How Lizzie Is Helping Me Be Better

Today I went to the doctor for my follow up and to get the results of my blood work and it seems I am at the right weight for my height and there was new good news. My cholesterol is down, and so that is good news for the heart. In addition, with Lizzie as my Emotional Support Dog I find that if I am feeling a panic or anxiety attack petting her, holding her, playing with her, even just knowing she’s next to me help to calm that down. Why are pets great companions for those of us with disabilities or such?

You have to learn to be responsible because like a child a pet relies on you for it to survive and thrive, so it teaches a great sense of responsibility, while also providing joy. As you get joy from your interaction with that pet, the chemicals of joy and such rise, so especially a dog who is trained as a therapy dog that senses if you are sad etc… they can bring a sense of peace and comfort. Exercise as we know is important to staying healthy, well Liziie likes her walks two or three times a day, so between that and playing with her I am getting exercise which can keep me on a healthy track, despite fibromyalgia. They can also provide much needed companionship. When my mom passed away with whom I’d had such a close bond and I moved to a new place where now I didn’t have friends and family close by without Lizzie I would have felt and would feel very isolated, lonely, and those anxiety attacks about the future, finances whatever would be worse. For me Lizzie is a companion, a chill pill and I can’t imagine life without my fluff ball.

Caring for Lizzie I try to give her kibble that is prescribed by her vet and air dry food. I keep treats to only natural ones, give her all natural dental treats and I use an online vet service often, which as been very helpful. There is a link to their services in our Affilaite and Friends page. I make sure to get her groomed every six weeks full grooming, bath her every week and also have her get a general bath and trim at Petsmart every two weeks. Caring also means I am teaching her no, teaching her boundaries and such. That is also important.

My fluffy baby is a precious gift and I hope we can all realize just how great a gift nature and these animals are in our lives. I hope we treat them always with great love and care.