In the dog housešŸ¶: I fancy getting a dog... - Cure Parkinson's

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In the dog housešŸ¶

jeeves19 profile image
jeeves19
ā€¢31 Replies

I fancy getting a dog (to keep me company as much as anything now that Iā€™ve given up work). My wife reckons that itā€™s a mistake as - given time - I might become too infirm to be able to give it exercise and then sheā€™ll end up ā€˜with another job to doā€™. My wife works full time and will continue to do so for a few years yet. Anyway, does anybody have any insights based on their personal experiences? Thanks gang.

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jeeves19 profile image
jeeves19
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MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson

I have an insight for you. My wife and I talked on and off about getting a dog for couple years and listed all the reasons why and how it would be inconvenient. We got a rescue dog 6 years ago. A Beagle Hound mix. Now, she loves it more than life itself. It's not unlike the discussion couples have about whether not they should have children. After they do, they realize it was a no-brainer.

Eliza-Jane profile image
Eliza-Jane

My old miniature foxie passed away recently. I won't replace her (yet) as we go away often. If life settles down I will probably get another dog. Niki forced me into a walk every afternoon. I do my 6km walk with friends in the morning but that's too quick for a dog who wants to stop and check out smells, but the afternoon walk with my dog got me out. It's nice to walk with a dog, you get to check out houses and gardens, and you meet new people, especially those with a dog. You can drive to other areas and walk through neighbourhoods you would like to explore without looking suspicious. :) It would probably be best if your wife was in on the decision-making. As MBAnderson has experienced, your wife may become just as fond of it as you do. I think if you see yourself as becoming infirm, more reason to keep active for as long as you can.

cjsg profile image
cjsg

When we had a dog my husband gave more attention to it than he did me. Just don't make the same mistake.

Springfield78 profile image
Springfield78

A rescue dog is a gift - both to you and the dog!. Mine has brightened many a day.

KERRINGTON profile image
KERRINGTON

Don't get a puppy.

Adopt a dog who has some decent bathroom habits.

Adopt an older dog 3 - 7 yrs old

Talk to people in your local shelters, they usually have a good idea re mellow dogs

Don't get a beagle, they are great, smart, but always in trouble...we have one.

Go on youtube and check out different home videos of people and their dogs , they're funny.

Lo0k into taking in a dog whose long time owner is very ill, or dying.

Start looking/reading on line about different breed personalities.

Small,medium size dogs wd be best.

Dog care in the US IS $$$

Foster a dog....after a dog is rescued many are putin foster homes where people teach the dog manners, etc. All medical blls are paid by the organization...eventually the dog gets adopted and you give itup.

DOGS ARE SUPER !

faridaro profile image
faridaro

Dogs are great to have if you can afford costs of numerous vaccinations and heart meds. Also dogs may carry ticks which could be transmitters of Lyme, as well as fleas which according to some sources can carry Lyme as well. We used to live next to the woods and our dog carried plenty of both - ticks and fleas, even though she was given regular baths and other treatments.

CheriinMI profile image
CheriinMI

Our 2 dogs - 12 and 18 mos. enrich our lives so much. Even on my worst days, when the big Bernese puppy wants to get in my lap for a cuddle, I know why I am still here.

Toogood profile image
Toogood

Get the dog...

jeeves19 profile image
jeeves19

Thanks to all who have made a comment. Much appreciatedšŸ˜ŠšŸ¶

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345

One thing to consider with cats or dogs is whether the flea treatments are harming you. We have just got my husbands DNA results back and he has a mutation in a gene that processes pesticides so now I am worried about defleaing the cats.

andrehypnotic profile image
andrehypnotic

Dogs need excercises/walksdaily

jujulini profile image
jujulini

consider a cat instead, much less trouble, and if it is an indoor cat, you dont have to worry about toxic flea treatments.

rhyspeace12 profile image
rhyspeace12ā€¢ in reply tojujulini

We got two cats, brothers, as kittens and they are the joy of my husband's life! They are so much fun together, and you can always find them because they stay together.

jujulini profile image
jujuliniā€¢ in reply torhyspeace12

my daughter wanted a dog, but i know it wouldve been too much work. i have asthma; but my daughter did some research and found several breeds of cats that are hypoallergenic. they have less of the protein that causes allergies in their saliva than other cats. so we got a siberian (looks like a maine coon) and we just love him. now i want to get an oriental shorthair.....

DianeF profile image
DianeF

We have had 4 rescues over the course of the last 26 years. Our last one passed in June. We decided to take a break to hopefully travel, but Iā€™m not sure how long weā€™ll make it as we are both looking at rescue sites daily. I agree with Kerrington that older dogs are house trained and you donā€™t have to deal with the chewing puppy phase. Over the years I learned to get a breed that doesnā€™t shed terribly as you donā€™t want to be cleaning up hair all the time. Another consideration is size. A big dog that isnā€™t well trained could jump and knock you over or you could trip over a small dog underfoot. And when you do get an older dog, know that they need some time to trust and bond before their real personality appears. Dogs are a wonderful addition to life and they will keep you moving , walking and laughing. Dogs are really good for the soul

swva profile image
swva

My wife and I have decided that our current 14 year old dog is our last dog. Dogs are like kids that never grow up and you can't leave them alone for much more than 6 hours without having a mess to clean up when you get home. Too hard to get away for a few days with a dog. Cats are a breeze compared to dogs. They use a litter box and are pretty much self sufficient. Ours is on my wife's lap any time she is on the couch. If you decide on a cat, I would recommend a Breeze litter box.

Kevin51 profile image
Kevin51

We have a wire haired fox terrier - my 2nd, her 3rd. I usually stop and talk to at least one other dog owner on walks which is good for my sociability. Choose your breed carefully. WFTs are little b***ers but nicely possessive and the current one refuses to grow up. If I flake out she flakes out beside me as an act of solidarity. She is 8.8kg now which is big enough - she could yank me over if she tried so I would not want anything heavier. Maybe you could borrow a friend's (well trained) dog for a weekend and try it out. Best K

jeeves19 profile image
jeeves19ā€¢ in reply toKevin51

Thanks Kevin and thanks once more to all respondents. Youā€™ve been more than helpful.

weekapaw profile image
weekapaw

Hi Jeeves19,

I've had dogs 20 years. Along with the love and companionship, he forces me to walk. I'm in other PD exercise programs. I know all the walking is doing me well. After 4 1/2 years, everyone tells me I look great.

Kia17 profile image
Kia17

Adam

I think having a dog is a good thing as at least that become a reason to walk a couple of times a day.I have a cute puppy šŸ¶ (4-months old) and really glad to have her.Dogs are blessings in our life.

jeffmayer profile image
jeffmayer

Definitely get a dog there great company I have 2 Irish setters

Astra7 profile image
Astra7

I can see your wifeā€™s point, but perhaps you can get an older rescue dog that doesnā€™t need too much walking. Dogs donā€™t really live that long anyway and youā€™ve hopefully got many more good years in you yet!

Or maybe you could provide doggy day care for a neighbour? We sometimes look after the neighbours dog as they work so much, and its been useful to confirm that the kids wonā€™t help much at all!

Livin_MY_life profile image
Livin_MY_life

Getting a dog,or any pet for that matter is such a personal experience. On one hand they are great companions and on the other require a lot of attention and cost when they age (or before). Itā€™s such a big decision for any family! Vacation, house keeping, walks, grooming all come to mind. With that said we have 2-dogs and a cat. The cat is pretty self sufficient most of the time but the GSD demands walks and play time and our little guy (cocker mix) not so much but needs grooming. I have a roomba that helps with the house (we call her Rosie) and a grooomer for Chester about 6-8 weeks. My shepherd does the long walks and sheds constantly (thank you Rosie!). Pros and cons to each. Wife has some definate points! If your heart is set, cockers (or mixed!) are a great choice for adoption age 2 or more. Difficult decision!

falcon946 profile image
falcon946

My rescue dogs not only get me moving and out, but they have been trained to assist with mobility issues, stability, and seizure alert (one was a natural). I don't remember if you struggle with freezing, but on a walk, the dog keeps moving and has a rhythm so I tend to also (or just pulled along a bit at times but whatever it takes :)) kind of like the theory of riding a bike at some degree of speed. Obviously mine are trained to not stop at every smell on the walks. They are there when I can't move and there to encourage me to "go out and play" so while they can be work, they give me so much more than I can give to them. Added bonus is that when I go out, the dog provides a way to be social.. the attention is on them, not me. And I have a great conversation starter. That said, please look into breeds, what you want to do with a dog and activity levels. A number of shelters want people to come walk the dogs and it gives you an idea if one might work for you as well as size, any allergies you may have to a breed, do you need one that can more easily travel, etc. As stated it's a personal/family decision but you can tell I am glad we have ours.

jubyduby profile image
jubyduby

My dog has been a life saver for me. I have to get up and walk her and she is great company when Iā€™m on my own. Iā€™m sure without her I would just sit around all day feeling very sorry for myself. She was a gift from my husband when we knew there was something very wrong with me but still a few years from what would be a diagnosis of Parkinsonā€™s. she has changed our lives.

One possible choice would be a retired Greyhound. They donā€™t need massive amounts of exercise. Are generally placid and you have a trained dog without the puppy phase.

Or how about becoming a guide dog or police dog puppy walker. There is also the cinnamon trust in the U.K. where you help a housebound person out by walking their dog once or several times a week.

jeeves19 profile image
jeeves19ā€¢ in reply tojubyduby

There had been a massive response to this post and it is amazing how strongly people seem to love their pooches! Good to see and most appear to advise that I get onešŸ¶

alaynedellow profile image
alaynedellow

Erik is my life saver. He gets me out, he is never miserable and never moans! He has been taught to not jump on me and lies down, he waits if i lag behind. He me incentive to get up and go. He is very sensitive to my needs if i tired he goes to sleep beside me. Its not the size of the dog its whether they intelligent- erik is. Choose well n you wont regret it.

Sueberd profile image
Sueberd

My husband bought me a little Yorkshire terrier when I was first diagnosed. Although dogs are expensive to raise she has been a joy. She makes me laugh and is fun. You need to know the personality of the breed before you decide on one. We have had Yorkies for years so we are aware of their quirks. Hope this helps.

judes profile image
judes

I can see your wifeā€™s point of view having a dog is hard work and can be expensive. As a family we acquired a Border Collie who every one was going to look after, yeah right! Despite my muttering I grew to love that dog and she went everywhere with me and still miss her, would love to have another dog but realistically Iā€™m not in a position to have one. Iā€™m on my own now.

So, I have cats now as couldnā€™t live without a pet. In a moment of madness I got 2 ginger kits now five months old, oh my, what bundles of joy they are and gives me a reason to get up in the morning.

jujulini profile image
jujulini

jeeves19- did you ever get your dog (or cat?)

jeeves19 profile image
jeeves19

Have had to defer because I spent a lot on a new guitar. Plan to get one in May when I can afford the breed I really want. Thanks for asking šŸ˜Š

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