Pets as therapists - Page 2

hopingforcure · 08-28-2009, 10:34 AM

Oh you guys have just stole my heart with those stories and pictures. I love love love animals. I think they are the great equalizer. John1 I have a service dog vest for my little dog, she is my calming factor, I am pretty sure you could do the same for your guy. I love the fact that you sneak her in, I think non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs who are theraputic for owner are essential. I have a morkie named Sophie, and we just got a munchkin kitten a couple of monthe ago, his name is Andy, such a neat bread, short little legs, acts like a doggie. I think so many of us are in love with our pets, they really do get us past the bad days. I can say my doggie has got me over some stressful days and nights. Love this thread, bless on the animal companions and therapists.

MtPockets · 08-28-2009, 11:27 AM

Hope these work better.

rose · 08-28-2009, 03:39 PM

What a great idea for a thread! I'm responding on this one, but after seeing reference to PZ's schnoodle thread, I need to pop over and read it too.

I think this forum has a great looking collection of fur babies, that's for sure! I can see why pets would be so much of a comfort for CALS as well as their PALS. However, puppies are really really REALLY a lot of work. For PALS, an adult dog would be an easier option. No regrets, Ernie is just energy intensive right now.

We had a golden retriever that I loved only marginally less than my kids. It took me literally years to be able to walk down the dog food aisle in the supermarket after losing him... Then, about 3 years ago, I inherited a huge tabby cat from my daughter, who promptly stole my heart.

.... But, I wanted another dog, and that is how Ernie, my schnoodle entered the scene.

John and Thelma, I would absolutely love it if Ernie's face would color up with more color than it has now. Both of your little guys have eyebrows! Many times when we take Ernie's picture, he just ends up looking like a black blob. He started out with just a smidge of white on his chin, but now he has a good bit of brown on his muzzle in the beard, so I'm hopeful. (I've threatened him with Miss Clairol for brown eyebrows!)

We're just back from our camping trip, and I'm exhausted. Will eventually get some new photos up. I killed my camera ~which was just back from the shop! Had it in a ziplock baggie while on the beach, but, the devil is in the details.... have to have the bag actually zipped up for water to stay out!

thelma313 · 08-28-2009, 03:49 PM

Rose, Chico was blacker than Ernie as a puppy. He was so hard to photograph. The pictures of me meeting him for the first time only show me holding a tiny black blob. The only place I could get good pictures was outdoors and this was over 12 years ago so no digital camera! I had to shoot and hope for the best. As Chico aged he got lighter and lighter. He has quite a few white hairs but mostly he turned a reddish brown. It's pretty crazy.

As for the eyebrows, get a good groomer and your Ernie will have those same sassy brows. Ask the groomer for the Schnauzer cut but be sure to specify that you want a short "skirt." I know that sounds girly but the "skirt" is the fur on the legs and belly. In the classic Schnauzer cut they leave that very long and I think it looks silly on Chico so I always ask for a 1-inch skirt.

I know how intense those puppy years are! Chico was bouncing off the walls for years. If someone in your household is an active cyclist, tell them to take Ernie along for a run while they cycle. Obviously go slow at first but he will fall into step quite quickly and easily. This is a great energy drainer! And the Schnoodles love it!

mare · 08-28-2009, 05:44 PM

Thelma-
I hate to tell you, but as I age I get "lighter & lighter"; nothing that my hairdresser can't handle!
And the eyebrows- same thing, I have a "good groomer"!

You're young- you'll learn!

thelma313 · 08-28-2009, 06:53 PM

Oh Mare, you are hilarious!

MtPockets · 08-28-2009, 06:55 PM

It's all in the picture, click and imagine.
OK guys we are gonna hijack a thread and tell our own story about these big people who think they own us. Boy have we go them fooled. Watch out I think one of them is watching. Cya on the down-low.

JohnKelly · 08-28-2009, 11:33 PM

You all need to meet Micky. We got him as a puppy a year ago as a gift for our daughter. He is a Malagasy Coton de Tulear, a rare breed that has only been in North America for about 30 years. I researched it carefully because my wife is allergic to dogs and with me in a wheelchair with very little use of my arms we needed a very calm dog.

He has been the most amazing little companion. When I am by myself, he lays at the foot of my chair for hours and never expects anything from me other than my presence. He has never known me as an able-bodied human, so he accepts my disabilities and almost seems to protect me. On long walks he gets tired and jumps into my lap to enjoy the ride. He has such a sweet disposition and the perfect size (14 pounds) for a therapy dog. The breed is known as an "antidepressant" because they are so happy their happiness is infectious.

He does not shed, but does require regular grooming. He loves everyone he meets. I highly recommend this breed to all PALS and their families.

John

thelma313 · 08-29-2009, 08:24 AM

John, Micky is a bundle of fluffy sweetness and I just love his black button nose and his happy adorable little face. Thank you for sharing these photos of your sweet little guy. It's amazing how dogs, even a dog this beautiful, have no concept of vanity and approach the world in such a friendly happy way. It definitely makes for a more joyous life!

MtPockets · 08-29-2009, 08:36 AM

Micky is absolutely adorable John.
It just amazes how being greeted each day by a happy dog just changes the outlook on so many issues.

thelma313 · 08-29-2009, 08:41 AM

Capt. Al, I hope Micky isn't too late to join Marble Mob Leader's meeting.

MtPockets · 08-29-2009, 09:21 AM

I think I heard Old Smokey mumbling something about more mob members were expected soon, The old geezer better be on his best behavior.

I wonder what they are thinking, planning? Hummmmm!

LauraW · 08-29-2009, 05:16 PM

I don't see many cat pictures. My two are brothers and they bring so much joy to our lives that I just cannot imagine being without them. I got them when I was very sick...my baby Simba (5 year old cat) died of a stroke...happened right in front of me. The day before my birthday and Mom insisted that I get another one right away. I di not want to but she wouldn't give up, so I found a vet who had 2 brothers and they both climbed all over me. Mom insisted that I get them both. It took me awhile, I said I would NOT fall in love with them. That was 4 years ago and I am so happy that they adopted me. Here they are. They still love each other so much.

John1 · 08-30-2009, 01:39 PM

Posted by Barry on Schnoodle thread:
"Katie, we have a golden retriever and I have to say that there is a reason that they are the most popular service dog. They are all nice! Friendly to people and other dogs. I am a fan of big dogs having had two 100 pound Malamutes (who were not friendly to other dogs) so a 60 lb dog is just the right size.

I have a question for you, when your dogs lie down on their bellies do they stick their back legs straight out the back? Lucy, our dog, does and I have never seen this before but other people who have golden retrievers have said that theirs do it too.
Barry,"

This morning when I got up, Chewie assumed the position you referred to in a post on the Schnoodle thread a few days ago. I grabbed my camera and took a shot of him which is attached. (Apologies for the bed but I had just left it). It made me think that maybe Ganaraskans are part Miniature Golden Retriever, or alternatively, the stretched out pose is not unique to Goldens. Chewie does this a lot and has since puppyhood. Someone told me it is characteristic of Cockers too which is part of the Ganaraskan bloodline.

Rose, I know what you mean about the difficulty photographing any features in a black animal. We once had a black cat that always came out looking like a lump of coal. Where are those Ernie snaps you promised, black or not?

John K, what a great dog and what a great breed. How do you scold him with those big melty black eyes looking at you.

Hoping, what is a "service vest" and where did you get it?

LauraW, we had a cat for a few years many aeons ago. I enjoyed her immensely and she even came on walks with us on the farm. When we moved and left her for a few weeks with my Mother while we got settled in a new province, I discovered that I hadn't had a cold for three years after all. I had been allergic to Roo. Sadly that was the end of my living in a cat house.

JAKE · 08-30-2009, 03:35 PM

How do you attach a picture on here from your picture album?