Comments on: Taking better care of my dogs than of myself

By: Kristy B

Kristy B — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:04:25 +0000

I walk this line often. From two dogs on a SARF diet that has taken all our available freezer space. To three ferrets who are the apple of my but only one is NOT on a twice daily medical schedule that relies heavily on timing and careful monitoring. Between 4-6 hours of play time for the ferrets, and daily walks and/or excercise/play in the yard with the dogs. I feel a huge gap with any loss of an animal. Not just for the loss of their life, and what they give me. I often find my self amazed at how much extra time I have. But this is me.

I have found to betray who I am by denying any part of who I am is hurts me. I suffer on the job. I withdraw and become angry. I slowly die from the inside out. To embrace it is to embrace myself. One helluva lot better than living a lie.

By: dr

dr — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:31:47 +0000

They truly are our best friends. My dogs take a lot of stress off my back just by cuddling up to me and hanging out. I treat them with care. Organic food only when I feed them. You’re not alone in your decisions. :)

By: Ian Z.

Ian Z. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:24:28 +0000

My cousins take better care of their two yorkies than they do of themselves. I used to find it crazy until I got a pet of my own. My father brought home a singing cockatoo that makes me laugh everyday. I pay more attention to the bird than to my siblings! I even submitted the bird into a contest on WebVet.com for the most talented bird. The deadline is the 14th and I can’t wait for the results!

By: Sharon H

Sharon H — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:28:20 +0000

Sanity is really in the paws of our animals. I’m finding out truly how much every day. I appreciate this article for what it says about the truly devoted feelings are animals make us feel. It’s commitment on amazing levels. And they inspire us to do the same. Even for some humans too :)

I’m posting a link to my own blog article from a few weeks ago. I’m struggling here but my 4 legged friends with paws, claws, and beaks are helping me through.

http://bigblueheron.blogspot.c.....imals.html

By: Janeen

Janeen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:40:57 +0000

“Ergonomic living” - love it!

Five years ago I left a successful, high-powered career and went from training dogs as a hobby to making it my full-time job. This meant a huge loss of financial income but a huge increase psychological and karmic prosperity.

You can’t buy happiness - you need to create it.

By: perkysmom

perkysmom — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:56:53 +0000

Enjoyed this article, and can relate to it. My 2 dogs and 3 cats get the best food I can afford, preferably organic. I view it as preventative medicine for them. My husbands says the animals eat better than he does since I tend to buy the store brands for us, but would never do that for Perky, Noodles, Lenny, Zoey and Buffy.

By: VJ

VJ — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:38:55 +0000

Comment by Alison W. “Sometimes I feel I shouldn’t have pets because I care “too” much and life would be sooo much simplier….” Agreed. My problem exactly. But would I change it for no pets. No way. Not on your life. My pets mean the world to me and it just wouldn’t be worthwhile if all I had was me to look after. Thanks for writing this and sharing your thoughts, Christie.

By: slt

slt — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:02:33 +0000

Thanks for a thoughtful post, enjoyed.

By: Alison Woolley

Alison Woolley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:03:52 +0000

Christie, I know exactly where you’re coming from. Sometimes I feel I shouldn’t have pets because I care *too* much.
OK, life would be sooo much simpler without them (or the inevitable heartache), but WHAT would be the point ? I’m not some social misfit; I’m married, have a ‘proper’ job and fit in society, but the real me is at home with my pets.

By: Christie Keith

Christie Keith — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:05:48 +0000

You say that like it’s a bad thing. ;)