Pets

Our dogs have always been a big part of our lives. For the past decade it was our two Bullmastiffs, Luna and Bruiser and our little Cairn terrier Bridget who were the family dogs as my four children grew up. They’ve also been tremendously helpful in helping me to cope with depression and chronic illness.

We always suspected that we’d lose them in close succession, but trying to brace for it didn’t make it any better when it finally happened.

Last year Bruiser passed unexpectedly at the age of 8. This came as a bit of a shock since we didn’t expect him to go first. The vet thought that it was a sudden stroke. Luna, who was his mom, took it very hard. She was pacing around the yard for weeks looking for him and tried to dig where his grave was. We were afraid we’d lose her too but she hung in there.

Bridget was close to 18 and had a good long life for a little terrier. The past few years she’d been deteriorating and became senile. Still, she seemed to enjoy life and I’d often see her reliving her youthful glory days trying to hunt in the yard, even as she was aimlessly running in circles. Finally, last year she began to deteriorate for good and she passed away the night before my birthday in October.

Now only Luna was left out of the three old dogs, and I held out hope that maybe she had another year or two left at the age of 11. But her passing came suddenly this week as well. One day she was wandering around the yard and sleeping the days away like she normally does, and suddenly things went downhill. We hoped she’d pass quickly and peacefully like Bridget, but a day later we knew she had to go to the vet.

It’s important to me to be right there when my dogs pass on…it’s my thanks to them for their loyalty and devotion to me. I stayed with Luna through the sedation and as she took her last breath.

Bruiser and Luna were very special to all of our family, but especially to my youngest son Nicolas who has Down Syndrome. Bruiser and Luna were so gentle and tolerant of him and they had such a special bond. Nicolas’ goodbye to Luna broke my heart.

I’m thankful for the inner work I’ve been doing over the past year. I’ve learned to be present with my feelings even when they’re hard. I stayed in the moment through it all, though adrenaline was certainly helping.

I didn’t try to self medicate with food or social media (my unfortunate drugs of choice in sobriety.)

I listened to what my body was telling me and later in the day when I felt myself physically crashing and the recurring sore throat from my chronic fatigue started to make its presence known, I took the cue and went to bed to become a burrito for the rest of the day.

As I write this, it’s the morning after. Anticipating an event can never adequately prepare you for it. The realization that all three of our old dogs are gone is heavy. Mastiffs are big dogs and their presence is sorely missed.

• I realized we won’t be using up as much dog food now and won’t be needing the big bowls any more.
• No more massive piles of dog poop or pee on the concrete pad in the summer (they hated the wet grass)
• No more climbing over them when they plopped in the most inconvenient location.
• The floor in front of the extra refrigerator where the mastiffs slept suddenly feels very empty.

Anticipating the passing of our old dogs we got a little Jack Russell Terrier Lily two years ago, and then added a Mini Aussie Belle a few months after Bruiser’s passing. They’re a completely different dog and have a different kind of energy, but I love their spirit and rambunctious play. As a mom homebound with chronic illness, my dogs are the world to me.

But they can never replace Luna, Bruiser & Bridget. Every dog touches a different place in my part. I’ll forever miss Bruiser’s “talking” to us or hugging him, Luna’s gentle spirit and Bridget’s terrier antics.

Life goes on, as it has to and it’s a new normal now. One that will take some getting used to.

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply, becomes a part of us. – Helen Keller

You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. – Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

I’m sharing here a bit about my four friends Lily, Bruiser, Luna and Bridget, how they bless my life every day and ultimately help me cope with depression and being a mom with chronic illness.

I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia in 2010. The symptoms came on fast and furious. It also left me mostly incapacitated for close to a year. It was completely devastating and as a special needs mom, I became overwhelmed with anxiety. I didn’t know how I was going to handle everything. Through it all, I’ve come to appreciate my dogs more than I ever did. They provide a much needed distraction from the near constant pain and limitations that I struggle with. Like many people with chronic illness, I’ve become pretty housebound. When the rest of the world is too busy to notice, my dogs are always there.

I’ll start with Lily, the youngest of the bunch. With my physical limitations it probably seems a little crazy that we got a hyperactive Jack Russell Terrier, but I’m so glad that we did. There is never a dull moment with her and she always has us laughing with her antics, whether chasing around something outside, burrowing in the couch or one of her crazy blanket creations that she makes before she settles in. Lily has to go out a lot to burn off energy. We live in the country with 2 fenced in acres so I just have to go outside with her. Even if I don’t feel like walking, I can just sit down and watch her run. She is one of the most faithful dogs I’ve ever owned..she instinctively knows when I’m not well and stays very close when I’m struggling.

 

My Bullmastiffs are a lazy lot..they lay around sleeping for the most part but they are always very sweet and affectionate which gives me a lot of comfort even on the days I’m stuck on the couch. Bruiser like to “talk” to us which gets very funny at times. They’re 8 and 10 which is getting up there in age for these sweet gentle giants.

Last but certainly not least is Bridget my Cairn Terrier who is 17 now. She’s been here since my kids were little and is an integral part of the family. She’s old now and mainly sleeps and wanders around. As her time to cross the Rainbow Bridge grows closer I get really sad. I’ve had Cairn Terriers in my life since 1987. I love little terriers…they always keep me smiling and get me out of myself.

Sad post script..Since I wrote this we’ve lost Bridget, Luna and Bruiser. They were senior dogs and it was expected, but it’s still very hard. Read more here. 

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Small Beginnings

Our screen driven days often result in a more sedentary lifestyle. This isn’t good for anyone. If you and your dog have been on the couch too much lately, beginning a new exercise program might seem overwhelming. However, you don’t need to invest a lot of money on gym memberships or fancy equipment to start getting in shape. All you really need is a good quality set of comfortable shoes or sneakers. Let’s take a look at why walking is a great way for both you and your dog to get started exercising and maintain fitness, how to stay motivated to keep walking and some important safety considerations.

Health Benefits Walking Provides Your Dog

Obesity is just as bad for dogs as it is for people. Regular walks will keep your dog healthy, agile and in the best of shape. Additionally, regular walks can greatly reduce destructive behaviors such as chewing and hyperactivity. For active breeds, daily activity is essential. Walking your dog is also a great way to help socialize him and gets you out of the house too.

Health Benefits Of Walking for You

Walking is a simple workout almost anyone can do. It’s low impact and you need any special training to do it. It’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. You can make it as easy or as challenging as you want it to be.

If you’re just starting out and are not in very good shape, just take a 10 minute walk on your street first thing in the morning or each night after dinner. After a few weeks you’ll be feeling up to longer walks, maybe even picking up the pace, or tackling a small hill.

Many of us lead sedentary lifestyles. It can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons such as bad weather and busy schedules. Additionally, people who have chronic conditions may have to spend a lot time resting. Walking gets you moving and it’s a great way to get in some cardio and get the blood moving without a lot of stress on your body. At the same time, you’ll start to notice that your leg muscles will start to tone up and your core strengthens. And after a few weeks of walking, your pants will start getting looser (provided you’ve cut back on calories!)

Finding and Keeping the Motivation to Stay Walking

While walking is easy to do, it can also get a bit boring without a little help. If you’re struggling to stay motivated to go on that daily walk, here’s a few helpful tips.

1. Find a walking buddy. It’s much harder to skip that walk if you know someone is waiting for you and relying on you to go with them. Having someone to talk to on your walks also keeps things interesting and helps the time to pass. And take your dog along! It’s a great time of bonding for both of you.

2. Grab your phone or mp3 player and some headphones. Listen to your favorite music while you walk, download some podcasts or lose yourself in an audiobook. Having something to listen to will make the time go by faster and keep your walks interesting and fun.

3. Schedule your walks and make them part of your daily routine. It will take a little while before it becomes a habit, but before you know it you wonít forget to go for your walk, just like you wonít forget to brush your teeth.

4. Walking can be a great time to decompress after a busy day. Use this time to reflect on the day and clear your mind.

5. Try a different route or drive to a local park.

Start Keeping Track

In the beginning your main goal will be to just go out there consistently and move. And that’s a great way to start out. But eventually you’ll get to a point where that quick 15 minute evening stroll is no longer enough to get you the results you want. This is when it’s time to push yourself a little harder and make sure you keep getting stronger instead of stagnating.

Start keeping track of how long and how far you walk. Set a goal each week, to either walk a bit further, or cover the same distance in a shorter amount of time. Set a goal and then give yourself a week (or longer if needed) to get used to the new distance or speed. Once it starts to feel comfortable, you know it’s time to raise the bar. Keep pushing yourself and you’ll continue to get in very effective, low impact workouts by doing nothing more than walking.

Walking Safety Tips

*Always carry a phone and identification.

*If you’re walking your dog, don’t use your headset unless you’re in a quiet area. You want to be alert to any potential dangers.

*Be sure you and your dog are hydrated before you leave for your walk. If you’re driving somewhere, take some water in a cooler with you.

*If you live in a hot climate, avoid walking in the middle of the day. It’s potentially dangerous for both of you.

*Be knowledgeable about local predators (here in Florida we have to consider coyotes, snakes, alligators, bobcats and crazy drivers.)

*Don’t use a retractable leash on the street. It’s really easy to lose your grip or even for the lead to snap, leading to potentially disastrous consequences.

*For further reading on dog walking safety see the following articles:

Keeping Your Dog Safe on Evening Walks

4 Safety Essentials for Dog Walks

10 Dog Walking Safety Tips

 

When I got sober in 1986, it took me a long time to learn how to feel comfortable in my own skin and even just be in my apartment by myself. Struggling with extreme depression and anxiety, it was very hard for me to learn how to be alone. I found a dog one Halloween that had been abused and was on the street and I took her in. I loved her companionship, but as she recovered I realized that she had too much of a play drive to be in the apartment all day while I was at work. She wound up being a great fit for the Atlantic City Police Department and went on to a new career and life with them. I got a puppy who was smaller and better suited to my lifestyle and I loved her dearly.

I’ve had several dogs since then (actually we currently have four!) and they’ve all been a consistent source of love, joy and amusement for our family.

Pets can be a great benefit to those who are struggling with chronic pain and mental health issues as well as the elderly. They often live alone and feel isolated.

Feelings of isolation can lead to many other physical and mental ailments. Deterioration of the physical body can be one of the first negative results of not getting out and socializing. However, mental deterioration in the form of panic, anxiety attacks, and depression can set in for someone who is not feeling well and is struggling with isolation. Those feelings can be eased with the company of a pet.

A Sense of Well Being

A person who owns a pet will have a better sense of well being, peace, and even a sense of vitality. A feeling that there is someone who needs caring for and tended to can make a big difference in one’s emotional health. As people age and begin to lose those who are close to them, they may lose a sense of purpose as well. Having a pet is a great way to get that sense of purpose back into their lives.

Unconditional Love

Even in the healthiest of families, there can be struggles with relationships. Your pet loves you unconditionally and without reservation. They don’t care if you’re having a bad day and are always happy to see you. Snuggling and playing with them provides great emotional and stress relieving benefits for you. On those days when you might not want to get out of bed, your dog’s happy tail wagging will provide you with a great incentive to get up and moving around. As a family dealing with multiple chronic conditions, our dogs provide a wonderful source of distraction and amusement in the midst of life’s craziness.

Staying Connected

Social media can help us feel connected but sometimes it does just the opposite. Feeling alone is one of the worst things about being chronically ill or getting older, but a owning a pet can ease that sense of isolation. For instance, having a dog gives you a great reason to get out of the house as they need to be walked regularly, and you can always take them to a park, a pet store or a dog-friendly mall. That routine can you to stay sane. If a person is completely housebound, they might want to hire a dog walker to take the dog out a few times a day.

Any dog can provide companionship, but if you are disabled or have serious mental health issues you might want to investigate the possibility of a service dog. Some great informational sites to start with include:

• Delta Society
• Assistance Dogs International
• Canine Companions for Independence
• Guide Dogs of America

No matter how hopeless you might be feeling about your life, the unconditional love of a pet can lift your spirits, bring hope and even turn your life around.

“The best thing a family can do in the case of an emergency is be prepared, and that includes having a plan in place for your pets. We hope that families take into account some simple steps that will help them feel ready to respond should disaster strike.” – Kostas Kontopanos, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America:

Here in Florida, hurricane season officially starts June 1 and ends November 30. However, we’re only in the second week of May and there is already a storm brewing off the East coast. Other parts of the country have been experiencing tornadoes and severe weather. May 9 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day and a reminder to be sure that we have our plans in place for our pets should severe weather affect us. Hill’s Pet Nutrition is taking the opportunity to share best practices for pet parents to be ready for any type of an emergency.

In 2013, Hill’s expanded its Food, Shelter & Love program– through which it provides Science Diet brand food to more than 800 shelters nationwide – to create the Disaster Relief Network. 

• In the last two years, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network delivered free food to more than 60 different shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents – including floods in Colorado, fires in Idaho and Arizona, the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas, the mudslide in Washington state and tornadoes in the central and southern regions of the country. In 2015, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has already assisted with three incidents – most recently with the March tornado damage in Moore, Oklahoma.
• Hill’s is sharing seven tips to ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency:

Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag and that contact information is up-to-date.

Prepare a “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” of pet supplies that is readily accessible in an emergency. Your Pet Emergency Go-Kit should include: first aid supplies and guide book; three-days’ supply of pet food (in a waterproof container) and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.

Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.

Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.

Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.

Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.

If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

Note: Displacement of pets is a serious issue. According to a paper published by the University of Colorado – No Place Like Home: Pet-to-Family Reunification After Disaster – more than 200,000 pets were displaced after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, and 95 percent were never reunited with their families.

Pet Emergency Go-Kit Contents

• Basic first aid supplies
• A 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
• Safety harness and leash
• Waste clean-up supplies
• Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
• List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
• List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
• Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

Key Dates

• March 1, 2015 – Tornado season began
• April 1, 2015 – Fire season on the West Coast began
• May 9, 2015 – National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
• June 1, 2015 – Start of hurricane season
• June 1, 2015 – Start of fire season
• September 2015 – National Preparedness Month

Helpful Links:

Hill’s website 

The Humane Society

American Red Cross

Disaster Preparedness for Horses

Florida Pet Preparedness:

Pinellas County

Florida Division of Emergency Management

SPCA Florida

 

When it’s not flea and tick season, it’s easy to forget how miserable these nasty little insects can be. An infestation can take weeks to completely get rid of. But it goes beyond being just a nuisance. Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks can be the is extremely important to the health and well-being of your pets and family.

Dangers of Flea and Tick Infestation
Fleas and ticks are small critters with a big impact, because they have the advantage of numbers – big numbers. Ticks can carry illnesses like Lyme disease, which can affect both humans and animals. Fleas can transmit tapeworms through their bites.  And of course, we can’t forget that fleas can infest our homes! If your pets shed, flea eggs can come off on the hair. Clumps of shed animal hair can then become breeding grounds for fleas. And they are extremely difficult to get rid of – you may need multiple, professional, and often expensive applications of powerful pesticide to get the infestation under control if natural methods fail.

Prevention Options

Prevention is the best approach to protecting your pets from fleas and ticks. Here are some of the options.

Natural – There are a variety of natural flea and tick sprays and treatments available now for those who do not want to use chemicals on their pets. Investigate essential oils.  Look for blends that contain lemongrass, cedarwood, citronella, rosemary tea tree or lavendar. Dilute to avoid skin irritation. You can also dip a brush or comb in warm water with a few drops of oil added.

Traditional – Spot-on treatments go between the shoulders or on the back of the neck for cats, and on the back of the neck or down the back of dogs. These can get expensive if you get them from your vet and especially if you have multiple pets. However,  there are affordable options. Spot-on, topical flea prevention can contain pesticides They usually both repel and kill fleas and ticks. They need to be applied on a monthly basis.

Flea collars can help repel fleas and ticks, but they also need to be kept fresh and replaced regularly.

Comb your pet every day with a flea and tick comb. This helps prevent re-infestation between applications of the flea medication.

Treatment Options
Despite your best efforts it still happens – life gets busy or someone forgot to treat your pet. Now your dog or cat has become infested with fleas, or a tick attaches itself to them. How can you get rid of them?

Traditional methods

• Oral flea killers encourage the fleas to bite your pet, and then the fleas die almost immediately. Obviously, this does not prevent fleas from re-infesting your pet a couple of days later, so if you use this option, follow up with a prevention like a topical spot-on.
• Remove the tick from your pet using tweezers and topical anesthetic. Keep the removed tick in a zip-top bag and freeze it. This will kill the tick but preserve it in case you need to identify it later. (If illness develops, it’s important to be able to identify the tick.)
• Flea powders and sprays are also effective at killing off an infestation. But once again, a preventative measure needs to be taken as well to prevent re-infestation.

Natural methods

• Flea traps are a natural way to catch fleas.
• Get an essential oil diffuser and diffuse a flea-repelling blend
• Boric acid or diatomaceous earth – both methods involve sprinkling the product around the house and letting them sit for 12-48 hours before vacuuming.

You may find that it’s best to rotate between natural and traditional treatments to help reduce your pet’s toxic load. However you decide to address flea and tick control, it’s important to have a plan of action before flea and tick season starts. If your house gets infested, it can be a long ordeal before you completely get rid of them.