Thinking of rescuing a dog.

[kefalonia1]

Hi is there any risk to your heart if you have a AVR and pacemaker to walk a large well trained dog on a lead. Any advice from anyone who has or is doing this please. This bitch is 10 months old, good with other dogs, cats and young children. She was rescued from Spain and is a Spanish Mastiff. We have previously had five huge Bullmastiffs who are the kindest softest dogs ever. We have not met her yet but the shelter says she loves cuddles all the time and is very affectionate but is terrified of stairs. As we live in a bungalow l feel she is destined to be with us, we have gone five years without a dog and miss a dog, also l no longer work and we live in the country. Sue.

[Prada47]

Hi Kefalonia

Sorry can't fully answer your question as I have had CABG and Recently Stents only, but I do have Heart Failure as an added bonus. I walk our sons dog a fully grown Alsatian and she is wonderful really nice sociable dog, except with Squirrels, when she will want to chase. I use a harness that slips over her head and fastens just behind her front legs around her tummy. It is so easy to control and she seems to know when she has it on, to walk at a really easy pace. I would just say go with your instinct sure it will work out.

regards

[Ramblingross in reply to Prada47]

Go for it...walking a dog beats sitting on the sofa....l lost my dog 2 years ago and have gained over 2 stone...dogs keep ya fit....

[kefalonia1 in reply to Prada47]

Hi the harness is a great idea, thanks for your reply. Sue.

[Lezzers]

Can't think why there would be a risk if the dog is well behaved. My husband has heart failure & an ICD fitted & he walks our 2 dogs daily, though ours are small dogs. Providing the dog isn't pulling you along, it shouldn't be a problem but take the advice from Prada47 & invest in a good harness, even our little dogs have them.

[Fredders]

Hi Sue

You only have to be careful whilst your breastbone is healing, where a dog suddenly pulling on the lead could cause problems. Once you’re all healed up there shouldn’t be any problem. I’m sure she’ll make a fantastic companion for you and give you some exercise - I’m lazy, got five cats 😉

Wendy

[kefalonia1 in reply to Fredders]

Hi Wendy, the biggest problem is persuading my Husband but l'm working on that, thanks for your reply. Sue.

[Mollydex]

I have pacemaker and af and walk a crazy rescue boxer daily and a variety of fostered dogs as and when

[kefalonia1 in reply to Mollydex]

What a lovely thing to do, thanks for your reply it has given me confidence. Sue.

[shopman]

With Boxers the "brain" comes as an extra.

[Dogue]

Morning Sue, i am a mommy to two dogue de Bordeauxs both are 6yrs old next week, both are over 10st each (i am 8 and half wet hahaha) i have HF and an CRT-D (combined pacemaker and defibrillator), as you can guess my opinion is Yes Yes Yes go for it! The exercise will do you the world of good and having a dog is brilliant for your mental health.

As for any risks, i can only tell you what my Cardiologist and Cardio Nurses have said - Do Not Stop Walking Your Dogs.

Exercise is Good for your Heart.

my Cardiologists have all said having my dogs had kept the symptoms of my heart failure at bay and when my symptoms did start to show they were considerable less than what they expected for somebody with as much damage to their heart as i have.

I hope this helps convince your husband its a good idea 😉

[kefalonia1 in reply to Dogue]

Hi, thanks for your reply your dogs are cousins of our previous five Bull mastiffs who we adored and were devastated when they passed, the only thing we don't miss is the slobber they produce that appears everywhere when they shake even the lamp shades. l am still working on my Husband but l will win in the end (l'm saving the" l was so close to death twice no one expected me to live" card as a last result. Sue.

[RamblingAl]

I am so pleased to hear that you are going to rescue a Mastin, I live in Southern Spain and organise 4 walking groups and over the past 3 years we have raised over €20k mainly for animal charities. One of the charities is quite close to me and some members of my group walk the dogs on a regular basis and a couple of their Mastins which I have walked (I have an ICD), they are just gentle giants. My mantra is just be sensible.

[kefalonia1 in reply to RamblingAl]

Great to hear from someone who knows the breed. My Husband has researched them online and is a bit worried as it says they need a firm hand from the outset and are happier living outside. Our last Bull Mastiff was 10 stone, called Jeffery and was a rescue dog with special needs but we loved and he loved sharing our lives together. l'm impressed you do so much work for animal charities, well done you !!! Take care, Sue.

[RamblingAl in reply to kefalonia1]

Which charity are you thinking of getting him from, because the one that we support has a couple and I have walked them both.

[kefalonia1 in reply to RamblingAl]

Hi, l live in a village in North Somerset and the charity is called Holly Hedge Sanctuary in Barrow Gurney. l have only seen her online. lf you look her up she has the kindest face and her name is Tura. l am itching to see her, she's only 15 minutes away but l cannot without my Husbands approval. l had never heard of a mastin before and thought she was a mastiff. lf you look her up l would be very interested in your opinion. Thanks, Sue.

[RamblingAl in reply to kefalonia1]

A good friend of mine has a Mastin, he turned up as a puppy outside of their gate on the day David Bowie died so they called him Ziggy (Ziggy Stardust). They already had a Lab and now the Lab can walk under Ziggy. They are used here as 'sheep/goat dogs' they normally work in pairs or threes, one will be inside the flock and the other as lookout on the perimeter of the flock/herd. Don't go anywhere near the flock/herd whilst they are working they are guarding, but when not working they really are gentle giants.

[kefalonia1 in reply to RamblingAl]

Thanks for your reply, if we are lucky enough to re home her and she goes missing from our garden l will look for her in the meadow next door where the farmer often grazes flocks of sheep. Take care. Sue.

[Stanley18]

That’s great advice from Dogue. I was fitted with a PM in September. I enjoy walking Stanley (15kg) each day. He helps to keep us both fit! As a past dog owner, you’ll understand how a dog enriches your life and the comfort that a dog can provide is a huge blessing when you’ve been through the trauma of heart problems. Stanley came from Dogs Trust and I’m delighted that you’re considering a rescue, good for you 🙂

[kefalonia1 in reply to Stanley18]

Thanks, l am still exploring all avenues. l am mostly worried that we have a holiday booked in September to Spain so would have to put any dog we have back in kennels for a week. Would they feel abandoned again and traumatised? Maybe it would be better to wait until we return because next year we can go to a dog friendly caravan site we often use in Devon. Any thoughts please as you have a rescue. Take care, Sue.

[Stanley18 in reply to kefalonia1]

Hi Sue, we’ve never put Stanley in kennels because we’ve always been fortunate enough to either have a family member stay dog-sit or we’ve dropped him off at Mum’s and, despite the unfamiliar environment, he’s always appeared to be settled going there. I wouldn’t say no to leaving my rescue dog in kennels personally as a second choice, although I’d want to look round first, gather recommendations etc. If you fall in love with this dog then I‘m confident you’ll find arrangements that you and her are happy with. Sounds like she’d be going to a very loving forever home ❤️ Best wishes, Paul.

[kefalonia1 in reply to Stanley18]

Thanks Paul, the putting back in kennels for a week is our biggest worry and although we have two grown up Sons they work full time. lt takes some thinking about. Thanks for your reply. Sue.

[Gundoglady]

Hi I have three labs , had avr done nearly 7 years ago, had a pacemaker fitted in November last year, and I actively walk, work and train my dogs X

I am there sole carer, I use a halting type head collar for one of my dogs but the other two are on slip leads X

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't get her, as long as you take it easy to start with x

[kefalonia1 in reply to Gundoglady]

Thanks that's encouraging. Sue.

[TriciaGreg]

In addition to the walking benefits, dogs can help you relax. One of mine knows when I become anxious, he comes and gently puts his head on my lap asking for a cuddle. It’s impossible to do anything other than relax and enjoy his love.

[kefalonia1 in reply to TriciaGreg]

Thanks that's what l miss the most. When our 10 stone Bullmastiffs decided to sit on your lap there wasn't a lot of choice. Any dog that comes to us has the most wonderful life, even their own bedroom with single mattress on the floor next to a radiator if its cold ,complete with duvet, bean bag, pillows and fluffy toys. We are also surrounded with lovely countryside and live next door to a 15 acre meadow which the farmer lets us use, so really its a no brainer. Thanks for your reply. Sue.

[Hidden]

I have two big boxers and walking them after my HA was one of teh things I really looked forward to. Its gets you out and keeps you healthy. Go for it and I am very happy that you are giving a rescue a new lease of life. It will benefit both of you in more ways than you can imagine.

Do keep us all in touch with how you get on

D

[kefalonia1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks for your reply. l am working on my Husband but sometimes it takes longer to get my way. lf l don't get the dog l have my eye on l'm sure there will be another fated to be mine. l knew l would get good advice from the lovely people on this site, now my mind is made up so watch this space even if it takes a few months. Take care, Sue.

[Dockdog]

Hello Kefalonia,

I have had a pericardiectomy last year at the Brompton and have Heart Failure too. Before my op I was pretty low in energy and walking my dog Billy who is a Staffie Boxer Cross from Battersea, our 4th rescue dog. Billy weighs in at 29kg and is very socialised and easygoing. He was a bit of a handful for my wife and indeed pulled me over once when he was younger but now in his 7th year he comes for a daily walk with me and our cat ( his devoted friend Pippa ) now a well known sight in the village. The value he brings to our lives is amazing and he has adapted to being a bit slower walking around than previous to my condition. He knows that sometimes we have to wait while I get my breath or need a moment to rest but the benefits of daily exercise, getting out there even when you don't feel too good, is so fantastic. Also he reduces stress just by sitting there with his head on my knee and enjoying being stroked another great thing with a pet if you can enjoy them in this way. So I would say yes, if you are in any way capable do give this dog a home, it will bring you so much in return and be a positive force with your health. Good luck with your health and happiness.

[kefalonia1 in reply to Dockdog]

Hi, thanks so much for your positive reply. l know that two years after my heart ops l am mended and looking forward instead of back. l can ride pillion again on my Husbands fast BMW motorbike for hundreds of miles so l can walk a dog. lts great to know that others on this site do this so can l. Great to know you are a serial rescuer, please post a photo of your dog and cat out for a walk on this site that's so funny!!! Take care, Sue.

[FeetheBookworm]

I have Heart Failure and also have an IED. We have an OES (was 2 but we lost our old girl last summer) and a rescue cocker spaniel. He came from a puppy farm where he was a failed stud dog. He was terrified and very withdrawn and is still very nervous with men. I walk them twice a day. Once round the block where we live (about 20 mins) and the other on National Trust land which is a 45-60 min walk.

It helps me keep fit and I always think no matter how rubbish I feel the fresh air does me good. Also the dogs are wonderful company and always seem to know when I’m having a bad day.

I should also be going to the gym but stopped just before Xmas when I firstly my daughter had cancer treatment for adenoids cystic carcinoma (and ended up in hospital with a chest infection a couple of wks later) and then my mother (who has Alzheimer’s and is in a care home) fell and broke a hip. It took 8 hours for an ambulance to arrive as there were so many others who took priority.

So my to do list this week is to get to the gym. At least once and then back to 2 or 3 times a wk. Can’t say I enjoy it but get a sense of achievement.

I do think the dog walking will help but pace yourself. Fiona

[kefalonia1 in reply to FeetheBookworm]

Hi, thanks for posting when you have such trauma and worry in your life. l hope all is well now with your daughter and mum. Please take care of yourself and let us know how things are going. Sending virtual love to you. Sue x

[CharlesL]

Get a cat...

Take care

C

[kefalonia1 in reply to CharlesL]

Had a cat once and realised that this old expression is true. "Dogs have owners, Cats have staff !!!"

[CharlesL in reply to kefalonia1]

Yes I guess that you are right. I just prefer cats but I'm sure that both are theraputic

Take care

C

[stevlyn]

I think as long as your scar has healed it will do you the world of good.

I had a mitral valve repair and walk my dog for 1-2 miles a day and feel much better for it.

Good for you for getting a rescue dog - I hope you have many lovely walks.

[kefalonia1 in reply to stevlyn]

Thanks, working on it. Sue.

[Voyager1]

Hi, I would think that the daily walking would be excellent for you heart health (but maybe check with your GP). I got a rescue greyhound a few years after my heart attack, and having to walk the dog has been great for my fitness. There is also the fact that pet ownership brings blood pressure down and stroking and cuddling is calming and therapeutic. I work in a hospice and we have a PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog who visits our day centre for this very reason. I think taking on this dog will be good for both of you. Good luck!

[kefalonia1 in reply to Voyager1]

Hi, yes you are right l do miss the love of a dog, its been five years since our last one so l think its time. Take care, Sue.

[Handel]

Afraid I'm a cat woman too! The rescue dog will have a brilliant friend in you. Go for it!! She'll make you happy and fit xxx

[kefalonia1 in reply to Handel]

Hi, please read my reply to CharlesL its true. Sue.

[mariancolyer]

I honestly believe that a dog can only be good for your health! I have a Westie and she is completely nuts but having been diagnosed out of the blue of having only 40% of my heart remaining - dilated cardiomyopathy - she has been such a positive! I have to walk her and she is company and helps me socialise also. I honestly feel that there are almost all positives!

Good luck with it and I wish you lots of happiness with your new dog..

[kefalonia1 in reply to mariancolyer]

Thanks l will,Take care, Sue.

[Hidden]

I have to say that a dog is a wonderful creature to make one feel good and glad to be alive - they are good company, totally honest and love to be with their owner, whether on walks or just sitting quietly when you decide to read the paper. I had a CABG last June and whilst in hospital missed our two Labradors. We are getting a third as a pup a week on Friday and would always recommend a dog as company, companionship and as a friend to walk with - go for it, you would regret it if you passed her by.

[kefalonia1]

Hi, working on my Husband. Cunning plan tactics, l promise not to moan if he goes off on his motorbike for the day with his mates because l would have a dog for company. Cooking his favourite meals, great security for me with my dicky ticker, l will love it if my plans come together they have before ha ha. Take care, Sue.