Pets are good therapy

exbrnxgrl · November 2011

Just noticed this thread. My avatar is my lovely Pomeranian, Nala. She claims she knows how to use my iPad. Poms are real hams who love to pose and smile for the camera. I also have a stray who was found pregnant and covered in fleas by my hairdresser. We believe she is a chihuahua/min pin mix. She still has some behavioral issues that we're working on but once she trusts someone she is as loyal and affectionate as they come.We named her MaryLu. Caryn

karen333 · November 2011

Dear Kiley, when the time is right, do consider going to the local shelter for an older dog, I had lost our beloved Schnauzer and went to the pound to look - who was I kidding. Found an 8 year old chocolate lab whose owner had gone to hospice, went home to think about it, drove back the next day with a red collar and leash in hand and brought Sawyer home, he stuck to me like glue and was the only dog I have ever seen who always looked like he was smiling. He was 85 lbs. of lapdog. It enriched my life and his. I know the grief is too fresh now but in time and time is the only thing that blunts the grief, I have grieved longer for a beloved pet than for some people, sad but true, their unconditional love is so enveloping. Take care of you, Karen

cp418 · November 2011

Kiley - I just got back to this forum and saw your post from a few days ago. I am so very sorry for your loss. It is so hard when we loose these very dear loyal friends. Seek some peace knowing you took wonderful loving care of him. Sending you Hugs - Joann

grdnslve · December 2011

Kiley--so very sorry you are hurting now.

kiley56 · December 2011

I was so blessed to have "my mighty Chubs" in my life. The pure joy that boy brought to my life I will never forget. The sorrow I feel now is nothing compared to the happiness, unconditional love, and strength he gave me. He gave till he could give no more, then I had to let him go. I have no doubt if he could he would be with me to the very end. He was a true friend even at the end of his life He died with dignity. I just want to say Thank You Chubs for sharing your life with me............................And Thank You ladies for understanding my pain, it means so much .................................Kiley

Gingerbrew · December 2011

Stewie pooped onto his tail and made a huge mess all over the floor and carpet. Looking for a workout? Just call Stewie!

Kate60 · December 2011

I have four dogs. Not by intention though. I've always had two, but then my daughter moved away and so we have been looking after her for 2+ years and my mum died so I honoured my promise to always look after her. They are my best friends. I am especially close to my girl Jilly. She is a long haired border collie and we have an incredible bond. She is 5. Oh and we also had a beautiful Lab Maddie who was 15 and we had to have her put to sleep, her poor old body was just not able to carry her weight anymore but right up to the very very end, her tail was still thumping and she was gobbling down liver treats as they put the needle into her vein. The truly sad thing with our pets is they just dont have very long life spans - well in comparison to ours, so our time with them is never long enough. Having always had dogs in my life I could never be without them. I know some people say they won't have dogs or cats because of the sorrow at the end, but I just think they are missing out on so many wonderful years of true happiness and a truly unique relationship. I think we are so blessed that they choose to share their lives with us Smile

Gingerbrew · December 2011

Aussie Kate I couldn't agree more! I love my doggies.

GInger

Anonymous · December 2011

I have always thought that maybe something is a bit off with me because I really do have more feelings for animals than I do for people....I don't know if it is because they are so trusting and dependant on us or what, but animals always tug at my heart strings.....I will see a stray cat and rush to get food for it or I will see a dog tied up on a short rope or chain and watch and if it is left that way for long, I call the SPCA (and unfortunately they do not do much....if a dog has food and shelter, they do not consider it abuse). The other night when I came home there were deer in the front yard....some neighbors hate them because they eat their plants, Me, I rushed in to get carrots and apples for them. What do they eat anyway? Once I got this block of seedlike stuff called a deer block, but only the squirrels ate it and I ended up growing a giant corn plant.

I am always leery or people who cannot find a spot in their heart for animals. I also think animals are a good judge of character and they have always been correct in their analysis of people in my case anyway....should have definitely listened to my dog when it came to a few old boyfriends. LOL.

Gingerbrew · December 2011

Kiley I missed your post. I am so sorry for your loss of your faithful friend. I am happy for you that you had him in your life and sad for you at his loss.

Hugs Ginger

kmccraw423 · December 2011

I couldn't agree more! I get so angry when I see neglected or abused animals. I would not do very well in animal law enforcement - I'd just shoot the abusers - it cuts down on recidivism!

Kiley ..., I am so glad you had Chubs in your life. ((((((((KILEY & CHUBS)))))))))))))

chabba · December 2011

Marybe, your comment about the boyfriends reminded me of a dog my brother and I gave my Father for Christmas my freshman year of college. Even though I wasn't home much from then on she and I bonded very much. One time when I was home for a holiday a man I had just met at school came to pick me up for a date. Mom really liked him but Gretchen just snarled. I never went out with him again, He turned out to be a jerk. I'll admit that a few years later when I met DH and "took him home to meet the parents" I was rally more interested in how Gretch would react. She was all over him and he was immediately her new best friend. 45 years later we are still married and he is still my best friend.

kmccraw423 · December 2011

Chabba ... what a great love story!

3jaysmom · December 2011

i ao agree about the dogs, choosing the right people.. my little man was abused before we got him, so he's naturally afraid of men.. but, he loves the guy next door ( i do too) and my hubby, and a few other guys. he doesn't like the same women ive learned aren't to be trusted, so I KNOW he is better than i in picking!!!!

he's just such a charmer, always nearby... when i get up at night, like now, he;ll curl up on my pillow and keep it warm: but, come 3am, or so, here he is, sitting on my feet, telling me, its late, mom, come to bed... ya just can't live without them around..

and to think, i wnet without a dog, when i lost my cocoa. i felt very much like you did with sydney, Marybe. a friend asked me about him, and told me her husband was mistreating him, and i said "no" but found another home for him... but, she just brought him to our house, and my husband pleaded with me, he wanted a dog of his own... i gave in, and he's been my shadow ever since.. he even SMILES.. i taught him whne we first got him.. when he's been bad, or when we 1st walk in the door, he curls his lip uo, and smiles!!!what was I thinking!!!i thank God we took him to be with us... he's now, my lifeline... so much for him being Murs dog... although, truthfully, he loves him, too.. but its clear, he's my "little man"............3jays

kmccraw423 · December 2011

Dogs just know! I had a great aunt who didn't care for dogs - not that she would ever hurt one. Our Boston Terrier would go sit right next to her everytime. It was if he was saying "you WILL like me!"

kmccraw423 · December 2011

kiley56 · December 2011

A friend is takeing me to see a rescue dog that looks very much like the dog in thfirst picture above. I don't know I'm still just so sad I've not beenout of the house much since I lost Chubs, so maybe its a good idea I just go. Kiley

karen333 · December 2011

Dear Kiley, if he looks like the photo, you will know by your reaction to him if it is the right move. It'd be aweful hard to say no to a face like that. If it does not work out - you got out of the house, and that is a good thing. hugs, Karen

kmccraw423 · December 2011

Kiley ... good luck with the doggie.

kiley56 · December 2011

I had a great time playing with doggies yesterday. The women who run the rescue are totally awesome! She is hands on with all the rescues. I was drawn to all the dogs. Loved each and everyone of them, their stories were heart breaking. They are a very special family, to have devoted their lives to rescueing these dogs from some very dire circumstances! Most were young. The one that drew me there has already had the home check and will probably be adopted today by a family. And that is good I think. I met many other dogs there that need homes. She will come out to my house next week for a home check. I realized that, I can problably not handle the same breed as Chubs as a puppy, I am now 17 years older, gone thru much cancer treatment, and have SE, that will forever change my life. Also my husband left me after my mastectomy. Chubs was a staffordshire pit bull terrior. They are a very strong breed and need special training I'm not sure I'm strong enough to handle at this time in my life. They are also pups for at least five years. I was fortunate to grow old with Chub and have those younger years of youth and energy to help him be the wonderful dog he was. Made me sad to know I can not handle a youg Chubs at this time in my life, but glad I had the opportunity to find out. I know I can love another dog and even handle a pup, just a less forceful breed. I pray I have the opportunity, I also have aback up plan in case I too, have to leave this world. Thank You, Kiley

OH YES, yesterday was a very GOOD day!

chabba · December 2011

kiley, I'm so glad you had a good day. Just being around animals who need us will do that. I'm sure you will find another special friend to share and return multiplied the love you have to give.

karen333 · December 2011

Dear Kiley, I am so glad you had such a good day, being at a shelter especially one run so conscientiously, as to do home visits, must have been so special. You sound wonderful with plans and backup plans. Chubbs was such a special boy as you shared his younger years and then he supported you in your time of need. My cousin has an English Spaniel who was a terror in his first 5 years of life, now at the age of 11, he is ready to just to cuddle or kiss off tears if that is a moment I am having. I know without a doubt that they will find you pet-worthy, then all you have to do is find the dog that speaks to you as my Sawyer did to me. He was an older chocolate lab, finished with the hijinks's young labs are prone to. Off all the dogs in the shelter that day, I knew he was my boy. Take care of you, Karen

K-Lo · December 2011

There you are, Marybe! How are ya? Missed you.

Anonymous · December 2011

Here is the gang, waiting for Santa perhaps.

Yep, Kathy this is where I am off and on.....I still read about you Xeloda Divas, but since I am not taking it, have nothing to offer.....am still doing no treatments at present, but am investigating.

kmccraw423 · December 2011

Marybe...what a good looking group! Do you have a pic of them facing us?

Anonymous · December 2011

Sure I do, but I think the butt shots are cute....here they are. front and side. Brattie, the oversized Rat Terrier, Harley , the little Silky, and Hope, our stray, who is a Corgi mix.

Anonymous · December 2011

Joyce, I am still in limbo. My onco,the old one whom I am staying with, since the other one has never gotten back with me nor did he contact MDA as I asked him to....had his nurse call me and give me some recommendations.....Now don't you think a doctor should be the one doing that?....one of the recommendations was adriamycin, low dose weekly and my onco also feels that is what I should do....However, the onco at MDA said there is a good possibility a new chemo will not work since every time you do one and it stops working, there is less likelihood the next one will work.....interesting, huh.....my onco here never told me that. I have had four not work in a row so where does that leave me. So I did some research on line and am trying to get my information to John Hopkins so they can review my records and scans and I am hoping I will be a candidate for liver surgery. The woman on the phone was very nice when I gave her my history and said, BUT I feel fine and look fine and still work and have energy and she said well, you sound fine......what are they expecting a weak little quavering voice. So what am I doing?....still nothing, but I did get my Xgeva shot last Wed. I will let you know when a decision is made.....I know I don't have a lot of time to decide, but also do not want to jump into something that most likely will not work.

The Xmas party I had at my Dad's this past Sat was a big success.....the dogs did not attend as I just could not see them bugging 50 people for food....not everyone is a dog lover.

You need a new pet, Joyce....maybe not a Maltese so you don't compare....I am sure there is a pet out there who would love to come to a warm loving home. I was looking at pics of George and thinking maybe I need another cat.

kmccraw423 · December 2011

Okay - those three are too cute! I love the way they've taken over the sofa. It is amazing how something so small can take over a large space and not leave any room for the human!

I had a cartoon drawing of a woman barely fitting in her bed with seven cats - the title of the picture - "Cats with Rights."