JOIN THE HEART FORUMS where support is unconditional and abundant

[Momto3]

I have a golden retriever named Samson.  Samson and I have been working on basic commands and appropriate manners when greeting people.  I hope to enroll Samson in a program for therapy dogs where he will learn to visit patients in nursing homes and/or hospitals.  Beside manners, the basic requirement is that the dog love people.  No problem for my big, lovable golden retriever!  We're still working on the manners.

OUR PETS ARE SO EAGER TO HELP; WE LEARN SO MUCH FROM THEM.  When you find youself reading through the posts, think about how you can help.  You may not have all the answers, but a simple "hello" or a few kind words can be equally supportive. If it is your first time to post a comment, welcome aboard!!  If you are a veteran poster, thank you for your time and contributions!!

If you have a pet(s) that has helped you cope with the stress and anxiety of dealing with a "heart" condition, please tell us a little about him or her.  They truly know the art of unconditional love and for that we are all grateful.  

Connie
Community Leader

[sueinns]

And thank you for your kind words.  Ours died of heart failure but that wasn't surprising given his age.  We're thinking of another one but will wait until we are mentally prepared for a puppy.  Love golden retrievers - so gentle and sweet - but we need a fellow who is allergy proof.

[Momto3]

I love my dog and there are days, I'd like to ship him off to a boarding school.  For those of us who like our animals they are definitely like therapy.  But, I completely understand why some people pass on the craziness : )

Fifteen years is a long time, I'm sorry that the little guy is not still with you.  We had to put our last golden to sleep because of a heart problem (ironic, huh?).  He had surgery to remove his pericardium, and had 4 great months after that.  When the problem recurred, we decided it was much too hard on him to endure another major heart surgery.  About 8 weeks later, we got our current dog and boy did I forget what puppies are like!  

Thanks for sharing your story sueinns : )

[sueinns]

If you are someone who loves them (not everyone does and that's ok), animals are like therapy.  Our little Yorkie passed away 2 weeks ago at the age of 15.  We are extremely sad and miss the little guy like you wouldn't believe.  Amazing how 9 lbs of personality filled up the whole house.  I remember when I had my first scary symptoms of SVT - he sensed something was wrong and wouldn't leave my side.  I felt calmer having him beside me.  Dogs are very intuitive.  

[Momto3]

Sorry about the cat STORM!  Yuk to the dead birds!!  Maybe it's time for a dog : )
Hey, I don't know if you've tried this, but a squire bottle can work wonders during the night...They don't like it and tend to run off or settle down.  

My parents and my sister have really cool cats!!  They are so affectionate and friendly. But, just like people, our animals have their own unique personalities.

Thanks for the input....Hope life settles down at your house : )

[JoeME]

My daughter just moved home, bring her two cats with her. MY PACs have gone nuts since those two flea bags have arrived. Sorry, but in my opinion cats have no useful purpose on the planet, other than **** in my garden, bring home dead song birds, shed, meow to go out, then two seconds later want to come back in, sleep all day and annoy the family all night. Not to mention cleaning the wonderful litter box. Sorry, cats suck big time. Give me a dog anytime.

[Momto3]

WOW!!  You've got lots of unconditional in your house!!  

Thanks for sharing your animals with us....I find that sometimes they can be as therapeutic as medicine.  

I've never owned a Dane, but I've been around a few.  That is one big dog!!  Ceaser is soooo handsome!!  The others are cute, but he takes the award for most "macho" dog!

thanks again

[Me967]

Hi.  I have 3 dogs, 2 cats and alot of fish.  

My oldest is Lady (16 yr. old border collie),   VERY lovable but, not to cats.
Koenig (10 yr. old rottie, terrier mix),            used to have a gotee (sp) when younger
Ceaser (1yr 7 mo. old great dane),               Mello yet playfull as is the others.
a very large grey fat cat named Sassy and a very tiny cat ~ 3lbs named Angel.

I wouldn't know how to live without them.  My animals are my only kids.  They make you smile and play and laugh and give so very very much love.  I always have them around me no matter where I go.  If I go to the bathroom they are all outside the door waiting.  When we go to bed it sounds like a herd of elephants running up the steps for the biggest space in bed.  Thank goodness it's king sized.  Me and my husband either sleep like a sardene (sp) laying flat as a board or in a ball as they stretch out and sleep soundly.  And watch out for those leg twiches and kicks.  Exspecially Ceasars.  ha haha.  My cats are very playfull and loving too.   My fish are very relaxing to watch.  

Bottom line they all give us PEACE and HAPPYNESS and nothing but, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.  I had a few that had some major issues Ex. Myesthenia Gravis, Mega Esophagus, Glaucoma, Epilepsy, Heart failure, ect. ect.  
My point is even in the long term care of all of them, they would totally TRUST me to care for them and would even give me peace in helping "them" threw bad times too.  And somehow even when they do wrong -they give ya that "look" ha ha, as you "try" to talk stern to them it's so very hard not to SMILE.   I believe that is some of the BEST medicine out there.  If people were more like animals this world would be a wonderfull place to live.  They do GIVE unconditionally!   How could that not make you feel better.
That's a Great topic Connie.

Amy

[taratownsend]

My dogs names are Nsia she is two and half yrs old and Hunter and he just had a birthday he just turned two. I LOVE them so much. God really blessed me when he gave me these two lovely dogs.

Tara :)

[Momto3]

SillyHeart,

I agree that cats can be just as friendly and caring as dogs.  Animals are great at calming us and making us smile : )  What are your cats' names?

Tara,

They just "get it" don't they?  Gotta love 'em : )
...and their names are?????

[taratownsend]

Hi Connie,

I also have two sweet doggies. I have a Lhasa Apso & Peek-A-Poo. They both bring me great joy. They are both two years old. I have no children so they are just like my two little babies. They are always happy to see me and when i go out side for five minutes they act like i was gone all day.

When I don't feel well they get right up in my lap and just snuggle up against me and lick me. I take them for walks every day and they do wonders for our hearts!

Tara :-)

[SillyHeart]

Golden retrievers are FANTASTIC.  I would like to have one someday, too.

I have 2 cats.  Cats have a reputation for being aloof and unfriendly.  It's true that some are, but some cats are incredibly loving and affectionate companions.  My 2 cats are so friendly and cuddly and bring me happiness every day.