Paws for Thought

Stacy,

 

I totally agree with you.  My two dogs are a huge part of my support system. They are therapy for a really bad day, warmth when I am cold and in pain, and the unconditional love we all need, especially those of us in constaint pain.

 

My love for animals even influenced my work, when I decided I needed to work at least part time, I started my own pet portrait business - draw the paw.  It combines the two things I enjoy most, my art and animals.  It feels theraputic to step outside of myself and really look into the personality and spirit of an animal.  Even when I think I am in too much pain to paint, I get the strength once I begin.

 

Thanks for reminding us of the health and emotional benefit of interacting with animals.

 

Jenny 

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Stacy

 

My husband & I live with four dogs, they are my very best of buddies and give me a reason on so many bad days to drag myself up and out of bed at a reasonable time and give me a reason to have something to care for.

They as you say, help me to take time for walks and get my exericise.  I bring one or two with me down to the walking path and they give me a distraction, so that I can just enjoy being out doors and also giving them a walk too.

On my very bad days, they all huddle around me and sleep with me, then they get up and follow me where ever I am located in the house.  I may have to spend many hours a day alone at home, but I'm never really alone as I've got my furry kids.

They could care less if I've put my make up on or even if I don't get dressed.  Either way they still love me and we have a fun time together. 

Life would be so lonely around here without them.  I'm just blessed that I have a husband that loves them as much as I do.  four dogs in you house can be a bit much when they all are excited about something.

 

Thank you, I love my babies

Betty

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I have three cats, and they have been so helpful to me over the last few years! They always make me smile, no matter how down I might be feeling. So, I totally agree that people in chronic pain should do whatever they can to interact with animals, whether it be getting a pet of their own or caring for someone else's, volunteering at a shelter as you suggested, etc. My life would not be complete now without my beautiful feline companions!:)
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I have three cats and one dog of the Shih Tzu variety.  (You can see photos of them – along with pics of my human grandchildren – in the photo album of my profile.) I can only echo the other comments here about what a positive impact they have on my life.  They keep me company, make me laugh, give me affection, and motivate me to get up when I'd rather stay in bed. Thanks for reminding us what a blessing these little creatures are, Stacy!
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Yep, Stac;  I have  bunny-rabbit and, were it not for her, I simply would NOT get out of bed many (most) mornings.. Even if only to feed the girl, having her around;  doing her "happy dance/run" from room to room, makes me laugh;  out loud!  Anne
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Hi Stacy-I spend most of my time with my 4 year old Bichon named "Chappy."  He already had that name when I adopted him from Bishon rescue 2  & 1/2 years ago.  Without him, life would be more painful and depressing. 

 

Mark 

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I'm so glad to hear that you all have pets in your lives.  I don't have a pet now that I live in the city because our apartment doesn't allow it... however...  I do have a good friend that lives on our block that has a *fantastic* yellow lab named Francis.  Whenever I see him he is SO excited to see me, he wags his tail and wiggles over, panting excitedly to get his kisses and pets.  ;)  I bought some treats for him so whenever he stops by, he knows he's getting something tasty and some love.  He is a certified therapy dog too, so he's incredibly gentle and seems to sense it when I'm not feeling well (amazing!).  I take care of him often when his owner is going out for the whole day.  I must say that there is pretty much nothing better than taking a nap with a warm puppy!  :)

I've had dogs, cats, and horses (horses were 'my thing' from age 7-19, I rode all over the country competitively) in my life since I was very small, so animals are very important to me.  I lost my cat in my divorce, and that was very sad for me.  I hope to get another kitten soon, and a dog eventually when we are settled here in the Bay Area (possibly outside of the city where we can have a yard for it). 

Anyway, it's good to hear your stories about your animals. Give them a kiss and hug from me!  Isn't it amazing the happiness and love they bring to our lives? :) :)  

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As I am brand-new to this site, I was immediately struck by the nmber of pictures of my colleagues who had pets with them!  Everything in the comments are true.  I have a 5 year old English cocker spaniel that is the kindest, gentlest, best-behaved pet I have ever owned.

 

Last week, he was hit by a car (most residential streets in Hawaii don't have sidewalks) but survived and is coming along nicely.My caring for him makes me forget the pain.  Yes, we have gone back to walking short distances at a slow speed (with reflector vests and blinking bike lights on).

 

Florence Nightingale has always been one of heroes.  Her books contained so much common sense that I always used as a nurse practitioner.

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