Hi folks
Me and hubby have spent weeks reading, researching and talking to friends and family about getting a dog. Everyone has an opinion and they vary considerably. Do you folks or anyone on the Headway team know of or can recommend a good dogs home for a companion dog that will suit a B.I person We are looking for a small to medium dog any help is appreciated
Thank you
Joanne 🐕😃
Hi Joanne...I have a labradoodle (who is quite large but you can get them small too!) who is amazing! Since my accident, she keeps an eye on me and is very aware of my mood. She loves a good cuddle and is very obedient and clever. Let me know if you have any other questions about the breed 😊
I suggest that you visit all the dogs homes in your area and see if they have any dogs that appeal to you. Put your name down with them and ask them to let you know if anything suitable comes in. Yes labradoodles are excellent pets as are many other breeds. it is the animal's behaviour and demeanour that will be most important for you. Probably best to get a dog about 2 or 3 years old so it is already calmer and trained. Pups are VERY hard work!
We rehomed a massive Boeboel - a South African Mastiff. A huge lump of a thing, completely nuts, difficult to control and can be a little aggressive on times. Just like his owner 
Great dogs if you can put a lot of effort in the early stages.
However, my daughter has Bearded Collies which are very obedient and soppy
Joanne, you are a girl after my own heart. We have a 2 year old labrador that my husband loves but after his BI he couldn't walk him any more as exercise makes him feel ill. Our local rescue happened to take in an old Labrador, overweight, partially deaf and blind and in need of a home for her later years. I joked at the time that she was more decrepit than my husband and they would suit eachother. I was right. She is fantastic to have around, as an oldie she isn't as demanding as my other dog and so isn't too much extra work for me and he can take her for walks as they potter along at about the same speed. She is with us as a long term foster so we get some help if we end up with major vets bills for her.
I agree with exhaustedwife that puppies are very hard work but there are so many dogs looking for homes your local rescues are the best place to start. There are often older dogs whose owners have passed away and they do not have always have behaviour issues. It is fantastic to reasearch the breeds so you know what you can expect ( as you can tell I am a huge Lab fan) but in the end it is the individual dog that will proably choose you.
I've been almost broody for a Border Terrier, but fear how the poor animal would cope when I was out of action (as now for example).
I think if you're a couple it's different as then there's always a 'spare' for walkies.
Have a look online for your local rescue centres ; they often post photos and histories of their animals to help identify different breeds before you go in person.
Good luck with your search Joanne. xxx
I am currently waiting to take on a retired greyhound and have met a few, they seem very calm and don't need a lot of exercise (now they are retired from the barbaric racing!) All the ones I've seen seem to be very calm docile creatures- very suitable as my son is 4 and they are non-aggressive. There's also a Retired Greyhound Trust near me
Companion Dogs UK have a website that you may find useful.
Hi Cindy both my partner and myself have bi's his is more severe, and I am disabled. We wanted to get a dog and we looked into numerous needs, not big as it could knock me over, we wanted a dog that was known for a good nature. At the time a friend had a shih tzu and he recommended them. So we did get one called Coco and she's amazing, she has a lovely nature. Very affectionate, loyal and when I have been really ill she's sat with me. We couldn't imagine not having her, as she gives us both a focus, she's funny, loyal and protective. I think it's a brilliant idea, I hope you do get one. Please tell us when if you
Hi Joanne, I adopted my beloved fury kid - Artie nearly six years ago. He is a mini wired haired fox terrier x griffin. Intelligent, gentle, caring, well mannered and most of all fun to have around. To adopt him, has been the best decision I ever made. He is my one and only faithful, constant companion. 🐶
Hi Joanne,
I asked my partner whether we could adopt a dog after I underwent neurosurgery. I wanted to have some drive, motivation, responsibility and company after she returned to work full time.
I knew that my recovery would take a long time (The surgery caused dexterity and sensory problems on my left side as well as fatigue, exacerbated by subsequent radiotherapy!) so we decided that it wouldn't be appropriate to pick a medium/large breed as I wouldn't be able to handle them or walk for long distances at first.
After relenting under my constant pestering, we are now the proud owners of a very friendly and (mostly!) well behaved Jack Russell cross, whom we adopted from The Dogs Trust. We were able to give a good home to a new member of the family without having to cope with the trials and tribulations of a new puppy (Which wouldn't have been an issue if I'd been well). He's a little bit mischievous and it can take time for an adopted dog to get used to their new home and family, but it's been so rewarding. It also gives me an incentive to get out and about, in fact I'd go so far as to say I owe the speed of my physical rehabilitation to walking my dog. Walking a dog is also a great opportunity to socialise with people you meet when you're out and abou, even if it's just a quick 'hello'.
The type of dog you want might vary based on the nature of the BI, if you want a dog that's less lively and better behaved, the Dogs Trust might suggest one of their slightly older dogs or a breed that has the right temperament, they asked us lots of questions about us, our home environment and what sort of dog we were looking for in order to match us with the perfect pooch.
Take a look here and see if they can help headwaysuffolk.org.uk/brain...
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