I was an over-thinker even before I got ill, and find it helpful to get other opinions.
My darling spouse has his heart set on getting a dog, or maybe a couple of dogs, in the future. I'm generally on board with this, I quite like dogs, but have never had one myself. He's often away working at weekends and travelling during the week, so a lot of this future dog's care would inevitably fall on me.
I can't predict when flares are going to hit, or how my condition will progress. Can I honestly commit to the level of care that a dog will need? Regular and frequent exercise, obedience training and authority? What are your experiences and thoughts?
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Hi Chrissy, Your concerns are totally understandable. There are many pros and cons involved in getting a dog especially with RA. All dogs need exercise however some far more than others. I would strongly discourage a Border Collie ( for example). This breed never tires regardless of how much exercise you give them. A greyhound( for example) doesn't need too much or a small dog such as a pug wouldn't tire you too much. The pros are, they motivate you to get out and about when you feel up to it. The cons ( depending on breed) can wear you down with demands to go out, play, interact and so on. Most working dogs are not a good idea I think. There are lots of hybrid dogs too, have never owned or tried to train one though! So can't advise there. A puppy can be hard work but on the other hand, lots of fun too. A rescue dog is something I do like but that can come with problems dependant on the dogs history. Certainly don't rule out getting a dog but think carefully about where you live etc. Do you have an enclosed garden or park nearby? This would be handy on days you don't have energy and/or are in pain. Everyone's situation is different. Keep us posted. Suzie X
Hello there
Truth is its jolly hard work when in pain or feeling exhausted. There are times when I feel wiped out. I do have people in place when I'm feeling rotten and can't walk doggo.
I pay a marvellous dog walker once a week. Shep adores her! This is mostly so I can help out a friend with her very disabled husband. I give her a break for a few hours. I walk dog before I go and get dog walker to walk Shep so I can rest when I get home. I also walk neighbours dogs on the understanding that they walk mine.
I do infact love clever working breeds. I have double the trouble with a border/aussie Shepherd. This dog is super smart and energetic. I chose a dog that is easy to train and good for taking long distance. He's highly sensitive and a good protector when I'm off wandering/camping.
Mixed breeds tend to have fewer illnesses. Do think about that. Some breeds have awful health issues. This can be costly! There's also inoculations, worming and kennels if you go away. I've only used a home from home dog holiday place when hospitalised. Not kennels as my dog would hate it.
It can be hard work, but well worth the effort you put in. You do meet loads of people when you have a dog. Mine goes everywhere with me. Even on buses and trains. He's such an unusually handsome beast with his heterochromic eye that people can't resist chatting. I wouldn't be without him. I just get folks to walk him from time to time so I can rest. He loves it too.
Wouldn't be without ours. Yes there are negatives, but the sheer pleasure is worth it. We have a lively, bouncy Aussie but we have trained him quite carefully so he can come anywhere with us. Quite used to sitting outside doctors' surgery now...
And although we love him to bits, he is not allowed upstairs to keep the cleaning under control as he sheds phenomenal quantities of hair despite brushing.
Important things to me are to have an outdoor space so you can let the dog out first thing without having to get up and dressed. And to investigate whether there is a friend, neighbour, or professional dog walker nearby in case of an emergency.
Go for it Chrissy I’ve been much more active and felt much better since I got Jack he is similar to Shep. He makes sure I get plenty of walkes. A dog will be great company for you whilst hubby is away.Jack a rescue dog so he also happy to have a forever home.
We are thinking dog too but have two cars I almost bought a poodle Cross ahitzu it was lying in some one's arms she passed it to me it world have been 500 pounds and I'm thinking it was wrong timei never on impulse and it is a another commitment. We Wil reconsider in the spring so maybe that breed or a westie or miniature schnauzer as live in the an area where a lot of people have dogs. My neighbour has a grey hound they sleep all day! I but can be nervous dogs and and are quite large enough not a great choice if you have a cat x
Should say Two cats! I shiitzu poodle cross spell check auto correct on ohone
Dogs are excellent companions, especially as you’ve noted that hubby can be away, for a bit. I also recommend the Greyhound - very laid back, don’t need much exercise, love being a lounge lizard (they can do that on the floor too!). If you get one from one of the rehoming schemes, they make sure they’ve got good manners around the house and out on walks. There’s quite a few of them around where I live (Australia) and many of them are owned by older people (not that I’m insinuating that this is you ), which would seem to indicate that they’re pretty calm. Despite their looks, they don’t need to be running flat out at all, they will quite happily snooze most of the day. Personally, I have the Italian Greyhound, which is the miniature version and totally not like the real deal. They can be clingy, can break legs when young, are prone to having attacks of the “zoomies” around the house - and for those reasons I wouldn’t recommend them unless you’re aware of what you’re getting into lol
Hi, I love dogs and we now have our second dog. I love him dearly. Sadly I can no longer walk him due to really bad mobility and dexterity problems, I can’t hold his lead.
That aside, he makes me laugh every day and gives such a great deal of pleasure.
My advice would be, if you do get a dog get a breed that doesn’t:t require too much walking ie not a collie. There are breeds that require little exercise. I do think it’s something only you can decide. I adore our wee beastie.
We got a shih tzu pre RA and wouldn't be without her now (see profile pic). She doesn't shed, is very friendly, easy to walk as they tend to be as active or lazy as their owners. However, they can be little so-and-sos when house-training, stubborn as mules, need daily brushing, grooming every 5 to 8 weeks (and this can cost more than my hair dos), clingy and they are, as with all dogs, a massive tie. There are so many places barred to dogs. I simply can't walk her enough at the moment so that's another chore/delight Himself has to do. Had I known then what I know now I would not have got her. And now I'm going to go stroke her lovely silky ears, give her a belly rub and tell her she's worth it
Hi, I live on my own with a lab x german shepherd and a lab x collie! They are the best. They give me reason to get up on bad days and good! They make me exercise by walking them but they are happy to only 10 mins if I am having a bad day, or sometimes none at all! They are amazing companions and know my moods and flares. I am lucky to have a big garden so they can play by themselves if necessary. I know they are a tie but I wouldn’t be without them! Good luck with your decision!
Do some research on line for a dog that isn’t high energy and doesn’t require a great deal of exercise. Also I strongly urge you to adopt a dog that needs a home and don’t get a puppy. I have had dogs all of my life and currently have a boxer. Even though she is older, I feel guilty when I can’t get her out for a proper walk. She deserves better than being cooped up inside all day everyday. If I were to get another dog at this stage of my life, I’d adopt a small, older dog that needs a home. Puppies are very high energy and require constant attention and training.
Dogs are great companions and one will serve as great company when your husband is away. Best wishes to you on your search for a new friend.
We have 2 dogs, a golden retriever and a cocker spaniel both very energetic dogs requiring lots of exercise. My hands are not brilliant so I have a dog walking belt so attach both leads to this as extra support. I wouldn’t be without my dogs they keep me sane and keep me going. Yes it would be easier to sit at home and do nothing but then for me that would be giving into the disease, my dogs are my therapy and along with my husband they are my best friends as well. Although golden retrievers are big dogs they are fabulous therapy dogs, Willow is our 2nd golden retriever and she like our 1st retriever Bessie would both been fantastic helper dogs. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. 🐾xx
Hi I was advised by my consultant to get a dog as I have AS plus RD and OA . Best thing we've ever done been the best 7 years we now have 3 the last one is my mums who move in with us after my dad passed this year . They have supported me through so much and even if it's only been 10 minutes walk three times a day till one of the kids has taken them out. It has made me get up and out the house . Not only does the exercise help but so does the nature and the seasons and the space I honestly feel that this has truly helped me . Food for thought if you do decide please look at a rescue dog as they are looking for someone to make their life better and complete 🐶❤️
I have to miniature poodles, they are very bouncy and keep me on my toes, they are hard work and I would just like to say one thing. dogs are a big commitment, they are on going for life, need a lot of attention and I don't think every body is prepared for this on going commitment, for example you just can't get up and go out for the day without either taking them with you or getting them minded. You really have to want and love dogs if not you will resent them tying you down,. But yes they are brilliant company for me,
Correction, should read ,. I have two miniature poodles. !!!!! Their names are Teddy and Lulu,. One is White and one is Black. Eight months and 19 months ages.
I have a light sable German shepherd (her picture is my avatar). We got her as a puppy and I could not have done this road of pains and illnesses without her.
She's my service dog, she's easy going and laid back. She never leaves my side and I trust her completely. When I can't move due to lack of mobility and/or pain, she's my support and I hold on to her.
We have this soul connection that it's hard to explain but with her I feel safe. She's my life and my guardian angel.
Just make sure, as others have said, that you have the conditions necessary for the dog you choose.
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), which would seem to indicate that they’re pretty calm. Despite their looks, they don’t need to be running flat out at all, they will quite happily snooze most of the day. Personally, I have the Italian Greyhound, which is the miniature version and totally not like the real deal. They can be clingy, can break legs when young, are prone to having attacks of the “zoomies” around the house - and for those reasons I wouldn’t recommend them unless you’re aware of what you’re getting into lol
Do You Want to See Photo's of My Dogs.MATTCASS
My lovely dogs
Dog Fostering v's Spoon Theory
Foot surgery on Monday morning
