Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[pansypotter]

Hello,
I don't know if you will agree with me but I think having pets helps a bit with the meno [the anxiety anyway]. We have always had dogs, we have 2 at the moment,and although we live in the city, manage to walk them and have fun with them [there are luckily lots of places to walk dogs] and I do feel a lot calmer after my walks with them, even though they are large and energetic dogs.I would be very interested to hear what you think on this subject?

[CLKD]

It is proven that stroking an animal has a calming effect (Pets As Therapy research).
However for me the responsibility brought on huge anxiety.  Crippling at times.  The knock on effect continues to this day  .

I saw in the paper last week that a burrowing owl is being 'trained' as a therapy bird, working with dementia sufferers and people with autism.

[Delilah]

Hi

My hubby bought me a pup for my birthday last year. It was a 'special' b'day and i had mentioned quite a few times that i would like a dog.  So bless him thats what i got!!  Trouble was that at the time meno symptoms were really difficult and i was worried sick that i wouldn't be able to cope with a new pup and all that it entailed.  well it hasn't been easy, taking him for walks when i felt like crawling into a pit and dealing with toilet training have been stressful, not to mention black hairs everywhere and constant hoovering.

We've had him just over a year now and i would say to anyone not to take on a pup if you're having a difficult time meno wise, yes he's very loving and taking him for walks gets me out into the fresh air and helps take my mind off my problems but oh the extra responsibility at a time when you could do with less and the guilt of not being in the right state of mind to really enjoy him.

I think if you've already got one then fine, but i wouldn't recommend taking one on.

Delilah x

[pansypotter]

Actually, think that you both have a good point! Yes, there is a lot of responsibility when you may not feel up to it, especially if you live alone.

[CLKD]

I didn't live alone.  But DH never wanted a dog and it was something I pushed for.  I had NO idea that pet responsibility would cause the on-going anxiety problems that it did.  Do I regret the 3 cats and the dog: nope.  But I SO wish it were different    ........

My dog was a PAT-dog  so 'did her bit' ........... I met some Canine Companions today, also 'doing their bit' 

[honeybun]

My mother had dogs when I was young and when I got married I had dogs. So for the past 29 years there has been the patter of doggy feet. They have given back so much and enriched my family life. My little dog is nearly eleven now. She is a menace in every way you can think. But....She has made me laugh and smile every single day I have had her. We all adore this bundle of fun. She gives so much love and always knows when someone is sad or unwell. You end up with a little warm shape cuddled in beside you. She asks for so little and gives so much. I will never be without a dog for as long as I am fit and able.
They enrich your life in every way you could imagine.

Responsibility yes.....stop you dwelling on your own problems very much so.


Honeyb
X