I am in the grip of temporary insanity - I am thinking about getting a dog. I invite you to read today's Blog and the one that preceded it (the link is in today's blog) about our love of dogs, my previous decision not to get another one because of Sid's AD, and my sudden change of mind. Read the pros and cons I have written about in relation to a dog and an AD spouse and VOTE here.
Remember, I live in Florida, so your vote won't count. :) LOL
I vote FOR the new baby! i would have gone insane long ago without the unconditional affection i get from my two chihuahuas. Good times and bad they are always here to sit on my lap and give you that added needed companionship. whether Sid helps care for them or not, it will be such a comfort to have the little joys of life again...divvi
Having had many dogs throughout my life I know the joys and responsibilities of having one. Right now that is not an issue for us since dogs are not allowed in the retirement Inn we live in. With that in mind, what about a cat? I know, a cat is not the answer for a dog lover. Cats require minimal attention and work. You don't have to try to train them (it wouldn't do any good anyway). They can cuddle in you lap, if they feel so inclined. Since my wife is allergic to cats that is not an option for us.
My vote: If you feel you can spend the time necessary to train a puppy, or can get an older dog already trained (maybe a trained service dog), I would go for it. A dog might help keep your husband calmed down as well as providing love and support for you.
By all means, get a wonderful, sweet, non-judgmental friend who will love you unconditionally. You can talk to him/her about anything and they will keep your confidence, loving you without disappointing you. I bought a little Maltese right after my Earnie was diagnosed and he loved her and had her for his companion for at least 3 yrs. before he lost interest in her. He walked her every day, many many times a day, as he couldn't remember that he had just walked with her. She was patient and put up with him although a few times I found her hiding to keep from going on yet another walk. (lol) I paper trained her so when I was gone she could stay alone. Small dogs are not much trouble or expense (dog food lasts forever) Lil Bit now sleeps with me, sits with me to watch TV and generally is my special little friend. She does get upset if I am upset and crying but that too is a blessing . if Sid loved dogs before, he will enjoy one now. She will give him comfort he can't get from a human.
Since FL votes are not binding, I will just tell you what I did. We had always had dogs, but didn't at the time DH was entering AD. I thought he needed a focus and I knew I'd eventually be alone and a dog would be a link between us. I didn't want a puppy to train, so we adopted Sophie, a big yellow lab mix about 18 mos. She's still with me and going on 14. For us, it was a wonderful experience with many happy adventures. We were like the 3 Musketeers for several years tooling around in my old car, sharing burgers & fries at the drive-thru, it was great. However, there came a time when he did not relate to her anymore and she became my dog. Still, it was the best thing I could have done. When some of you talk about being sucked into AD--and I've been there--let me tell you that the right pet helps keep you 'normal.' Yes, it's another chore, messes to clean up, vets to visit, etc, but that's all part of it--doing something outside of AD, caring for something that needs and loves you. I know when Sophie leaves to join DH that my heart will break, the house will seem empty, but as with all things, the love you get outweighs the price of the sorrow of losing it.
Now, something I thought I'd never say. I was never a cat person, always dogs, but my daughter who lived in France for 30 yrs came for a visit 6 mos ago & brought her cat, Nueve. Yes, passport, visa, ticket, shots, the whole 9 yds. Then she went to London & left Nueve w/Sophie & me. I used the computer to find out about cat/dog adjustments and it seemed that it would take about 3 mos--and that's how it went. Sophie adjusted rather quickly, she'd look up, shrug 'whatever' and take a nap. Nueve did a lot of hissing and arching because she thought that's what she should do as a cat. Mostly I left them alone to work it out and they did. Now I have a cat to love and she loves me because she knows I control the food, open & close doors, let her cuddle in bed. Oh, good grief, I've become an old woman--the three of us sleep happily together in my bedroom. Taking care of them is sometimes an annoyance, but it gives me a focus, keeps me up & going and in return, they give me a happy heart.
Joan-I have two cats that love me as I love them. They help me on the computer, tell me when its time to eat and now that I am alone they share my bed. They greet me at the door when I come home and supervise my TV watching and paper reading. They especially enjoy doing the NY Times puzzles with me. Get your dog-it makes life more alive.
Hey, don't worry about Florida - you will probably get half a vote! But, I definitely am glad we got a dog. We went to the animal shelter and bonded with the only really small dog they had. She is sort of a Cocapoo and we figured she was about 4 then. The advantage to them is little shedding, they are smart from the poodle part, they are good for folks with allergies so all your friends can still visit. LuLu doesn't care if my DH calls her the wrong name, or even calls her a cat! She gives him something to do when we are going somewhere since she sits in his lap as we drive. He usually mixes up her food and most of the time takes her for walks. I recommend adopting a dog - did you know you can go on line to read stories about dogs looking for a new home? And, you can get an idea of what you'd like. I wouldn't recommend a big dog since they eat too much and they can topple an unsteady person. Have fun! Post a picture when you get your new pet!
Sorry, Joan, but I'm voting for the dog. And I'm in California, so my vote DOES count.
Yes, it could be another source of stress and responsibility, and ultimately another painful loss. But you are already missing the love Sid used to be able to give you, and you would find some tiny measure of that lost love from a sweet dog. The effort to care for it could be a welcome distraction.
I've also seen threads on this subject over at Alz Assn, and many, many caregivers said they'd be lost without their furry family. They also often report that dogs and cats are good therapy for ADLOs. Some take their pets to the nursing home. (Oliver's Mama has a cat who wears sunglasses, and the cat is a great hit with everyone at the NH, not just her own ADLO.)
We have had cats. Yes, Marsh, they are far less effort than a dog, even as new kittens, and that's a fact!!! My husband was always a dog person (he had several purebred Maltese before we met), I've always loved all animals but have had cats because my career doesn't allow for all that dog-walking. My husband has been amazed by how much he adored my cats. If they're raised right, they are incredibly affectionate and wonderful company.
My husband is still pretty functional, but so far, the deeper he gets into AD, the more he loves our one remaining cat. (She's 18 years old. Ichabod died at 17, last year, of brain cancer. Pumpkin died four years ago, at 12, of breast cancer.) Despite the fact I'm the one who feeds and brushes her, she adores him and is definitely HIS. She tolerates absolutely anything he does to her (hold her upside down, rough her up, you name it, she purrs.) And playing with her is something he can do -- and wants to do -- even on his worst days.
We have had cats for years, In fact I hadn't had a dog since I was a kid, but I always had cats. The last cat was 20 years old, and died in my arms in March 2007. DH was inconsolable. Now for a funny story. I went to the humane society to adopt another cat, but I got turned down because I didn't have a vet recommendation (I had a 20 year old cat, so I only took him to the vet once or twice since we moved here). So... here I was, and my daughter was buying a dogfrom a breeder (a Havanese). so I bought one too. Frankie was 6 months old when we took him home, and was fairly easy to train. he fills the house with pleasure, and my DH loves him to death, although he does nothing regarding his care. I have to walk him 4 times a day, because we live in a condo and have no fenced in yard, but that's OK, I get some exercise and I get out of the house. Sometimes I walk him 6 or 7 times a day, just to get away for a minute. I recommend either a cat or a dog highly.
Joan-Getting a dog is not insanity! I love my furry child so much. Yes I lost furry children in the past, yes the pain is horrible. But what you share with them during their lives is irreplaceable. Yes get another dog you deserve the unconditional love. It would not be more responsibility your life would just make room and adjust. I have a small dog so she uses piddle pads and that eliminates the need to walk. It allows you to take a walk for just the fun of it. Go for it. I live in FL in the winter but Chicago in the summer, so I can vote Chicago style; early and often. That will negate my lost FL vote. :)
ps- the male chihuahua was ALWAYS my husbands dog 12yr now -bonded with hubby at 6wks. in the beginning hubby would carry that dog on his arm 24/7 for yrs then mid AD lost interest and the little dog was so sad he turned to me for about 3yrs , now again for some reason after we removed all the neuro drugs after many yrs, hubby is now talking and sitting with the dog again and i can say that dog actually 'smiles' when hes on his daddies lap again.. its grand they dont care if they have a disease or not..i swear every time i wont get another pet after going thru losing one, but isnt life grand, i always do and wouldnt change a thing. now that you are obligated to get a pet from all the 'yeass' and no 'nays' motion is passed, joan gets a pet asap. better post a pic...divvi
I guess my YES vote does'nt count either as I'm from Michigan. We got a puppy about 2 1/2 months ago. We had been dog less for 4 years and enjoyed the freedom of it. I thought long and hard about this decision and researched the best options on the internet. Our medium labradoodle is a non shedding friendly, calm, and smart companion for both of us. I thought I was getting the dog because it would be good for my DH but it's clear that it benefits me the most. I do all the caretaking for the dog though my DH enjoys her very much. It definitely gives my life a focus other than AD and work. She really is a fantastic dog. I may train her to be a therapy dog. I think she'd be perfect for it and I expect we'll be spending some time in a NH in the future.
Yes, bluedaze - I have two links to an article about that- one in the previous dog blog and one in the "articles of interest" section. If you haven't read the article, copy and paste this link - http://www.jewishmonmouth.org/page.html?ArticleID=50292 I found it fascinating.
Everyone,
I am loving reading your "votes". I will give it another day - want to give everyone a chance to vote - want to make sure I count all of the "absentee ballots" ( the e-mailers and family phone calls), and then I'll let you know what has been decided.
We have 3 small dogs and they are sometimes the reason that I can make it through the day. When I'm frustrated, sad, lonely, etc. I have only to glance at them to get a friendly lick, an amusing antic, and always always a better feeling as they cuddle up to me and I pet them. The 2 youngest are trained as therapy dogs and my plan was to bring them to hospitals to work their magic. However, they are busy at home...my husband adores them and they always bring a smile to his face. I unconditionally vote a big YES!! And if you're not up to the training (although I love to see them grow up), there are many older dogs looking for homes.
Absolutely!!!!!! Been said well by others but .......you really can't beat that look of unconditional love in the eyes of a dog..... Mine isn't well behaved and has fur that goes in every direction and she slobbers her food , has an overbite and she is only clean for about five minutes after a bath and she is jealous of all living things and I love her more than I can say... Go for it
You must have a dog, and perhaps a cat. They can keep each other compamy when you are busy. I watched Oprah's program about Puppy Mills. Well, I really couldn't watch most of it as istoo sad.She suggested that we adopt form the shelters. So many animals are destroyed each day as they can't find homes. There are wonderful animals in the shelters. I don't have a pet at this moment as we are in transition with living arrangements. I look at condos, retirement residences. I don't want to live where animals are not allowed. They give unconditional love which reduces stress and just makes us feel good.They say we live longer if we have a pet.Oh yes you must get a pet.
I hate to be the bad guy here, but. I had a Casey,too (Shih tzu) and he was my best bud. He was old and going blind but he still could get around. Well I had to go the store(2 yrs ago now) and when I got home I asked my husband where the dog was, "I don't know" so I went looking. We live in the country but on a very busy road. I walked next door to my folks, that 's where Casey would automaticly go if I wasn't home. Well I found my little boy dead in the creek down in the back of my mom's. He must have gotten disoriented to be way down there. It just broke my heart, (tears flowing as I write). My husband has a habit of leaving the doors open after he goes in or out.The man that wouldn't dream of leaving a door open and unlocked before AD. Right now, Jack would just open the door and just let a dog out, not walk it and forget about it. Anyway, we have 3 cats and that will have to do for now. I look at the dogs and want another so bad, but I just couldn't go through that again. I will wait. Sorry this is so long, just think about it.
justme, like you I will wait. Our Willie died over 20 years ago and I still miss him. But when he died my husband just could not deal with the idea of another dog, so we didn't get one. The funny thing is that every dog in the neighborhood knows him and is his friend.
I don't vote either way about getting a new dog, but I would suggest an older dog that needs adopting if you decide to do it. We got Wille from a shelter and I can't believe that anyone would just have given him up. There were two times when other people wondered if we could keep him. I had multiple offers to take him both of those times. He was that loveable.
Joan, we are cat people but I do love dogs and I do understand your thinking about getting a four legged friend.
I think the positives of getting a dog certainly outweigh the negatives, but the bad stuff is really bad as told by Justme....I remember when my husband would leave a door open, too. My cats sometimes would wander out the door but not go very far...they weren't very brave, but it was really scary until they were back inside.
I don't know whether you have a fenced yard, but remember that at some point you might not be able to go out and walk the dog four or five times a day....our LOs tend to lose the ability to walk at some point and if that happens could you leave him alone to take care of the dog?
That being said, I think you should follow your heart....
I vote yes. We got our first dog after my husband was diagnosed (we both had always had dogs in the past and it was time to get one for us). She turned out to be the best thing for him. We have a small block right in front of our house. He would walk her around that 3-4 times a day. He adored her. She was also the reason I was able to get him to stop driving as it was no longer safe for him to drive with her in the car and he wanted to take her with us. Even now, I will sometimes take her with me when I visit him at the facility. She is a hit with many of the people there and he will often pet her. She is always absolutely excited to be able to see her Daddy. A year and a half after his diagnosis we got each other kittens for our anniversary. He had wanted to know what I wanted and I had fallen in love with a kitten at the pet shop. We went to pick him up and there was another kitten in the cage with him. He looked at me and said "two kittens is better than one." All of our animals (2 dogs and 4 cats) have made a huge difference to both of us. They were always good for a smile a laugh and they always loved unconditionally.
Justme, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. Finding him like that would hurt SO bad ...
I do thank you for the post, because it is a very good warning to the rest of us. Yes, our pets are wonderful and add a lot to our lives, and we love them dearly, so just as we need to think about ways to keep our spouses safe, we also need to think about keeping our pets safe around an ADLO. Someone mentioned being sure there's a fence, so if the pet gets out of the house, it won't get out into the street. Microchips to identify the pet in case it does get out, so it can be returned easily, might be another good safeguard. ASY suggested a small dog so you can use a piddle pad when the weather is bad and/or you just plain can't get out for a walk for some reason.
What other ideas do people have to make sure our pets are safe and healthy?
Joan-at the farmers' market I saw the perfect dog. He was fairly large with a curly fluffy coat. With his blunt muzzle I thought he might be a Bedlington terrier but I was wrong. He was a standard poodle/golden retriever mix. Had the best of both breeds. Smart and calm. I hope you do get another pet. I was crushed when I brought our senior cat up to visit Bill and he had no idea what the cat was. If Sid would enjoy a pet and it would give him some happiness think about it. Make this Florida vote count!
That is a Goldendoodle. No kidding. That is what they are called. I am looking into the ones that are bred with the Miniature, rather than the Standard Poodle. They're smaller.
There is a man who lives somewhere near where I do, because I have seen him many times here at the concerts with his TWO Goldendoodles. They are sweet and loveable. Just what I want in a dog.
Did I mention that my puppy puts a smile on my face several times a day? I can't imagine there would be anything to smile about otherwise. It makes the extra work well worth it.
Justme, I can uderstand your horror at finding your little dog that way. My DH doesn't go to the doors to open them so I guess I'm lucky, but you also mention you have 3 cats. Cats are also wonderful companions. We had cats for years, and the last one died in my arms while I was cutting his nails. DH was heartbroken, but when we got the dog, it really filled his life again. Cats are low maintenance pets, you don't have to walk them, and if they are indoor cats they don't take too much medical care. That's a break, because I've had my puppy to the vet 3 times in the last month, he's like a baby. Anyway, pets, especially furry ones, do fill a gap in your life, and in the life of your AD partner.
Does anyone know anything about Springer Spaniels? Our social worker, who voted a big "yes", reminded me about Barney - he's a therapy dog who sometimes comes to our Support Group meetings, and he's a Springer. Very cute and loveable. Good size. Not tiny, but not big.
The only thing I know is that they shed. Poodle or poodles mixes, also havanese (which I have) shih tzu, maltese, etc do not. If there are alergies, that could be an issue. Also, I just didn't want to deal with hair after all those years with cats.
Willie was a shelter dog who was just right for us. He was a cocker spaniel/husky mix. A blue eyed blond with the strings and colors of a cocker spaniel and the double coat and blue eyes of a husky. We kept him clipped to deal with all of the fur. Short in the summer and about an inch long in Rochester, NY's very cold winters. He was certainly a mix I never imagined, and I never saw a cocker spaniel with his colorway until just before he died. He was the best dog.
Speaking of getting a dog from the shelter ... there is a video on youtube about a therapy dog named Wilson. The video was intended to encourage pet adoption, and it is really something else. But I warn you, if you watch it all the way through and read what it says at the end, you will cry your eyes out.
I vote yes. When my husband began to drift away from me, I missed the physical contact, etc. We had dogs as the kids were growing up, but had decided that was behind us. We have two cats, but they are very reclusive. I started researching dogs. I wanted a little one - little poop, little, pee, little food, little need for space. I settled on a 6 pound poddle - doesn't shed and isn't allergic as other dogs. We live on a very busy street and have a fenced back yard, but....So, I have automatic door closers on all of our exterior doors. In addition to that I have mats that give a mild electrical shock to the dog that I have in front of the exterior doors as well as baby gates. Do I sound a little OCD. I also hired a dog trainer to come and look at our house and give me advice which was wonderful. I also took the dog to obedience school and he minds real well. He will not go out of the door until I tell him it is ok to go. He does little poops and I have peepee pads from Walmart that I have in the house in case I am away when he needs to go. I also have a playpen type enclosure for him that I keep him in when I am away. It is about 2 by 6 so he has plenty of room and is a little more contained. He is a true joy, is my constant companion, sleeps curled up next to me. When I am sick, he will not leave my side. He also loves my husband as he gives him ice cream, etc. My dog has been my true friend, always ready to love me - always attentive to MY needs. I like golden retrievers, but had to look at the reality of a big dog vs a little dog. My dog is not prisssy, he has excellent hearing and alerts me when anyone comes in our driveway. The grooming is easy - I take him about every two months to clip him real close and simple and I bathe him once a week which takes about 5 minutes. Good luck.
I too had a poodle. He was wonderful and took little care. He loved to chase a ball and I used to throw it in the family room for him. That was enough exercise if I didn't or couldn't go walking.
About the dog.. I have to smile because when one asks that question.. its very likely that it doesn't matter what anyone says.. Interestingly after thinking about it, I got my Sammy (the Schnauzer) in 2000. My husband has never liked pets who don't earn their keep. This means, working animals. Dogs that herd sheep or cattle..or hunt birds etc.. Horses that are used in ranching but not pleasure riding..
Anyway,he never had a nice word to say about or TO Sammy.. until a few months ago. Its been nearly 8 years and now he likes Sammy and pets him. Sammy doesn't know what to think! Neither do I! As Martha says, "Its a Good Thing" ..possibly the only good thing one could say about Alzheimers.
However, Sammy has to stay on a leash because he likes to run and hunt..and we live near a busy highway.. I came home from shopping the other day and my husband had tied Sammy's leash to the fence. It was 95 degrees and my husband was NOT around. Sam was panting and hot but fortunately I came home when I did. My husband said later that he had felt sorry for Sammy and let him stay outside for about 10 minutes. He was pleased with himself for doing a nice thing. I just said 'Thank you'.
The truth of the matter was, that husband got distracted and went about his own doings and never gave the dog another thought. No harm was done, but it did make me realize that one day another good deed would be to take Sammy out without his leash and 'let him run FREE'..just as my husband would love his own freedom.. yikes.
OK, here's one I would never have thought of ... one of the people over on the Alz Assn web site was asking about the Exelon patch -- what it is, and how it works -- and someone responded:
FYI--Be aware if you have pets. The used patch is very attractive to dogs, especially, since they carry the scent of the master. If your dog gets hold of a used patch it can make him/her seriously ill...I always dispose of mum's in a closed container and never leave it lying around.
Hi Joan, I am behind on my vote, so you have probably already made your decision. Gettting a dog for us (after the AD onset) was a very good move for us! It has been his constant companion and he enjoys getting our walking with our "meant to be " pet! I taught him as a puppy to "go home" (in case hubby ever wandered away with him) , find "pops" ( if we ever had to do this). Our dog was abused and is so loyal he won't eat if we leave him longer than overnight, so we make plans now around the availability to take our dog along! My neighbor recently lost her hubby and her dog has been her MAIN company! So there is a place for them too!
Here's a laugh for you ... my DH's brother has also been diagnosed with AD. He has bathroom 'problems' so uses the laundry room in their house to 'clean up'. Then, he throws his soiled shorts on the floor. TWICE when we visited last time our dog, LuLu, found those shorts and had a snack - which of course meant they went to the trash next!
I know I'm in the minority, but my vote is no. We have a moderate sized german shepherd mix who is very needy. She follows me everywhere and seems to be under foot whereever I turn. Considering that my wife has the same needs, it gets too oppressive sometimes. The dog is funny, though. She'll actually try to talk to me when she thinks that I should be paying attention to her -- particularly when she wants to go outside and play fetch.
Joan's comments regarding the responsibility of having a dog pretty well sum up my feelings. A dog is like another child and is much harder to part with than to acquire. We have to arrange for care if we want to take a trip and can't go anywhere even overnight without planning. Last fall, my wife was in a nursing home for rehab after her knee surgery. Since I spent almost all day with her, the poor dog was alone for about 10 hours.
As you said, you don't know how much care Sid will require in a couple of years. My wife has gotten to the point where she can't communicate and has very few interests. I feel guilty when I leave her alone even long enough to mow the lawn, work in the garden, etc. I really don't need someone (or something) else to be responsible for.
How about a bird? Say, a cockatiel? Or how about goldfish? He could interact with the bird, without having to walk it. He could ignore them and they would still be okay. Of course, he could accidentally leave the door of the cage open, but the bird would still be in the house.......
We got a young cat (not a kitten, about 8 months old) last November, from the Siamese Rescue in Virginia. He came to us through six different relay drivers. My husband, who's pretty much always taken our various animals for granted, fell in love with him. The cat, being a Siamese (snowshoe, bluepoint, boy) is fairly indifferent to him but that doesn't matter. My husband can be raging, furious about nothing, and in walks Chimi and it's baby talk and how's our boy today.. He's very solicitous of him! Go for a SOMETHING, Joan!
Dear Joan, My husband has early onset dementia and is deteriorating pretty rapidly.However, our Golden Retriever puppy, now 18 months old, has been a wonderful gift to the family. I recommend that you look into getting a Bichon Frise. They aren't yappy, are very affectionate, small, adorable and supposedly eager to please like a Golden Is. Good Luck! Jody, our dog brought great joy to all of us. Sue
I cannot thank everyone enough for all of your votes, comments, and suggestions. The final decision is...................I'm still debating. We both absolutely would love to get a dog, and I think it will be great for Sid. The problem is the type of dog. I want a small, spayed female, non-shedding, loveable, intelligent, housebroken dog. I know NOTHING about small breeds, so it's going to take quite a bit of research and investigating. And there is the problem that I fall in love with almost all dogs when I see them, and want to take them all home. Sid will only look at pictures, not "live" dogs, until we are ready to take one home, because he melts when he holds a real dog.
I remember many years ago, we went to a Golden Retriever breeder. I was holding and playing with all the puppies, and Sid was being very standoffish. He wouldn't touch them. The breeder took me aside and told me she didn't think she wanted to sell to us, because of my husband's behavior. I told her that he wouldn't touch the dogs because once he held one, it would be ours. We didn't end up buying from that breeder, but that is a good illustration of how Sid was and still is with dogs.
So, I will keep you posted. Thanks again for all of your posts. If anyone has anything to add, please keep posting.
i have two chihuahuas and they are courageous, smart, short haired ones dont shed too very much, total lap dogs and mine are newspaper trained -i have had only chihuahuas since i was 12yr old..:) and i had so many i cant count them and they live to be very old companions if treated well. if you saw a newborn 6wker you could hardly say no they are sooo very tiny and adorable. i have many friends who have chis and they are sold as well..hope you find what you are lookin gfor. my little bennie the male is soooo loyal to my DH he wont get off the bed and guards him while he sleeps -divvi
I still have to suggest that you go to a shelter. I'm reading and seeing on TV that there are many abandoned dogs due to the repossession of homes. People are just abandoning their pets. I'm certain if you called a shelter and explained your needs, concerns etc, they would find your wonderful pet.
When this tread started a couple weeks ago I first thought,,, gee whats to decide..... But since then Ive pretty much decided that I;m going to get my DW a dog and as with Joan,, theres a lot to consider.... Dee is not much of a dog lover except for the dog our friends have in Florida.... He;s small and smart as a whip and took a liking to Dee so a couple weeks ago I asked her if she would want a Dog and she said not really,, I then said how bought a dog like Bently ( friends dog in florida ) and she said Oh that I would like........ Anyway long story short ,,, I have made the commitment with a deposit to the breeder for a male Coton... The litter is due in about 2 weeks so the pup will be available about mid august which will be fine cause our June and July are kinda busy and that will give us about 4 months with him before we head back to Florida in December for a few months.... Joan.. check into that breed... Real spendy but may be what your looking for............... Dan
I want to put my two cents in again concerning a dog or other animal...by all means dont hesitate in getting an additiion to your family but with your Sid;s illness, I suggest you definitely get a small dog , non shedding, who can be left alone for long periods of time . Paper training is a necessity so that you don't get anxious with it being alone My experience with poodles is that they do not like to be left alone and sometimes will tear up things to complain . Also a little dog can be taken with you in a small crate if needed. as Sid progresses, a little dog can sit on his lap, sleep with h im etc. I know that when I placed my DH in a nursing home, I was glad i didn't have to worry about our Maltese as this breed is independent,doesn't tear up the house, doesn't shed, and is loving, easily paper trained, and can stay long stretches of time by themselvess. I am not advocating a Maltese per se but am advocating a small, non shedding, and even tempered do g. I Know I am inviting criticism of my suggestions but that might be fun to debate the pros and cons of large versus small dogs for AD patients.