LindsayHappy New Year!
I’m pretty excited about this year. 2015 was the most stressful year of my life – partly for reasons I have already shared with you like trying awful new medications, getting married, and the honeymoon – and for many reasons which I haven’t yet shared with you. I’m still searching for answers on a few things, and probably acceptance on a few others, and will explain it all to you in good time.
In the meantime, I want to share some happy news: I adopted a dog. Anyone who knows me, knows what a huge dog lover I am. I have photos of all my dogfriends up on the fridge. I text and call my dogfriends often (and, yes, they text back), and remember all of their birthdays. For quite some time, I have been a crazy dog lady without a dog.
After we got settled and unpacked in our new house, the BF and I decided it was time to add another family member. Meet Fletcher.
We suspect he is about 2 years old. He’s a Labrador/Carolina Dog mix and weighs about 51 pounds. He’s a bit skinny right now, but we’re working on fattening him up a little. We have only had him for 2 weeks, so we’re still learning his personality, but he’s sweet and gentle and loves chasing balls.
Getting more exercise to help manage my postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms has been on my to-do list for a while, but it’s a neverending circle of wanting to exercise to feel better, but needing to feel better before you can exercise. With a dog, excuses are worthless. Having him around helps me push myself to take him on a walk, regardless of my symptoms. He has been a great walking buddy and can sense my limitations. Walking outside makes me nervous because I fear getting too far away from home, getting dizzy or, even worse, fainting, and then having to find my way back home. Fletcher is patient with me as we walk 5 minutes in one direction, then turn around go 10 minutes in the opposite direction, so that we are never more than a few minutes away from home.
Fletcher seems particularly drawn to me. He follows me everywhere and seems only truly comfortable when I’m around. I’m sure part of that is because I have spent the most time with him, but I wonder if part of it is because he can sense that I’m ill, and need an extra bit of love. They say dogs can sense some illnesses or episodes, and I will be very interested in seeing how he responds when if/when I faint. Whether it’s going for a walk or taking a nap together, I am always more comfortable when he’s by my side. Logically, I know he can’t do anything if I pass out or get sick, but having him around means I never have to be sick alone.
Fletcher was brought into the shelter as a stray, and it’s pretty obvious he had a rough start to life. I’m trying to help him build up the confidence so he isn’t afraid of everything, and he’s helping me build confidence in my physical ability. My resolution for 2016 is to improve my health, one way or another, and I think Fletcher might just be the key to making that happen.
Friends, do you have any pets? How do they respond when you’re ill?
“People can learn a lot from dogs. When someone you love walks in the door – even if it happens five times a day – you should go totally insane with joy.” – Ben Moon
Smell ya later.
– Linds
I have two of my own, both lab mixes and rescues as well. Fiercely protective and just hang around and lay next to me when I’m not feeling all so great. Since we just moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, they’re getting walked more often, and the cold seems to keep my symptoms more in check. It’s been the best of both worlds for all of us!
that’s wonderful! i love Labs – absolutely my favorite breed! they’re so sweet and loyal.
I have a two year old border collie and a I’ve year old English Shepard/golden retriever mix. I also live with EDS, POTS, and gastroparesis. My pups are just the best. They snuggle when I need to snuggle, push me when I need a boost to get them some fresh air, and lick my tears away when the pain is too much. If I’m being honest, sometimes it stresses me out because I feel like I’m letting them down if I just can’t do much for awhile, but I hide treats and play “find it”, bought them dog puzzles and teach them lots of tricks so they can still have fun inside too. I love them to pieces. ❤
your pups sound very sweet. i’m sure they understand and appreciate all you do for them!
Yayy, I’m thrilled you’ve adopted a dog 🙂 He’s *gorgeous* and already looks right at home snuggled up on your sofa!
As you know I adopted a dog, Bertie, nearly 5 years ago now! The effort and stress killed me to start with if I’m honest, and he nearly went back to the shelter, but I just loved him so much I made it work. Had to employ a dog walker and upgrade my mobility scooter to take him out in the afternoons but eventually we got into a routine and I physically cope ok now. He had emotional issues and hadn’t been trained well, peed everywhere, still has severe separation anxiety, so the first year was really difficult but we worked through everything. Being forced to walk him has definitely increased my exercise capability, muscle strength and stamina.
He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to not only me but my parents who also adore him. And through walking him every day I took up photography which is now my major passion 🙂 He’s now a happy, confident, loyal, loving, well behaved dog although his woofing at everything still gets on my last nerve and he does take off after deer, rabbits and pheasants! 😉
Wishing you all well and look forward to updates on how he’s getting on. Jak x
thank you so much for your comment – it’s very reassuring. the first month has been exhausting, but i know the exercise is good for me, and i’ve already noticed an increase in stamina. Fletcher isn’t yet the perfect dog, but i’m inspired by Bertie’s story.
mine also has separation anxiety, but we’re working on it, and i do think it’s getting a little better. i know it sounds a little cliche, but Fletcher really does make my life better. and just look at that face!!
Pet therapy is the best! And Fletcher is adorable and handsome! My first pet was a stray kitten that my ex-boyfriend and I had loved and taken care of while we were in college. I loved coming home from a tough test and finding her hidden deep in the blankets. Or leaving for class and turning around to find her watching me from the window. She unfortunately passed away recently and very suddenly at the young age of 6, so that was heartbreaking, but it made me cherish the time that she was in my life. A few years ago, my parents adopted a rescue Lab/Finnish Spitz mix (maybe), so I see him only a few times a year when I go home, but my parents often send me pictures of them all curled up on the couch together after dinner or on a weekend hike. It’s amazing what pets can do for your mental and physical health! I think the important and tough part is finding one who suits your personality and needs.
thank you! it’s amazing what an effect pets can have on us. i’m always calm and content when fletcher is around, even if i’m feeling awful that day.
SO MUCH YES for this puppy! I love my cats more than anything….but I know my next pet will be a dog. <3
cats are great too! i’d love to have one of each, but the BF Is allergic.