stress and dogs
 

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:lately the pain has been hard to handle I had to take a hydro..I am stressed out about work.i try not to let what other people say and do to me bother me,but sometimes they are just jerks..I try to fool everyone about my RSD happy go lucky.This pain keeps me from doing a lot.I come home get a few things done,then bed with heating pad.Looking forward to Friday,going out to dinner with some great friends.Do other people notice the more stress ,the more you hurt??For some reason I want another dog.We have one,but I feel like I need something new..I know that sounds stupid,but I just love how dogs make you feel..we have a farm and have a maltese .his name is zoey.He is very smart and loveable.This time I want a yorkie.Do you notice pets can pick up if you are having a bad day?

My little dog is always a pick me up...emotionally I don't know what I would do without her. Physically...she can sometimes cause additional pain and taking care of her is difficult sometimes...but I wouldn't trade her for anything. The strength and joy she gives me allows me to deal with this monster and cope with the pain. I'm just grateful she is not a dog that wants to play much (or at all) and that she is more of a snuggle companion. A playful dog...I would feel guilty that I couldn't play with them or give them the attention they deserve.

I have trained and shown dogs in obedience for close to 40 years...but had to stop showing when I got RSD in my shoulder, can no longer pass a leash behind my back, which is needed for part of the first levels.

Now, I used those years of knowledge and searched for just the right dog, spent 2 years working with her ( actually, I continue teaching her all the time). We went through "Levels" training and other work and she has become my mobility service dog. She goes everywhere with me.

She can do a LOT of "tasks" that help me. Helps steady me walking, getting up and down from sitting, help with stairs, picks up things I drop, can get a little pouch with medication in, open refrigerator and bring bottled water, get the phone if I fall, turn on /off lights, she can even find my car if I forget where I park. I get very stiff, and have a lot if trouble with clothing, and she helps by pulling on sleeves, can untie shoes and take them off, remove socks, pants, take shirts by nape of neck and pull off... She can get pans and bowls out of the bottom of my cupboards... It's really amazing all the things she can do. More than what I have mentioned here. She is a smooth coat Border Collie. She also alerts, naturally, not something I trained... Dogs either have this, or they don't... Then, you train their response that they use to signal you... She alerts me to increases in pain and muscle spasms... Like when I am pushing myself to much and need to stop and go home.

One of the best things, though, is that she never judges. She accepts me as I am. And, at 3 a.m. When pain is raging, it sure is nice having her cuddling up close.

I always try to remind people that service dogs can be a big help to RSDers, and to give some thought to inquiring with Canine Companions for Independence or one of the other programs. some programs charge for their dogs... A lot! But, others provide the dogs at no cost.

Even a small dog that is "just a pet" can usually be taught to pick up dropped items to help you around the home, with a little help of a good positive, rewards based trainer.

So, yes, I agree, they are wonderful. Cats too. But, they are a fair amount of work and expense too... Brushing, walking, vet care.... Etc. But... in my opinion, well worth it!

Pets are awesome and have a calming effect on people. When I see my Great Aunt at the nursing home, I also sometimes see dogs there that are there to help lift the patients spirits. And they do. They are beautiful creatures.

Hi mossey2me
 

Hi Yes dogs are great i have two and with out them i dont think i would be still
here today Spike hes a heading blue heeler x and missy is a mix not sure maybe ridge back ciwawa ears god knows anyway yeah dogs are great for
dealing with pain small dogs like missy are better because when she cuddles
up next to me and i am sore i can handle it where as spike will hurt me but
he seems to know now and will just lie next to me dogs are incredible
teachers when you spend enough time with them.

Hope this helps Rock on Peace out Mike NZ

Hi, yes completely agree on the pets thing. There's been a lot of research proving that having pets reduces stress and BP, promotes positive thinking and health, and lengthens your life. Plus they're so funny and caring and they don't answer back!

I have a little cocker spaniel and two cats, one ginger male and one petite black female. They are all very affectionate, and I love that now while I'm poorly in bed a lot, they all gather round purring and snuffling, and generally make you feel like someone cares and has your back lol. There's something timeless and calming about stroking an animal, it's amazingly healing I think.

Personally I couldn't have another dog as its my poor husband who does the majority of the dog-walking now :rolleyes: and it wouldn't be fair on him. Plus we only have a little house lol, and I don't know where it would bunk!

Bram.

smiles for animals and children
 

I am back home now after work.I really did not want to go.i felt crapy.I work with children with special needs.i love them,like they were my own.they make me smile.So I guess thats why I get up and go.i work as a bus aide.A.M. run and P.M run..part time.I have been there 11 years.children and animals make it worth doing.Because they both count on us and we them.I loved all the nice comments.Thank you for sharing.Animals will do there best for us.i feel they know how much we need them.I spoke with a man today about a yorkie,I am not sure if they will choose me.I was open and honest.I told them about my rsd,and told them where I lived,but most of all I told her I could only pay $200.00.They wanted $300.00.so I thanked them,and now I will have to see.Its in Gods hands.

Moosey my wife has RSD now for 11 years. Controlling stress is key to one's quality of life especially those with RSD, paramount if you ask me. Control the stress will make you able to control RSD, I believe. Stress is horrible with this disease. I read your story and it amazes me that a doctor thought you crazy while suffering from obviously a physical condition. I've seen it happen dozens of times.

I grew up with two maltese dogs, Maggie (called her Mag Wheels) and Tootsie. Tootsie lived to be 24 years old. She had a bad habit of chewing on cigarette butts. Often times we'd catch her with a butt hanging out of her mouth. We could never brake her of it which was tricky because my parents smoked. Maggie always smiled like she was growling but was just her smile. I loved those dogs.

My wife and I have been married for 30 years. We as a couple have never had a dog. My wife Suzy wants one now. I think it would be great for her to have one and are getting ready to bring one home soon. She's interested in Labs.

luv my doggies!
 

I'm sorry you have so much to deal with. :hug: I understand about you wanting another dog. I have a few, and they give me so much comfort and love. I have 2 Chihuahua's and a Biewer Yorkie. My Yorkie is very energetic, so that gets me going on bad days, Lol!

Jim, a Lab is seriously big enough to be trained to help your wife. Do consider that. You don't need to have the dog trained for full public access...which is a service dog... But just help with clothing, dropped items, things around the home. The dog gets a job, your wife gets help, everyone wins.