Is your pet seeing you through this?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2010

    Hi all, reposting to this outdated forum since I'm still enjoying my three as they delight me and help me every day with my "new normal." Would appreciate hearing from others who either have or have interacted with animals as part of their treatment or recovery. Thanks!!

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  • HairSprayMom
    HairSprayMom Member Posts: 251
    edited May 2010

    My baby dog Brandy (American Bulldog) was my best buddy during DX, surgery, and treatment (5 mo of chemo). I never had to explain anything to her, she never asked any stupid questions, and she was always there for me day and night to cry on her furry shoulder with no recriminations! Me and her had many a 3 am crying session and I am not sure what I would have done without her! Pets RULE!

     XO,

    Regina

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited May 2010

    Leeanne,

    You surely hit a cord here for us pet lovers.  I'm the same here as far as not having a dog until I started chemo.  I said I was getting this little one for my 12 year old son; but she is definitely my dog. I thought I was nuts at the time I got her because I was so exhausted with chemo; I didn't think I could walk her--but I did.  She is such a sweetheart and I now can not do without her.

    Terri

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  • Lowrider54
    Lowrider54 Member Posts: 2,721
    edited May 2010

    I don't know what I would do without my fur child.  My son is off in the Marines and it is just me and my doggie.  He is so patient with my shuffling around in the morning until I can make it to let him out.  He is by my side always - being a Sheltie, that is his job but the affection between us is amazing.  It is particularly comforting when he knows I am hurting and he ever so gently just lays his head slowly in my lap. 

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  • Lizzgirl
    Lizzgirl Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2010

    My dear Welsh Corgi, Chloe, died in Oct. 2009 and I was diagnosed in January of 2010.  I wanted another dog very badly and my husband was against getting one for numerous reasons, one being that he is not a dog person.  However, after I was diagnosed he gave in. Yes, I know we have a dysfunctional relationship!  Anyway, I brought home Sammy on April 10th.  He is a standard poodle and is full of energy and love.  He is, at times, exhausting, but I am so happy to have him to focus on during this crazy time.  He gives me a reason to stay active and although his sleep habits are still being sorted out, I am excited about developing the long term pet/person bond.  I have always had a dog or two at one time and at this critical time in my life I need this companion more than ever.  Sammy is going to be my roommate when I am sure I will move to the guest room once I start Tamoxifen.  My husband will not be able to take the air conditioner (he has his own serious health issues).  Pets are wonderful and I will keep mine as a part of my life for as long as I can!

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  • cs34
    cs34 Member Posts: 253
    edited May 2010

    Whiskey, my cat, (was actually my fiance's cat and I took her over) laid right at my bedroom door on the weekends of chemo when I was at my sickest and didn't move out of bed.  

    She never laid there before and hasn't since my last chemo weekend. We couldn't believe it. I have a picture of it on my phone but I don't know how to put it on here.

    It was so strange to me how she knew something was so very wrong...because I never had a cat before and thought cats' personalities were more "to themselves" but she was there and I'm so glad she was.

    Wishing you all a peaceful day!  

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  • dreaming
    dreaming Member Posts: 473
    edited May 2010

    When I was diagnosed ages ago,I had 2 dogs, a female and a male, 2 cats,same sex,the guys and the girls were buddies,they did not want to play with the kids,just to be look after,but the day I started my chemo,that it was given to me at home,they took turns, always 2 staying by my side,including nights, when I was done with chemo, and done with my treatments, they went back to sleeping all day, as far as possible from the humans at home , to be left in peace, because they were older pets, they went to pet heaven at a very old age. Now we have again 2 dogs and 2 cats, I believe my old companions were key in my recovery.

    Animals are God gift to humans, they are our eyes when blind,ears,when deaf,the find us when lost and only ask for love in return.

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  • fg2000
    fg2000 Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2010

    What a great thread! I rescued our beautiful black cocker spaniel Maggie about 5 years ago. She has been the absolute best companion. She has always followed me around th e house wherever I go and is always right there by my side. When I leave the house, she patiently waits for my return and she gets so excited when I walk through that door. Sometimes I think she thinks she's human as she tries to talk to us by growling out "words." She can definitely tell when I'm having an off day. She'll stare at me with those big beautiful black eyes as if to say, aw mom I know you're hurting or having a bad day. . .what can I do to help? Maggie is the best. It is so true that our animal become like our children to us. Can't imagine life without Maggie. . .

     My Maggie

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  • Carolyn422
    Carolyn422 Member Posts: 162
    edited May 2010

    I have a very beloved cat that follows me around the house, sits next to me and curls up in bed with me.  However, due to the mx I'm recovering at my sister's house and I'm missing my little cat very much.  Sister and BIL are taking care of the cat.  I've been able to go with sister to take care of the cat but then have to leave.  Cry  I really miss the little guy!

    Carolyn

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  • Aimamia
    Aimamia Member Posts: 24
    edited May 2010

    I love this post!  I got my Italian Greyhound puppy, Holly Golightly, the first weekend in October 2008.  I found my lump one month later.  Flash forward to my BMX in April 2009, she wasn't even a year old still, but she laid by my side as I healed.  I would nap and wake up a few hours later with 4 or 5 toys on or around me.  As I got my strength back her and I would walk every day together. Every day I am so thankful to have her in my life.  The unconditional love that little girl gives me warms my heart every day.  

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  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited May 2010

    great pix ladies, im going 2 try to learn 2 post mine.. i have a liver colered chiu. named Juan moore; cause what we needed at that oint was one more ***dog my hubbies humour. we had 4 at the time lost 2, 1 2 cancer, 1 to stroke and com,p. thereof. we now have a blind girl chiu. 7, and one moore 5-6. he's great, he curls hs top lip, and smiles! its so cute, and when really excited, his rear end comes 2 his head, and he runs that way..he was given 2 us by a friend, almost 6 yrs ago when my beloved min. pin was suffering with his cancer.  the girl was given 2 me 2 yrs earlier, when a friend got "so sick of hearing me cry" her words when i lost my 19 yr chiu. fom old age. chica, my girl, cost a bizillion$ from a local pet shop, and went blind be4 2. she was a puppy mill dog, and was malnurished when she got 2 pet store. my little boy "herds her" so she doesn't walk into walls. he's become a certified service dog now, he tells me if my b.p. is up;

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  • photobug
    photobug Member Posts: 20
    edited May 2010

    I have 2 cats and a dog, and it's amazing how responsive they are to how I'm feeling.  On my good days they are all up to their normal tricks, but when the chemo has me beat down, they all seem to know it and either keep quiet and out of the way or come up to gently cuddle  It's amazing how comforting it is to have their loving presence near me when I'm feeling like just lying down and giving up.  As my anxiety about surgery has gotten worse, I've noticed that my dog has stuck closer to my side when I'm home.  What a sweet boy!

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  • friscosmom
    friscosmom Member Posts: 146
    edited May 2010

    My pets have always been there for me; the dogs and the horses, they have been especially important to me during surgery and chemo. I still ride one of my horses during chemo (on my good weeks), he's young but I swear he knows that I'm not quite myself and that he must take care of me. Animals are amazing.

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  • GracefulDays
    GracefulDays Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2012

    Hi everyone, I have been browsing the boards since I found this site after my dx in April, but did not feel compelled to post until I came across this subject tonight. You see my baby Shitzu (he was actually 2 yrs old, but still my baby), died this morning after a week long illness. My heart hurts, after 5 weeks of staying strong and positive through BMX/with TE, and my first chemo treatment looming before me next Friday, I have broken down. He was constantly by my side when I was home, and my cuddle buddy after surgery and I had imagined him being that during my 'weak' times after chemo treatments. Now he is gone and it just makes dealing with BC that much harder. I do have a wonderful support group with my family and friends, and DH has been amazing, but there is just something about the sweetness of your pet and the unconditional love they give you that just seems to make everything better when your feeling blue. RIP Chewy , I already miss you so :( Ladies, I am not happy to have to join the sisterhood, but thankful you are here for support . Peace and love to all.

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  • Katarina
    Katarina Member Posts: 386
    edited June 2012

    My big Yellow Lab was given to me 2 months ago just after my treatment. Her owner had to go into hospice for cancer so I felt she deserved a good home. It happened out of the blue.

    She brightens my day as soon as I get up in the morning and all day long. I feel unconditional love, and have a big furry heart to cuddle. She is an earth angel and I really believe God sent her to me.

    It's amazing but 10 years ago I also adopted a lab (he was black) and he came from someone suffering through Cancer. I can understand people wanting to downsize and not take care of others when they're in treatment, but I really think these dogs are our best therapy. They reduce our stress and love us when we're too sick to love ourselves. My new girl is a couch companion. I think she has more healing power than my drugs. I'm going to keep her.

    Hugs 

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  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited June 2012

    I have two cats. Furbabies are so very wonderful to have around. Gracefuldays, I am sorry that you lost your furbaby today. My sympathy. Katerina, I.am glad you found a new companion.

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  • sandcastle
    sandcastle Member Posts: 587
    edited June 2012

    Never in a million years did we think we would have another dog.....after raising Chow-Chows for years while the kids were growing up and always thinking that was our breed.....we bought a ShihTzu puppy back in March....Clyde is almost 4 1/2 months old....I cannot wait to get up and see him in the morning....he is just wonderful and has done my husband and I a world of GOOD!!  you know they just do not have the stupid comments like humans have.....he is tri-colored

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  • rosetx
    rosetx Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2012

    I had to board Ziggy, my dachshund, for 4 days while I had my mastectomy.  I had a friend pick him up and bring him home while I had my sons staying with me post-surgery so that they could help him learn new boundaries (not climbing up on me) before I was alone with him.  It worked great....he was happy to be home and I was happy to see him.  He's been a great comfort and companion.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2012

    My dog didn't seem to have any special sense or intuition in my post-surgery, couch bound days.  She spent the time pretty much the same as always, telepathically ordering me to make her a sandwich. 

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  • mary2012
    mary2012 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2012

    i am single living alone and my neighbors got me kicked out of my house and my pets put down have 3 toms cats left was told by social worker on threats not ot go back and feed or water them but guess what i have been doing and i will do as long as they are there

    had one outside dog and 8 outside cats

    had both breasts removed feb 14th and now in chemo and to go thru that like to have not make it and still want to cry everyday

    and try to find any help around here might as well forget it

    needs some prays and a good lawyer 

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