Shortly after I became chronically ill six-and-a-half years ago, my family decided to add a puppy to our family! We always joke that he was meant for us because we forgot to stop at the ATM machine before getting on the Turnpike to head to the breeder's home, but between everyone in the car, we scrapped up just enough cash to pay for him. We named him Pascal, and he has brought so much joy to our home. He's a mix between a Chinese crested and a toy poodle. I'm especially thankful to have a dog as my chronic illnesses keep me mostly in bed. Here are four ways Pascal helps me to cope.
He makes me laugh. My family and I sometimes call Pascal "Rascal" because, well, he isn't very dignified and frequently gets into mischief. But I can't help but laugh when I catch him lapping from my dad's water glass when he leaves it on the table next to his recliner or when he steals a tissue out of the trash can to shred. And then there was that time he stole a wool dryer ball out of a laundry basket and brought it to me to play catch. It was already partly destroyed at that point, so I just went along with his game and laughed.
He keeps me company. Due especially to my chronic fatigue, I spend a majority of my day in bed. Pascal keeps me company even when I'm not up for a visit from people and when I don't have the mental energy for conversation. He also senses when I'm especially sick and will lay on my stomach.
He is a distraction and gives me something to talk about. It's easy to become focused on the frequent nausea, pain, fevers, fatigue and other symptoms I experience, but Pascal is a great distraction with his antics. And since almost everyone likes dogs, he's something fun to talk about when I don't want a conversation to entirely revolve around how miserable I'm feeling at the moment.
He keeps me active. I'm currently weaker and even more fatigued as a result of Babesia herxing and lingering inflammation from COVID, but Pascal still needs to be fed and walked and given attention every day. I can't fully care for him on my own, but I help when I can. On the days I'm able, I walk him in the front yard or up the street. And he makes sure I get up to feed him when it's mealtime. He's very demanding and barks until someone gives him his dog food when we're serving our plates. I also pick him up almost every day to cuddle him while I'm standing, and that helps keep my muscles strong.
I'm so thankful God gave us pets, especially dogs! They are wonderful companions, especially for the chronically ill.
3 comments
I loved this post. It’s so true about the many ways your dog is a gift of love.
I loved this post. It’s so true about the many ways your dog is a gift of love.
Well said, Lauren. Just for the world to know, the name Pascal was suggested by yours truly, in honor of Blaise Pascal, a gifted wise man of his time whose genius only slightly anticipated the cunning and coordination of this “Crest-a-poo.”