[sweet_pea]

marie {hugs} my girl has arthritis too. severe Elbow Dysp and I know exactly what you mean about the guilt but it is good to keep the joints working so it's not all bad!

i can't be arsed walking i am tired and grumpy but i guess i will force myself

[Yorkiemom73]

My yorkie, Jonah, is my soulmate. When he was 2, I got Angel Mia, my yorkie/maltese (Morkie). She is anything but an Angel, although I love her more and more each day. They love to go out for walks and are waiting at the door when I get home. The two of them are my children and I love them unconditionally because they love me unconditionally.

[starcatcher]

Originally Posted by huffnpuff

I got so much feedback on my other posting about how our dogs help us with depression that I thought why not start a thread about this?
Dogs can be great exercise partners...how many of us have a pooch that makes us get up and take them for walks? They're unconditionally supportive and love us no matter what size we are.
I'm sure there are other animals that people have found to help them thru depression and weightloss and would love to hear about them.
I'm hoping to post pictures of mine soon. In a world where we have to worry about posting pictures of our children it's nice to share photos of our 4 legged babies.
Hope this thread is appreciated. I appreciate this community and everyone who's reached out to support me.

You are so right about pets.
They can lower your blood pressure.
Change your mood. And, good threaphy, all around
Unconditional love.............

[CJ :)]

I have two rescued Cocker Spaniels. One is 5 and has a compromised immune system - the other is 2 and is blind from being dipped in motor oil.

They are both wonderful - they have taken the place of my kids. My kids are 15 and 19 and I didn't have anyone to take care of anymore, but now I have the dogs and everything is better.

My husband is much happier if I don't hover over him, so I hover with the dogs.

[purplepansy912]

my siberian husky is my baby.. she makes me laugh, cry and I don't know what I would do without her! I also have a cat.. she sleeps with me... amazing how animals help us

[tcstart]

We have a six year old Westie named Maggie. She is a real sweetheart. Watches over me when I swim and often jumps in to make sure I am ok. We don't walk much when the weather gets over 90degree F. My husband is on the road alot so she is my company. I find that most terriers, especially mine are wonderful with children. Two weeks ago when visiting my Grandson for his first birthday he grabbed a handful of fur on her face. She just sat quietly and waited for us to release her. Not a peep or a growl. She did give him a bit more distance after that. One of the earlier posts mentioned not being able to have pets. Have you looked into the humane society or other animal group. They love walkers-- people who come in and take the animals for walks. It helps everyone. The pets get socialization which makes them more adoptable. The walker gets complete love and gratitude.