants to play. He also gets lots of time in our summer running on the upper terrace when our son is up there. He will even go tearing out of the house if he thinks there is something that needs his attention outside. And lately he goes out front when son is playing next door, he does not run on the street, but he runs back and forth. I figure he comes to tag up with me and then is bursting back outside again. That part is truly funny. Its like he is saying "mom I am having so much fun" style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif

Karen

[Tom]

Hi Tink, style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

I have had dogs all my life and wouldn't ever be without one at least. There are places that train dogs for your particular needs. I've seen they can be trained for any assistance you need. For help with mobility, siezures, fetching, etc. My wife met a lady with a little pomeranian that could sense when her blood sugar level got too low and warned her.

You can do a search for organizations in your area, or look in your phone book. I just did a brief search on service (or therapy) dogs. These will give you an idea.

http://www.docsuniverse.com/dogs.html

http://www.adionline.org/service.html

If you are just looking for one to be a companion, I suggest reading up on the breeds to find one that suits your needs. A Cocker Spaniel is a good cuddling dog that is easy to handle. So many good breeds out there to choose from. Good luck finding a canine friend. They are more like family to me. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif Hi Tom , style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif for the links but i am in uk, good idear though will have a look and see if there is anything here .
was thinking about a cocker spaniel is that what you have ???
my daughter thinks i am not up to coping with it at the moment ,but part of me thinks maybe it would be a good distractions and would help .tink

[Tom]

Hi again, style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif

I didn't realize you were in the UK but I did see some sites for there in my search too. I havn't owned a Cocker Spaniel myself, but have spent time with a few and they are a sweet and gentle breed. Beagles are cute but have a bit more energy, it all depends on what you are looking for in a pet. There are books and sites that will tell about the breed and their personalities. We got a Jack Russel this last time. She is very cute but has three times the energy of any dog I've ever had. It's best if you can spend a little time with one before you get one for yourself. Good luck!

[shew]

I know this is an old thread, but when I found it I couldn't help but post on my favorite topic: DOGS!!

My dogs have been my therapy for.... ever, really. I had a German Shepherd Dog that died of cancer about two years ago named Kino. That dog was so in tune with me it was pretty scary. On bad days she would follow me from room to room, never leaving my side. On worse days, it was like she knew how I was feeling even before I woke up. I would wake up with her laying right up next to me, with her head on my chest and she would give me that look when I woke up that said, "I already know how you are feeling, Mom, but don't worry, I'm here to take care of you." She would let out a big, deep moan, pretty much vocalizing how I felt. She was the most amazing dog. I could go on forever about her and the amazing things she did for me, but I won't bore you!

Then there's my little guy Holstein, who is a black and white Cocker Spaniel. I know Tom and Tink were wondering about these dogs. I've always had one in my life since I was eight years old. They are great dogs. Holstein is my cuddle monster. He loves to sleep with me, all cuddled up in my arms or around my legs. Cockers are a great breed and I will probably always own one, despite the fact I prefer big dogs. If you are interested in one, I would be happy to give you a run-down of the breed! Mind you, I'm not a breeder, just a dog fancier. (I had an AKC dog book memorized by the time I was eight years old; thus dogs are a "small" obsession of mine!).

Besides Holstein I have a Great Dane, Zooey, and after Kino passed away I had to get another GSD, so I got Xerxes. He's a wild man and still a bit of a puppy (at the age of 26 months). I'm hoping one day he will tune into how I'm feeling like Kino did, though I'm not holding out much hope. Don't get me wrong, I love him to pieces, he's just Xerxes, not Kino (duh!). When my daughter was born eight months ago, I think he decided he belongs to her, not me!! I'm so jealous! I got Xerxes with the hope of training him as a service dog and doing competitve obedience and agility with him (health permitting). We got pretty far in the obedience/agility until my daughter was born and I went into a flare. (I hope to go back to it eventually when I'm feeling better). He can also do a few things to help me out, like untie my shoes and take off my socks on command- which is helpful when my joints are hurting and I can't do this on my own.

But, yes, dogs are great therapy for anyone with chronic health problems. Before having a child, some days my dogs were the only thing that could motivate me to get out of bed when I was miserable. I fortunately have a decent size backyard where they love to play, though they are house dogs 99% of the time. They keep me sane (though at times they have the tendency to drive me insane)! As long as you do the research so you are sure to pick the dog that matches your lifestyle, and invest the time in training (training trains both the owner and the dog) I think a dog can be a great form of therapy for someone with lupus!

Thanks for letting me share about my babies! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif

[flowergarden]

Tink, I was going to add, like Tom did, that Jack Russells have more energy than they have a right to. Ours was very stubborn, too. He had a "little dog" complex; we were constantly taking him to the vet when he attacked much bigger dogs.

Have you thought about a smaller dog that wouldn't need such a large place to exercise? If it's small enough, it could be a lap dog, and still get most of it's workout inside, if you want.

Also, Sunny told me about litter training dogs. Some people have wanted to do that so they can take their dogs to sea with them for a vacation. Or some live in a highrise. Her idea gives me hope again. I love both dogs and cats, but dogs just haven't been a good idea with my teeny tiny lot. And my cats will probably have to go.

Of course, I love my bird too, but he's not that cuddly.

Good luck finding your perfect pet. You might research breeds on the internet. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[mandynor]

Shew...
I just had to say, I loved your post...it made me smile, cause I feel the exact same way about my dogs...I don't know what I would do without them.

Glad to know I'm not the only one obsessed with my animals. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

peace,
Mandy

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif Hi guys just tuned in havenent been on for a few days ,
just like too say nice one ,shew ,lovely post made me feel good tonight , also .
sounds like you really love your dogs and know a lot .
would be much obliged if you could tell me about cockers ,herd storys about them being a bit mad and yappy ,not true is it,, not down to how you train them ????? wondering ?

Hi flowergarden how,s it going ??
I laught when you said about your jack russell because mine was the same she used to allways go for the big guys and i don,t know who was most scared me or her ha ha .
because with everything else she was scared of she would shake and be so timed .
thanks all for your idears nice chating style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif tink

[Mootie]

Hi Tink,

I would feel so miserable without my animals. They bring another dimension to our lives. We got our little dog (6 months old) from a breeder and our terrier was raised in a kennel with other dogs. She is so sweet and lovely natured. May I suggest that you get an older dog as a puppy is a lot of work in the beginning even though they are so cute.

It is a good idea to get your dog checked over by a vet just to rule out any genetic disorders. Our dog has a PDA, (hole in the heart). We knew this before we got her and we tried to get it fixed with open heart surgery but it wasn't successful. Our dog is on medication and not expected to have a long life. I cherish every moment I have with her and the feeling is mutual. I know this sounds selfish but when we went away for a few weeks I missed my dog much more than my children. Can't beleive that I said that!!!


Animals seem to choose their own masters so I am pretty sure the right dog will come your way. Best of luck.



Mootie

[shew]

Tink,

I would be thrilled to tell you more about cockers.... I'm so new at this message board thing, so I have to ask, do I post it here or PM you? Let me know and I'd be happy to tell you about cockers!

Mootie, I totally understand (and applaud) your decision to repair the hole in your baby's heart!!! When Kino (my GSD I mentioned earlier) was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma we decided to invest the cash and have her spleen removed (where the cancer was) and do chemo. I don't think of it as a selfish decision, personally, though I know some might disagree. I believe as long as you are not making the dog suffer, there is nothing wrong with extending your dog's life. We knew that she would only live a few more months after surgery and chemo, but the vets told us she was not suffering. I decided the moment she was in any kind of pain, that was when we would put her to sleep. She dedicated her life to me, and that was the LEAST I could do for her!! That was one of the hardest days of my life!! So no, you are NOT selfish. My dogs are as much a part of my family as my daughter is!! Maybe I'm just crazy too!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif Thanks for sharing about your baby! I love hearing about other people's dogs!!

Take care you guys, and Tink, let me know what to do!! Sorry, I'm still catching on!

[Raglet]

Shrew, sounds like lots of us are enjoying your posts about your dogs (me too, I am amazed you taught your dog to take your socks off, mine just likes to pick mine up and run off with them, mmmmmm, mum's socks smell the best) anyway, keep posting just the way you're doing, we love you !

cheers

raglet

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif hi sorry not been on for a few days .
hi shew, post it here if you want i am sure the others will be interested as well .
if not you can mail me here also it up to you what ever is easy for you i don,t mind style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif tink.

hi mootie , i think i agree about your idear on getting a older dog ,don,t know if i could cope with a pup just now .
family would help a lot they are good but i think you may be right thanks ,tink.

hi raglet, you feeling any better sorry havent read any post yet,, hope you are,,I know you have been having a rough time of it latly .best wishies tink

[ImGisele]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(raggedyann1 @ Nov 10 2005, 04:39 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Raglet,

One of the things we do on occasion is throw a tennis ball. Our Golden that we put down 5 years ago used to love to play ball also.

Baxter our current baby, tries to find an open gate when ever he hears any kind of workmen near our end of the street. Some of our neighbors must be flush with cash since it seems that they almost always have workmen at their house. We live in the hills and their is a coyote highway on our upper terrace. Baxter runs and jumps trying to get to them, he wants to play. He also gets lots of time in our summer running on the upper terrace when our son is up there. He will even go tearing out of the house if he thinks there is something that needs his attention outside. And lately he goes out front when son is playing next door, he does not run on the street, but he runs back and forth. I figure he comes to tag up with me and then is bursting back outside again. That part is truly funny. Its like he is saying "mom I am having so much fun" style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif

Karen
[/b][/quote]


Haved you tried putting a tennis ball inside a "stinky" sock. It makes it much easier to swing it further. The dogs will think you are a genius and it will make exercise time go just a little faster. Also my sister has a doggie door so that her dogs can go out whenever they want. If you have a fenced in yard it's a thought.
ImGisele...Hugs
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ok.gif

[ImGisele]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tink @ Nov 7 2005, 11:38 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif HI guys ,don,t know where too post this hope its all right here.
what do you all think about pets helping us.
thinking about gettting dog again not sure if i will cope .
we got one a couple of weeks ago but i had to take her back because she was so used to the farm she came from that she was terrified of cars and everything really .
so she pulled a lot and my hands got badley swoolen .
but i miss her now and feel i should have tried a bit longer with her .
do you think it would be better to get a pup and train her from scratch ????
do you think it will help with fatigue ????? as i feel i am not going out a lot again .
what do you think ??? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wiggle.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif tink
[/b][/quote]


style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

There is a great site done by purina where you can answer a list of questions and they make suggestions about what dog is right for you. They take into consideration what kind of home you have, whether you enjoy grooming or not and energy levels. I bet you could find the perfect dog that way. I personally have a GSD that is still a puppy. I chose her because I want her to identify with my family as her pack, and I know that they are very smart and trainable. I have used a kennel box for her to sleep in a night since I got her and the only time she soiled it was when she was sick. I love her!!! I also wanted a dog that I knew would give people moments of quiet contemplation before they messed with my home or us because of her size. Many people are scared of GSDs but they are loyal and true friends. You may be able to get an older one from a rescue shelter that's already been trained. If you want to get a puppy I suggest that you get a small breed or one known for it's laid back nature(basset hounds-very laid back). My dad loves his Pomeranian. Anyway I digress, Let us know what you get...ImGisele ...Hugs style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/goodvibes.gif

[joannemc]

Hi everyone, Im going to get a dog for the first time. I know Im going to have to work hard to train him. Im thinking about getting a ****zu, the dogs that Ive seen appeared to be very gentle and friendly. I will let you know what kind of dog I get. ((HUGS)) Joanne

[shew]

Tink,

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to finally getting around to telling you about Cocker Spaniels, but here it goes. Maybe the best way is Pros and Cons.
Here are the pros:
1. Very sweet, cuddly and friendly (just make sure the dog, as with any breed is socialized early and young). My Holstein sleeps with me just about every night and loves to snuggle. They LOVE their people!
2. Fairly easy to train, pretty quick learners, and love food, so that helps training!
3. Eat very little b/c they are a small breed.
4. Only require moderate exercise, a short walk or throwing a ball in the house.
5. They are VERY happy dogs, known as the "merry Cocker Spaniel." They are just SO happy go-lucky- nothing seems to get in their way!
6. They are small, which is great for apartment life.

Cons:
1. Requires A LOT of grooming!! Their hair constantly grows. You either have to learn how to groom yourself, or take to a groomer (which I do). They require daily brushing, unless you keep their hair shaved. Holstein has had a show cut his whole life, which is VERY time-consuming. If you don't have time for grooming, I recommend you keep the dog shaved. They will need to be professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks (with your care in-between).
2. Are prone to some congenital defects b/c they were so over-bred in the 60-70s. They can have cataracts (Holstein had his removed when he was 3), are prone to ear infections (b/c of the floppy ears- you should clean them once a week). BUT if you find a very reputable breeder and ask for proof of eye certification (there's a proper name for this) on both parents, this can be avoided.
3. They can be yippy- this could be a pro- or con. It personally doesn't bother me (I find it rather endearing, but some may find it annoying- like my husband style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif ).
4. I've also heard of some submissive urinaters, which I know could happen in any breed. I've never had one, but I know it can happen.
5. They have a tendency to get over-weight if not properly exercised.

I hope this helps. If I can think of anything else, or if you have any questions them, I'd be happy to help!

[lesleyc]

I just wanted to add my two cents about Cocker Spaniels, i had one growing up and then my parents got another one, and just a few months ago we got our own. My mother's and mine have the same parents.
We live in an apartment an he seems ok with that and he is the best thing to happen to us. He is a fabulous dog, he loves people, he's quiet. He loves to play, but when I'm not up to it, he seems perfectly happy to play with his toys himself.

As for the grooming, we had gotten my mother a grooming course for her birthday, and she now does both our dogs. I plan on learning as well. They do need a lot of grooming and their ears need to be kept clean, some (like ours) need their eyes wiped quite often (he used to need eye drops), but it's just little things here and there, it's not so bad. Doesn't really require too much time or energy.
So in my opinion Cocker Spaniels are perfect little companions, plus he's so darn cute I can't imagine my life before him.


Lesleyc style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[Cyndi315]

After my first flare up 2 years ago, I didn't know if I should get a dog or not, but I found one to adopt from a rescue center. I looked for a long time for the right dog for me. Anyway, I was lucky to have found one after many months of looking. His owner was an elderly lady who couldn't care for him anymore, so she was asking a resuce shelter to find him a new home. I think that since he is a small dog and 4 years old helps. He's completely house trained, calm, and loving, and he knows how to walk on the leash. He seemed like the perfect dog for me.

I don't think I could deal with a puppy or a large dog, so maybe you could think about getting a small dog that is easier to lift and walk. Also because he is small, he gets most of his exercise by just walking around the house. And also an adult dog that is calmer than a younger dog.

I've had the dog now for about 6 mouths, and he's been a real comfort to me as he likes to sleep as much as I do. When I feel pretty good and am able to take him for a walk, he loves it, but he also accepts it when I don't feel good and just watches TV with me all day. I did have a few rough days when I had a flare right after Thanksgiving, so I can see there can be problems. But I get very depressed when I have the flares and have to go back on medications, and having a dog who counted on me to feed him and let him outside and love him helped me through my depression. He gave me a extra reason go to back on the meds to feel better so that I could take care of him.

Cyndi

[pukeko]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif

Dogs are the best exercise routine ever invented ! How can you say no to those big brown pools of love looking at you ! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif

We have two dogs and a cat. All are from rescue shelters. I like the company since I am at home so much. Right now I have one in the room with me - I usually have all 3 ! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif I often have Yuki the cat helping me type !

Having MCTD makes excerise a dodgy thing. To little and I am sore, to much and I sore ! I gotta keep everything moving but if I damage my muscles (which seems very easy to do) it is worse. I have come to learn that I can do one dog wak a day most of the time and two dog walks a lot of the time. I have taught my dogs not to pull because that does in my shoulders and hands. So now unless Tilley sees a squirrel we are fine. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif Of course off leash is better and if I have the energy to drive to the beach we do that. I still have to walk but at least I can keep my hands warm. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/coffee.gif This time of year the hardest thing is keeping my raynauds under control - pretty hard to hold a leash and pick up poop when my raynuads has taken over my hands.

Walking dogs is my only regular exercise so rain or shine we are out. On days I just can't do it my hubby walks them.

I am all for having animals - studies show people with them live longer style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Pukeko style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[tink]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif hi shew ,sorry i have not replyed sooner ,my hubby was fixing computer so was off line for a while ,also my daughter has been hoging it a lot latly .
just like to say thanks for invo on the dogs and to everyone else that reply to it .
turned out a good topic ,still havent got one yet not been too good again don,t feel up to it just now ,tink

[dmsmgl]

i can't imagine a life without pets...i have a dachshund named freddy...and a cat named mr. kitters...both are very good company when i don't feel well...

it doesn't take any convincing at all to get freddy to cuddle up and sleep in bed with me...

i think he'd like it if i napped all day with him everyday...

when i've been at work and had a bad day...freddy greeting me just makes everything better...i swear he could whip up a meringue with the way that tail whips around...

he knows when i feel up to playing...and he knows when to cuddle up tight to me when i need to rest up...

best medicine i know of is a warm body next to me...

[Anchoress]

Here, I have three cats, all rescues, two still kittens, a pet "lamb", now two years old, and a hen with no toes....who lays eggs many days.... All are rescued critters..... Some days it seems too much, but the love they give to the one who saved them is like no other. And a whole host of wild birds demanding food..
I am just not a dog person and I could not exercise one, especially here in sheep country where they havev to be taken great care of
The cats all follow me around the land here, racing up trees etc. They bring so much laughter into my life. It is safe here as there is no road. Andn if a mouse gets in, they more than " repay" their care.
Blessings this day

[tbunny1]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif I LUV my pup - a little 10lb mutt I rescued from an animal shelter. Having lived with large dogs all my life, it was a BIG difference to get such a small dog. Easy to exercise, easy to clean up after, don't hog up alot of space on the couch when I'm sick and need a cuddle .....

But - for those that just can't get out at all, consider a bird as a pet. I have always had birds of one sort or another. Even if they are just finches or a singing canary, they are a great distraction, and give me a reason to get up some days. The larger the bird, the more interaction it is going to require. Cockatiels, love birds, parrotlets, are good apartment birds. Not as noisy, smaller cages, ect ... but still like to hang out with their humans. The large Amazons and Macaws can be compared to living with a perpetual two year old, and are a big commitment, but their intelligence and endearing personalities can make it worth it.

We receive the most when we give - pets keep us human, as odd as that sounds.
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif Tracy

[peonyprincess]

When I worked in ICU, we would routinely turn our heads and allow family members to bring up pets for their loved ones to see. Sometimes it would make a big difference and sometimes it was for a final good bye. I think animals add so much to recovery. I belive that we should allow it more in the hospital, I think we would see patients recover quicker.

I do not have an animal of my own. My kids all have pets. I want a daushund so bad I can taste it but my hubby says that we have enough indoor pets: 1 cat, 1 dog, 1 bird, 1 gerbil. So for Valentines day, my kids bought me this HUGE stuffed doggie. I use it as a body pillow or an extra pillow. It is so snuggly comfortable that I would be lost without it.



Nancy

[Anchoress]

It is well known that " pat" therapy dogs help heal. We work in animal rescue and have these dogs who are taken to old folks' homes etc. Many years ago I had a good family dr who saw me with my cats and said he wished all his lonely old ladies could have one. Physical contact with something living is vital to us.

I used to take cats in too.

I was trying to send a photo here; for a really big cuddle, trya pet "l
amb" who now weighs far more than I do and is a walking hearthrug.... Keeps the wilderness in check too..

Blessings this day

[Wendy0413]

I have five cats and they are the biggest comfort! I couldn't do without them. They sense when I am having a bad day and snuggle with me and are always available for naps. Not sure I could handle a dog on my bad days. Walking it would be too much for me. But, pets are definitely great for improving mental health. They don't care if your in a Lupus fog or to tired to get off the couch! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/goodvibes.gif

[xxanita]

Hi everyone!
Just read through all these posts and just had to say my bit.
Everything that has been said really says it all about my two friends and faithful and generous and gracious companions.
I had one dog - Flicka - a 'midnight special' sorta breed. Brindle with a border collie white chest flash. Bright, loyal, willing, adventurous,tuned in - smiles, laughs, watches me all the time.
When I started to not feel well I decided to get Bundee - a Mareema -he started to grow into what looked like was going to be a small elephant! I bought him after watching him playing with Flicka and thought that he would make a good companion for her.
Some glitches through the process of 'dog business' - sorting out who's 'top dog' after me!!!
But now they're astonishing. Everything everyone has said is what they do. They exercise each other in the back yard when I can't move. They sleep all day if I lie on the couch. They think it's the best thing if I sit on the porch and watch them play.
And so it goes - the wonder of it all.
Even tho' Bundee is a big dog - he's lanky - and likes takin' it easy. When a good hard run is what is required he can move like the wind. But then he just stops and slopes around slowly while Flicka is still jumping out of her skin. He's always laughing too - I call him my Buddha dog becos of the serenity he shows when he's lying on the lawn and sniffing the wind.
DOGS - I love them.
Thanks for all the stories
Love, Anita

[Angelee]

Hi,

Don't know how you feel about cats but I found them just as theraputic but with less needs to exhaust me. With CFS sometimes just having a fuzzy nap buddy was better than anything. Also, you can teach cats to walk on a lead so if you wanted to go for walks you could and likely they wouldn't be as able to pull on your hands since they are generally so small. by comparisons to dogs.

Either way I say go for a pet they are so good for companionship and reducing stress. It is a proven fact that most people with pets live longer, happier, healthier lives. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[BethannUK]

I don't know what I would do without my cats, one in particular.

There is Harry, (really Harriet, but she is so down to earth we call her Harry)... she is black, about 12, and believes in every sinew that there is no such thing as "bad fuss". You could do anything to that girl and she would purr and beg for more. She is getting older and slower, and loves to just be near my hubby. She will try to squeeze in between us if we even leave a micron of space. She will eat anything he is eating- including spaghetti, a special favourite of hers. She is the Queen of Furballs, and doesn't often go out. When she was younger, she was a really good mouser (and bird-er, and frog-er....)
Pros: Lovable and will tolerate long episodes of hugging and crying into her fur without any complaints
Cons: Jealous and wonders why I am here when all my hubby should need is her, and the furballs

Nelson (Lord Admiral Nelson to those not formally acquainted): he looks like the Felix cat. He is about 9, he is a real boy, and spends as much time as possible off wandering the gardens with his mates. Every house in our neighbourhood knows him- he goes into everyone's house as if he owns them- in his mind, he does.. He is big, muscular and very grumpy. I picked him up last night and he made this little grrrrrrrump sound that sounded like "Oh, Mum, Gee whiz, what are the guys gonna think if I go out and smell like people? For flips sake!" Honest, thats what it sounded like. But his claws never come out. He just likes to complain, I think. He is a good listener, tho, so he is always guest of honour when I throw a pity party.
Pros: He's fun to bother and we share whining and grumpy sessions frequently.
Cons: He only comes home when he has dirty laundry for me to do, or when he's on the lam.

Then there is my precious girl Loopee (aka: Loops, Froot-loops, lupus rex). (She was named that before any of this stuff happened). She is about 4, white, but with bits of other cats glued on- she has bits of ginger, mackarel, black, grey... she is a tiny girl, very timid and jumpy, seems always convinced that everyone new she encounters sees her as an hors'doevre. She is definiately Mummy's baby. She has a habit of gently tapping my leg when I am eating something she wants (and if I am eating it, she wants it). She sleeps on my chest, and loves to lick my hand. She will pull my hand over so she can sleep on it. She will walk circles around my head- from my chest, around my head on the pillow, and back to my chest, over and over. SHe seems to know when I really hurt and she lays down on my pillow instead. She fusses me all day, sometimes just coming in to look at me for a minute, then wandering back out. She is a bit dim tho- she will sit in the rain and look up, wondering where the water is coming from. She loves to jump on me when she is absolutely sodden, and I have the muddy prints on my new white nightshirt to prove it. She has only just made peace with my new electric recliner- it dared to move and make noise as she was sitting on it, and she was ever so not impressed. Obviously her delicate nature is due to her fine breeding (or so she tells me).
Pros: She's very intuitive and seems to sense my moods and my pain, and comforts me, and she's funny to watch because she is a real clown
Cons: She is a mini-shredder with a grudge against upholstered surfaces, and a fetish for tracking mud onto me, bedding, etc.

So those are my babies. They sit and sing my praises... especially when I have chicken. To be honest, Loopee has been helping me so much, because she is obviously mothering me. As I write this, she is laying draped across the monitor supervising me- every so often she reaches out a paw as if to touch me and she makes this lovely little trill sound when I touch her. If I go in the other room, she will follow- but only after leaving enough time so that I dont dare to induldge the indignity that she is actually following me, a mere human.

It has felt so positive to write about them... hope I didn't bore you all too much! The only child I have is the one I am married to ((giggles)), so the furry beasts really are my child-substitutes. They help me not just think about me- it's hard to justify not getting up, even when you hurt, when someone you love is staring into your eyes and trying to convince you that they have not had solid food since the Thatcher era.

Remember: Cats were once revered as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.

[lauralee77]

I love my cats. They are so entertaining and sweet and seem to know when I'm having a bad day.
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[dumplie]

I couldn't imagine life without my dogs. We have two Irish Wolfhounds which we have had from puppies and we even take them on holiday with us!

Since my diagnosis they have changed towards me. The used to charge up to me for a fuss when I cam back from school run etc., but now they are very gentle with me. Fergus, the eldest senses when I am feeling under the weather and he simply puts his head on my shoulder and licks my ear. Sounds soppy but it makes me feel so loved.

I agree with previous replies when they have mentioned that all dogs require time and attention but if you can give them that they will make it worth while. Look into the breed carefully. It took us nearly a year to decide upon our wolfies but it was worth the wait.

I have a coaster that saus 'A house is not a home without a dog'. For me, I couldn't agree more.

Good luck.......Dumplie style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/woohoo.gif

[pauline1946]

I wasnt going to reply to this post since i've said in other post
i dont have pet's. Well that's because my husband brought
the boy's an american eskimo home a month after their dad
was shot. her name was jo jo.
jo jo had a heat stroke in 2004, she really never recovered
fully. i had to take her to be put to sleep shortly after my sister passed
away in sept,2005. we rescued a small beagel--blue healler mix but
couldnt keep her inside the fence, so she is with a nice country family
chasing cows,and is very happy.
i dont mean to be depressing. i just never relized i was also greiving
jo jo alone with all my family members.

maybe i need to start looking for another pet soon.
i'll get all this out some day. i cant seem to talk about yhese
things to anyone

thanks for listening to me. it helps.
pauline