Weak as a puppy...

[helixhelix]

I'm puppy sitting for a neighbour at the moment, a beautiful 10 week old called Gloria. And I'm finding it's ideal occupation for someone with RA. Have to move around every hour to take her outside which is stopping me from stiffening up. But also lots of naps, as she has 20 minutes bursts of energy and then flops. And walks are short and fairly slow as she only has little legs. She also a nice heat source, as likes to drape herself over my feet. Stroking her is good too. So all in all, it's a great occupation. Polly

[LavendarLady]

Hi Polly, she is absolutely gorgeous. I find when dog walking that I can manage about 5/6 minutes then my feet hurt, my back hurts and everything else gives up! Our junior labrador (14 months today), has started his gun dog training and seems to enjoy being with older steadier labs who are two grades above him. The only thing he did when he saw my hubby was take off at a great rate causing the long lunging rein to whip through my fingers and take the skin off my left hand. Very sore. Trainer soon told him off. Dog that is ,not hubby!

Animals are very restful - I love my cat on my knee as she cuddles up and starts to purr. Always makes me feel better. And junior lab likes to lean against my leg and put his head on my lap. they are such a comfort when you feel low. enjoy your puppy sitting. Love LavendarLady x

[DZ84]

I totally agree. Having a dog is great therapy! I have a Canine Partner, so as well as being a great friend and hugger, she helps with the physical things I can't do. She is great emotional support and seems to know when I'm having a bad day, and gives me extra snuggles and wont leave my side. Wouldn't be without her!!

[Hidden]

Hi Polly - great picture of Gloria - name pretty apt from look and sound of her.

My Fred is also terribly cuddly and the boys dote on him so we all get gushes of life extending feremones/ pheramones (how on earth is that spelt??) and he's terribly spoilt and adored and also keeps us all fit. I can walk and walk with him most of the time although today my knee is playing up and I struggle a bit with the lead and my fingers so youngest son came with me over the hill for once. He won't settle for a proper rest though unless he's used up a lot of his energy and then only if he can lean or lie on us - which is quite difficult for someone like me who can't stay still for long without stiffening up. If I move he gives me this really malevolent look and often grunts indignantly. He's so clingy he even follows me to the toilet! TTx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Now that makes me laugh..following you to the toilet! Bridget does that. Sits right in front of me as if she's making sure everything is working, or some such thought. I do pet her head then, and she knows when I go for the paper, she can leave. She has been lonely yesterday and today, as I have been getting things done, so I have to stop and talk to her and promise we will have a little nap in just a few minutes. She is like velcro with me in our chair, either on my lap or wedged in beside me, then she is really content. and doesn't like it if I move! I did say I was going to supper and make a cobbler! ByeeeL.xxxx

[Gina_K]

I totally agree suitable dogs are great for people with arthritis, but not ones that need two hours walking a day. I recently fostered for a rescue, and it was a very rewarding experience.

Gina.

[tiger]

We have a dog and 4 cats and whilst the cats are lovely when they snuggle on your knee (when they want to) a dog is very loyal and is always there for a pat and a cuddle when you are feeling at a low ebb. Floss is a 2 year old border collie cross, who needs a lot of exercise so my OH takes her for energetic long walks and I take her for a more sedate one each day, if I feel I can't do much and need lots of stops I turn her walk into an obedience training walk - making her brain work rather than physical exercise (having said that she still obeys my OH more than she does me!). So between the two of us she gets all the exercise and stimulation that she needs.

[swoodge]

This is great i'm trying to persuade my hubby that i would be ok to have a puppy as we have moved to Norfolk and i would love one but he's not sure i could handle one with my RA. I would love a miniature schnauzer, i understand they are good family dogs ( i have a 10 year old son) and not too big for me. We havent had a dog before as we both worked and didnt have the right sort of place. Now we're in the country and i'm at home so i think it would be perfect to help me get up and out walking a little with a puppy/dog each day, someone to talk to and doze with. it would also be company for me during the day. There are training classes near us also and nearly everyone here seems to have a dog so i would also meet a lot more people. Any one out there got a schnauzer?? Sue x

[helixhelix in reply to swoodge]

My elderly mother had one - I think she got it when she was about 75 and it was perfect as didn't need huge long walks but happy with more shorter ones. And also happy curling up at her feet.

[LavendarLady in reply to swoodge]

Hi Sue, whereabouts in Norfolk have you moved to? I live in West Norfolk oin the edge of the Sandringham estate. LavendarLady

[swoodge in reply to LavendarLady]

Hi we have moved to Kelling, Holt North Norfolk renting at the mo but hoping to exchange on a house in High Kelling this week. Its a lovely place, slightly different to Romford Essex!!!!!

We have pheasant and partridge in the fields at the end of the garden here which is wonderful to see and interesting to drive around! We did go to the Sandringham Craft fair once with my parents and my son was probably about 2 or 3 as i remember having a photo of my dad and husband swinging him up in the air between them with the marquees in the background. It must be on again soon this time of year??

[LavendarLady in reply to swoodge]

Hi Sue, You are about an hour away from me. Sandringham Craft Fair is on again - the end of March I think for the first time. There are usually 2 or 3 a year.

If you get the EDP newspaper they are usually advertised in there. And large adverts on the side of roads as well. High Kelling is a lovely spot. LL

[swoodge in reply to LavendarLady]

Nice to know there is another Norfolk lady here. I'm pretty newly diagnosed as i fell down 3 steps in March 09 and it all started from there. I was unable to move much from that day and it took a little while to diagnose but once i was i was straight onto a very high dose steroid and then onto mtx. Its been a real rollercoaster of a ride! I had thought that it was an old persons problem and had no idea that 42 was the average age to get RA! I was in a wheelchair for 6 months until i could walk properly again after a spinal block and then i've been hobbling along ever since. My now 10 year old is very good about it all but i think he misses his mummy that could get on the floor with him and tumble around! Anyway enough about me I know i am one of the lucky ones now after getting on my first Anti TNF i got into near remission for a while until i got a severe allergic reaction and now am battling to get to try another one! Do you go to the N & N in Norwich?

[LavendarLady in reply to swoodge]

Hi Sue,. like you I was in a wheelchair for some weeks before being properly diagnosed, whisked into hospital and given steroid infusions.Now on MTX and anti tnf and still get flare ups. Have to have a steroid injection to calm it down if anti inflammatories and pain killers don't work.

Yes, I do go to the N & N. Was there last thursday to see the rheumy nurses and go again in 6 months time. I see my consultant about every 3 months at the private hospital in King's Lynn as he holds a clinic there for his KL patients.

Hope you get on ok and get back onto one of the anti tnfs soon. They do work wonders. Don't know what I would do without them. LL

[Hidden]

What a lovely wee dog - we have a big big white retreiver, she is beautiful but needs a lot of walks, play and attention. Husband does all the activity - i don't have the grip to hold the lead and the balance to walk him but i do the patting of her head when she is lying by my feet at night.

[Hidden]

What a cute puppy x

[Hidden]

Thank goodness! I thought oh no, your having a difficult time until I read your blog gorgeous puppy x