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My cure for Fibro and Depression

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Posted 11/16/2008 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Of course you all know what a struggle it is to feel so bad, everyday. sad   Sometimes the meds, massages, warm baths, stretching, and gung-ho attitudes just don't cut it. shakehead   I think we all know how it feels to be painful and to feel like things will never get any better.  I can't count how many times I've felt that way...and that's just today! smilewinkgrin

 

So, as I was sitting on the couch watching another boring Sunday afternoon movie, hurting really badly, and just feeling that overall blah feeling, I was hit (literally) in the gut with something that makes things better-even for just a minute.

 

It started with that blow to the stomach, followed by the increasing volume of something that sounded like a motor on a chainsaw.  This "thing" started massage me-and even though it did hurt a little, there was something about the loud motor and softness that made me happy.  Even when this "thing" put all of its 10 pounds on my chest, it made my heart feel good-not hurt it.

 

What was this magical cure?  My mom's 3 year old calico cat, Reese, of course.  Ever since I've moved home, she has adopted me as her personal resting place.  Her favorite thing to do is to smash her body up against mine when we are sleeping (well, I'm trying to sleep).  Even though she likes to scream (and I mean scream) for attention, sometimes she is better than any Vicodin or Klonopin.  LOL-she's even trying to get my attention as I'm typing this. :-)

So, this is my cure for fibro and depression...a cat.  Or, sometimes it's a dog, like Krissy is for Marlee.  We all go through so much, and I think a lot of times we underestimate the power of animals.  I know that some of you may not agree with me, but there is scientific fact that animals can lower blood pressure.  For me, just hearing that cat purr can lower my anxiety.

 

I think we should all go out and get a pet.  Just remember, you don't own them, they own you! smilewinkgrin

Posted 11/16/2008 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I do agree with you! My little miniature pinscher is the best stress reliever in the world. She's warm, she's snuggly, she's loyal, she's a great listener and she's always there. Another thing about animals is that they seem to be so intuitive about their people's physical and emotional feelings. Lucy knows when I need a kiss or a laugh or just a little snuggle. Whenever I need to lay down or nap she's pressed right up against me. Actually her favorite thing is when I've got heating pad on - she just loooooooves to be warm and tries to worm her way onto laying on the pad. Right now she's warming my feet! In all seriousness, she's one of the best stress relievers I've ever found and she just gives me one more reason to get up and going every day.
Posted 11/16/2008 9:32 PM (GMT 0)

You are so right!! I have 2 furkids that help me get thru each day. They always seem to know when I am really down & having a bad day.

No matter how many times I take naps, they are right there with me. They are truly a part of the family. Don't know what I'd do without them!

Posted 11/16/2008 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I wholeheartedly agree!! My beagle puppy, Betsy, cheers me up when nothing else can. When I am feeling bad, my favorite thing is to lay on my bed with my heated throw watching Tv with Betsy curled up beside me. She also needs to be walked and it encourages me to exercise! She is so darned cute...She has me wrapped around her little paw, hehe. We got her "for the kids". I never thought that I would fall so hard for her!
Posted 11/16/2008 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
I live alone with my 13 year old cat, Henry! I don't know what I would do without him.....:-)
Posted 11/17/2008 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
I couldn't agree more with you! I do think animals know when you are having a bad day. I have a beagle too and her name is Molly and if I am laying down, she is right at my side. I had such an adjustment being home after working and being so active and she really helped keep me company. I have whole conversations with her and she looks at me as if she understands everything I'm saying to her. It is amazing how much company an animal can give you. They love you no matter what! Even if it takes me alot longer to let her out some days than others!
Posted 11/17/2008 12:54 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Kelly-

I only "wish" I could have a cat or dog but I am SO allergic to them. I was at my sons this weekend and with my granddog and he always makes me feel better.  :-)  I slept on the couch in the great room and he slept on the floor right next to me all night.

I have been able to have small animals while raising my sons. Each one had a hamster and a parakeet. But after losing the last parakeet who was "so special" I have not been able to even think of getting another pet. sad

GamJill

Posted 11/17/2008 1:06 AM (GMT 0)

I would be completely insane without my dalmation, Vesta.  She is almost 17 years old and the day is coming...if you know what I mean.  Other than a few accidents when she can't get to the door fast enough, she is still active and can out-walk me any day.  We also have a lab mix who is a 'daddy's boy'.  He got hit by a car several years ago and fractured his hip and pelvis so he isn't moving around like he should.  But he struggles to get on the bed, and down the stairs when we are in the office.

Their love is unconditional, and you'd be hard pressed to say that about some people!

"Bless The Beasts and The Children".  The Capenters, 1970.

donna

Posted 11/17/2008 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
My Eekers cat was the love of my life. He was my ever present buddy. When he went, I was hesitant. After a few months I gave in and got another cat. I chose an older boy who was having trouble being adopted cause of his age. He was 7 when I got him. The first couple of months he was constantly scared, now I can scoop him up, flip him on his back like a baby and he just purrs and then passes out in my arms or on my chest. He's not a little boy, he's about 15-17 pounds, but he's the biggest baby.

I'm sure that they know when we don't feel good. We have micro-expressions in our face and I know that I move differently based off of how much I'm hurting. Even if you want to think only in logical terms, I'm sure that they can see those differences. Even at my bluest moments, my cats have been my saviors. When I was at my worst when I had true despair, the thought of "Who would take care of my cats?" was always what would anchor me here.

I love him cause he purrs for me, and he loves me (cause I have thumbs and a heating pad) and life is good.
Posted 11/17/2008 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
It's great to hear that y'all agree with me on the pet thing (and that I'm not just some crazy cat lady!) smilewinkgrin

 

GJ,

I'm sorry that you are allergic to dogs & cats.  I didn't get my first cat until I was 21 (I got her in tech school) because growing up, my brother was so allergic.  I did have a rabbit that was the love of my life.  He was litter box trained, and except for the occasional pellet (and chewed phone cord), he was a wonderful pet.  Guinea pigs are also good pets for those allergic people.  BTW-I totally understand the heartache of losing a pet.  I don't think I've ever gotten over losing my Katie (the cat from tech school), and that was over 3 years ago. sad

 

Donna,

A dalmation that is 17 years old? shocked   I've never heard of such a thing! And, I've been a vet tech for 17 years!  I know you are worried about "that day," but if you can, just try to make everyday as special for her as she's done for you.  I think we all know your fears, and we are here if you need us-even just to talk.

 

Piercings,

One of my best friend's in CA has a cat named, "Eekie Mouse" and she calls him Eekers.  So, when I saw that name, it brought me back to the funniest pictures I have of him on my cell phone.  This cat actually smiles. tongue    Anyway, I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm so happy that you found a place in your heart for another pet.  I can't wait until I can get my own place and then adopt a cat from the local Animal Shelter.

 

All this talk about our pets has given me a warm and fuzzy feeling, LOL.  But, that is one feeling that doesn't hurt, so I'm gonna roll with it.  I hope more people will share about their fur babies.  Oh, BTW-my mom named her cat Reese after the candy.  She is an unusual calico. She has the white and the orange, but instead of the black fur, hers is a chocolate brown.  So, she looks like a "Reese's peanut butter cup."  I call her "Putter" because it's short for Peanut Butter.  LOL-does anyone else call their pets anything except their actual names? confused

Posted 11/17/2008 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
well if you are the crazy cat lady I am the crazy dog lady...5 poodles..didnt start to have 5..we are truly a family..including the baby, an accident caused by a brief unguarded moment with the neighbor's poodle..they are sooo intuitive..they absolutely know when it is a bad day and snuggle up close to keep you company and offer support. Like everyone else, dont know what I would do without them.
Posted 11/17/2008 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Need I even say what Krissy has done for me. I have not laughed so much in a very long time. It's been 15 yrs since we have had a puppy in the house. She can be a handful right now while we learn right from wrong, it's a battle of the wills. We both like the same throw pillow on the couch and yesterday we shared it to rest. Sometimes she will come running up the stairs to get on the couch and crawl up my clothes like a cat cause she needs some loving from Mommy and then she goes about her business. When she needs loving she still makes these baby puppy sounds and it melts my heart. She does that every morning when I get up for a few minutes. What a way to start the day. smilewinkgrin With a bichon you can leave for two minutes and they act like you have been gone forever when you get back.

 

GamJill, you really need to look into getting a bichon frise, maltese or havenese. They have rescue organizations for these dogs and I don't think any of them would bother your allergies. I looked into the bichon rescue but I really love doing the whole puppy thing, call me crazy. I would like to have another dog if I could convince Ken to get another one. I think it would be good for Krissy. But these dogs do have to go to the beauty shop every six weeks sometimes more in the summer. You can keep them in a puppy cut that is less work.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 11/17/2008 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm back. The first week I was at my mom's while she was in the hospital, I missed my kitten so much I came home and took her to my Mom's for the second week. She did liven things up when Mom came home and she had lots of fun playing with her. I decided years ago I wanted a kitten named Jamaica. Our boys named the last cat, so I got to name this one. DH doesn't like the name so he calls her Jammy (like PJs).She is so fun and the old cat we inherited is accepting her, but he really doesn't like playing with her. Diane
Posted 11/17/2008 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have 4 dogs and 3 cats. I can not stand to see puppeis in cages at pet stores.I love all my fur babies and all have different personalities. One will be passing on soon She has cancer. the vet told me she had about a year that was a year and a half ago. 3 months ago she told me a month. So as long as she is functioning and is moving she is ok inmy book. when she stops eating and going out to do her business then I will know the time has come until then she is getting spoiled. yes my animals make me feel better.they know when I am having a bad day. they always greet hubby at door except when I am laying down then they will not leave my side. We have a cocker spaniel that smiles.. It is the most adorable thing in the world. everone looks for her smile when they come in the door.
Lee Ann
Posted 11/17/2008 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Most of you know all about my beautiful Havanese, Sabra.  She is my fourth child.  We are inseperable...literally.  When I go out to get the mail, which takes all but one minute, she is greeting me with wags and tons of kisses.  You'd think I was gone for a week!  She definitely knows when I'm not feeling well or sad because she comes to give kisses which make me smile.  She sleeps on my bed with her head on my pillow.  I'm up so much during the night and always pet her before I go back to sleep.  Golly, I love that dog!

 

I have two feral cats that are now spoiled house cats, too.  They are Mama Kitty and Roary.  They give a lot of love too.  Roary was injured as a kitten and was so frightened of people when we took him in.  He lived here for 2 1/2 years before he allowed us to pet him.  Now, as soon as I sit up in bed, Roary and Mama Kitty are there rubbing up against me and wanting to be pet.  They are both so sweet.

 

I know I could not be without an animal.  They are God's gift to Man.

 

Sherrine

Posted 11/17/2008 6:03 PM (GMT 0)

I think pets are great!  I don't think it matters what type of pet you have, dog, cat, bird, fish or even an iguana, as long as  it is bringing you happiness.  I have 2 large dogs, Harley is about 85 lbs. and Lucy is around 100 lbs.  They not only bring me joy, laughter and companionship, they literally lift me up.  Yes, they really do.  When I have managed to fall they come and pick me up off the floor.  They're faster than my hubby.  Both are rescues, Harley from a shelter and Lucy just showed up where my hubby works and he just couldn't stand for her to go to a shelter, so home she came.  That was 3 yrs. ago and I was still able to walk around some.  The first wk. she was allowed in the house I fell,and out of the blue, Lucy ran to me, put her massive head under my chest and kept pushing until she had her shoulders under me and then she lifted up.  I couldn't believe it.  Now Harley has learned from her and he too helps me get up.

Pets can be astonishing and always suprising. 

Posted 11/18/2008 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Gamma, dogs are amazing in how they know to help people like that.

 

Little Miss Krissy can only get on the couch with steps (she is about 4 1/2 lbs now) she decided this morning she wanted on one of the loveseats so I piled pillows up so she could get on it. She got this smug look on her face like she had climbed a mountain and can now lay where she wants to. At this age everyday she is learning something new, not all good but she is learning.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 11/18/2008 7:24 PM (GMT 0)

Kelly, I'm so glad you're getting all that love and attention from Reese. Our pets have such a way with us, we don't even realize sometimes how much we depend on them. In the past yr and a half, we have lost our beautiful collie, Donovan, our darling rabbit, Thumper and just last week, our precious cockatiel, Sammie. Thankfully, we still have our scottie, Trevor, who will be 12 in Jan. Since we got this little baby, I have called him, Evil Puppy. He got into so many things as a puppy, and yet I found him so funny. He knew  that I couldn't resist him, still can't. Where ever I go, he goes. My older son commented on that again the other day. If I move from one room to the other, there is my shadow. If I sit down, he is at my feet. He came into my life at probably the lowest time in my life, I had just lost my beloved nephew, followed by my darling dog. This baby knew I needed him and he has never let me down. He will put his head on my foot and sigh. I melt! He is Mommy's Boy, no doubt about it.

Kelly, you're right, the paperwork may say we are the owners, but we all know better. Enjoy your cuddle bug.

God bless.  Alice.

Posted 11/18/2008 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have two dogs. A pitbull/australian cattledog mix. Her name is Chance, but I call her Pants Pie. And I have a german shepard named Dharma who I call Dharma Day. I don't know why they get nicknames but they do. Everydog I have had got a nickname. They seem to know that is also their name.

They give such unconditional love. They do heal. And Kelly, no you aren't some crazy lady. You are just feeling being loved.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 11/20/2008 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
i currently have one dog (Sisco, 8 yrs old) and 2 siamese cats (Lily & Coco, sisters who are almost 10 mths old). they sure do relieve stress and often provide comedy relief just when you need it most. we're still mournig the loss of our cat, Frisky, in april ~ she was 17 1/2 yrs old and just the cuddliest old thing you could imagine. as part siamese, she "talked" alot and i miss our daily conversations. so far, the kittens aren't too talkative, but i'm hoping that will come. i can't imagine a home without a cat.
Posted Yesterday 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
i was just looking through some older posts and came across this one and thought i'd put in my $.02.

i think pets make just about THE BEST therapists! we have a cat, helena, but she's our daughter's cat and so spends most of her time in our daughter's room. one of our dogs, a 1 year old husky named baer, is my hubby's dog all the way-they LOVE to play outside together! i also find baer to be a bit too much for me a lot (he loves to jump on people and ooww! that hurts me!). but our other dog, a 1 1/2 year old jack russell terrier named benji, is MY dog! he loves to sit with me on the couch and curl up on my feet in bed and loves to give kissess (though never on the mouth-yuck!) and gets soooooo excited whenever i come in the door. it's just so wonderful to have this little creature who is always there for me, ready to give out unconditional love and affection whenever i need it. it really does my heart a lot of good!

so-hooray for pets! turn
Posted 12/2/2008 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
kelly71...It's been a while since I've had time to sit down but I had to answer your question about people calling their pets by other names. Eekers full name was Eekers Leviathan Spikefoot. Or at least that was that name that he was officially dubbed with since he only weighted about 8 pounds, but when he stood on your chest he suddenly became 80 pounds.

We have another cat that I dubbed Wall-y when he was a baby since his eyes didn't open until very very late, and then they did he was wall-eyed (the inverse of cross-eyed). Eventually they straightened out. But he's a not-sleek and not-athletic chocolate siamese. He lays around the hallway at night and will grab your ankle as you walk by if he wants attention. We have since started calling him Wall-y-gator since he lurks in the puddles of darkness.
Posted 12/19/2008 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
yeah  There's nothing that makes me better than the unconditional love I get from my 2 boston terriers! I can tell them everything & they completely understand! turn
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