Stress of Caregiving Can Take Toll on Pets

Dorian - Good to hear from you; hope you are well.

Your story about Zoe reminds me of our beloved dog Emmitt.  My husband and I struggled a bit for a few years trying to have a child (all has worked out and we have three great girls, Maggie, Tess, and Grace) during which "Em", as he is fondly called, was our baby. 

Then came the girls and he definitely moved down on the totem poll, so to speak.  Each time I went in the hosptial to have a baby, I worried about him - he had followed me around for 9 months with a watchful eye.  Then when I came home to recuperate, we brought another baby to take away attention from him.

But pets are amazing and all they want is our love.  So we have tried to keep him in the loop so speak. He is right there with us and the girls and knows when one of them is not feeling well.  He is the best.  

All the best, sue (moderator)

Dorian has written more about pets - The Comfort of Canine and Austin, The Dog

At this time of year, always think of your Mom.  Filling out her bracket and watching the tournament.  Dissapointing as Duke's loss or Texas Tech's absence may have been---I KU victory would make things right, I know who she is cheering tonight--don't ask me how, but I know.

Rock Chock Jayhawk.

Lovingly Johnny Ed.

Your Zoe sounds wonderful.

My mom never got used to our pets. I wish she had. What comfort they bring!

It's amazing how our pets absorb our pain, fear, and sorrow. They do internalize it.

I chose to get a dog (Kismet, means "fate) during the last of my mother's life. I needed her "newness", her puppyhood to counteract the pull of depression and dying that hung in the atmosphere of our home.

But I also know that our three pets (two dogs, a cat) could feel my stress, my impatience. They seemed to always throw up at the worse time! But I knew they were reacting to me/to the bond we had.

We now have another new puppy, and I call him my dolphin (his name is Rupert, and he's Kismet's son). He senses every nuance. He gets very concerned if someone is sick, or hurt. He sniffs like crazy, stays close, the will lick your leg or arm in comfort, and I swear, you can actually feel his concern.

Our furry friends may share in our caregiving woes, and that's even more reason to value their companionship.

~Carol O'Dell

Author of Mothering Mother: A Daughter's Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir

available on Amazon

www.mothering-mother.com