The Best Kind of Therapy?

2 minute read time.

I'M BUYING A PUPPY!!!!!!!!

Ok, call me crazy. In the midst of chemo. On death's door much of the time through nausea and exhaustion (well, mostly exhaustion actually), but I'm buying a puppy! Am I crackers?

I used to have a dog years ago. Loved her to bits. She was a Golden Cocker Spaniel and I shared many happy times with her. Now, years later, I have been thinking about getting a dog (particularly since I got divorced two years ago and moved house). My kids want a dog too. For the last 6 months, even my boyfriend has been driving me mad for a dog! However, I kept telling myself I couldn't be bothered with the walking and scooping up of poo!

Then, my sister phoned me on Friday. "Do you want to see the new addition to our family?" she asked. "OH MY GOD.... YOU'VE GOT A DOG!!!!!" I screamed at her! "Yep!". So I went round. OMG, this dog is sooooo cute. A 9 week old Golden Cocker Spaniel (she's always copied me lol!). So, I went round. This dog, she's on my lap. Well, that was it. Suddenly all the amazing memories of having a dog came flooding back. The companionship. The unconditional love. The loyalty. Their 'sixth sense' when you're not well. All of it. So, that was it. Decision made.

I spent the next 5 hours surfing the internet. I've always known what dog I would get. A Cockerpoo. It's a Cocker Spaniel and Toy Poodle mix. The Spaniel bit, because I've always adored the breed and the poodle bit because they don't moult (or very little) and are hypoallergenic (my daughter and I are mild asthmatics).  Of course, it would have to be golden and female too (because of my old dog). Then, my research paid off. I found one. The only one in the bloody country with the right breed, colour and sex. 

So, the next day (Saturday), my boyfriend and I drove 200 miles to see it and it's mother. ADOREABLE. Fell in love. My boyfriend says it's the first time for ages he's seen me smile so much. I couldn't let this dog go. We stayed there for 2 hours! I didn't want to leave her. My boyfriend had to peel me away! I put a deposit down on her. We'll collect her in 3 weeks time (she's only 4 weeks old at the moment).

Told the kids last night. They went crazy! They were so excited. Everyone will help look after her. It's going to be a wonderful addition to our little family. I'm really happy for the first time in ages. Really excited (er.... can you tell lol!!) Something really positive to look forward to. She'll come everywhere with me. She'll get me out and about during the day (I have been a hermit for weeks now), and offer me lovely company all the time.  The best kind of therapy.... what do you think?

Here she is...

 

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    There are ups and downs with puppies so I hope you've got plenty of help. She looks gorgeous! I don't know how I would've coped without my lab. He made me get out every day through chemo and was a cuddly companion when I needed him. I hope she's not too lively for you, I suppose they do sleep a lot when they're small.

    Good luck with your new baby and all your treatments

    Jenny x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Good on ya Monna! I can feel ur love for that lucky lil pooch now! Keep smiling Geoff xxxxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Monna, we got another dog (yep I already have a blue & tan 7yo called Dexter) at the end of June, just after my radiotherapy finished.

    We now have two border terrorists (ok terriers), Ollie is a grizzle and now 7 months old and just a darling.  He was very easy to toilet train, but I do get a bit fed up clearing the poop out of the garden - puppies are like babies in that they seem to poop hundreds of times a day.

    That said, I wouldn't be without either one of my dogs, unconditional love is offered and all that they want in return is a bit of fuss here and there and a walk (I am assuming food & water is a given).

    Enjoy your new "baby".

    Love & Strength

    Debs xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Way to go Monna - I was always a cat person, but wouldn't do without my dog. You can just melt into his chocolate eyes - he is my shadow. You have a focus now and somebody to talk to who won't answer / argue back !!

    You will have to chage your name to Momma Monna now !!!!

    Jewels XX

  • The best kind of therapy? Absolutely! Mind you, I'd get a contract written up with all the promises your family have made about helping out with Junior and then make them sign it! Then, when they moan about the chores of  walking and poo clearing you can get the contract out and wave it under their noses.

    Please post more pics when your new baby arrives.

    KateG