Are you a dog person, cat person, or other?
I am and always have been a dog person! I love dogs – to me, they are best animals to have as pets. They have personality, protect, play and entertain. I know people who claim their cats are all of these and more, but I’m still a dog lover!
Throughout my life, I have been around dogs, mostly because my allergies do not tolerate cats. Growing up, I had 57 dogs, counting all of the dogs on our farm and their puppies. (We had a farm about 10 miles from our house.)
When my son was three years old, he got his first dog. We set this 9-week-old puppy on the ground in front of him, told him it was his and asked what he wanted to name it. Without delay, he said, “Barney” (yes, after the dinosaur). The next day, we went to the pet store to buy her a purple collar.
Barney was the greatest dog ever! She was smart, well trained and loved by all. I’ve always said that she grew up with my disease (just like my son) and knew when to offer comfort or when to make me laugh. She was literally by my side while I recovered from 21 operations. We had her for almost 14 years. I will love her forever and miss her every day.
Now I have a dog named Puna (like tuna with a “p”). Years ago we visited a black sand beach in Hawaii called, Punalu’u Beach. Since my dog is all black and her last name is Beach, I named her Puna Beach.
Puna is nothing like Barney. Her personality is just plain goofy! She’s like the mischievous, problem child in every kindergarten class. Her actions are unpredictable and strange, yet completely innocent and hilarious. Last fall I looked out the window and saw her standing on my bench swing, moving her body to make the swing move back and forth. When Puna is around, everyone laughs and rolls their eyes.
A few years ago, I was with a friend and we stopped to visit someone. When we walked into the house, I noticed a dog and a cat. I immediately started petting the dog and asked its name. The owner said, “Dog”. I’m sure I gave him a strange look; then I asked, “What’s the cat’s name?” Sure enough, he said, “Cat”.
What are your crazy pet stories? What names have they had? What pets have you had? How have they helped you cope with your illnesses?
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Russ Dotson
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We've been blessed with wonderfull dogs. Our first Corky was a meduim terrier mix rescued dog. We lost her at 12 yr after a move when she got out and was hit by a car. Since Sher and I were vol. firefighters, we got CC (Cookies and Cream)... A DALMATION - of course! Then Backdraft - a liver spot Dal. We had them both for over 15 yr. Great high energy, intelegent, companions. Now we have Duchess (Lab, Boxer, Ptt mix) and Lady (Golden Retever, Shepard mix). They were both rescued. Lady lives to retrieve toys/ sticks/ anything! Duchess lives to play, run, tumble, and generally be mischevious.
All our dogs have been loyal friends and helped challenge us physically.
The cats in our family have been WAY too numerous to list. The main difference between the dogs and cats are that three cats were especially helpful in surgery recovery.
EndFirst a tabby cat delivered breach by our (way too prolific) white Persian was always near me and there to chear me up after an accident and spinal fussion. Then Splatter our calico clown cat was there to cheer me on after cardiac bypass. Tom E Kat, our gray.... tomcat, has been there for 2 hip replacements.
All the pets through the years have been great companions - I can't pick a favorate animal or even species. They have all been a full part of our family.
Happy Easter to all,
Ron
I have a Shetland Sheepdog, who has way too much energy. He is playful, fast, and very busy. It's amazing, though, how gentle and careful he is with me. He knows I'm "different" from everyone else, and he is a wonderful companion. I believe that he can sense how I am feeling, both physically and emotionally. When I am really hurting, I can see the painful look in his eyes. I feel like he is crying for me.
I also have two cats, who don't have quite as much energy as the dog. They are both very loving & love to snuggle. Even though the two of them get into all kinds of trouble, I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Last Fall, I had my 52nd surgery. Like you, through every single one of them, I had a dog and/or a cat who helped me through the recovery process. They are the BEST medicine!!!
I had visits from our local pet therapy group, during my last 6 or 7 stays in the hospital. It really lifts your spirits to see a dog or a cat walk through the door of your room. In fact, I plan to get started with a pet therapy group soon. I know how much my pets help me and I'd like to share that with others in need.
My daughter and I have always wanted a dog, but my husband did not want a house dog. We finally wore him down three years ago, when my daughter was a freshman in high school. Now the two of them are best buddies. In fact, my husband goes to training in other states sometimes and the first "person" he misses is not his wife or daughter, but his "buddy."
Houdini perks all of us up - even if you don't feel like playing with him because you are having a bad day, he'll poke his nose under your arm and force you to at least pet him. He loves taking walks, so I feel guilty if it is nice outside and I don't take a walk, so he helps me with exercising, as well.
I love my poochy - he's a shitzu - so if you ever need a small lap dog that doesn't shed - they are perfect!
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