Pet sitting with Parkinson’s reminds me that my house is no place for a pooch
Since we lost Kona, our house has changed to make living with Parkinson’s easier
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For 11 wonderful years, we were blessed with having a beautiful Bernese mountain dog called Kona in our lives. He’s been gone nine years, and I still think about and talk about him nearly every day. He was 97 pounds of love, joy, and fur. He was goofy — as big dogs often are — and stubborn, as people who live in our house often are. You could throw a ball for him to fetch, and he’d lie down at your feet looking up at you with an expression that said, “Nice job throwing. You don’t expect me to go get it, do you?”
He was such a good boy, and we loved him fiercely. He was also sensitive. He would get upset if he heard a baby crying, even if it was just on TV. And when he met kids, he seemed to sense that he needed to greet them with a calm energy to avoid scaring them with his size.
I wish I could say he knew there was something wrong with me when I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2013, but I think it came as a shock to him, too. The day my husband and I got the news, we came home and were clearly upset. The dog was anxious, and at one point, when my husband and I were standing in the kitchen hugging and consoling and crying a little together, the dog was right there, nudging to squeeze in between us. He may not have known what was wrong, but he wasn’t going to let us face it alone.
Thrilled to dog sit again
By the time we got my diagnosis, he was already 7, which is getting old for a Bernese. He was slowing down and no longer needed long walks, just as I was. He had never been much of a chewer, and we didn’t have to think about making sure everything within nose height was put away. He would ignore a dropped pill instead of lunging for it and eating it before I could react. He even learned to get up and move when he was blocking a doorway, instead of me risking stepping over him and falling. All I had to do was say “beep beep,” and he’d get out of the way. He was learning to live with a new normal just as we were.
He was with us for four more years, filling our days with love and laughter. He was gone before my deep brain stimulation surgery, and after the procedure, we debated getting another dog since I was feeling much better. Other people have asked us constantly if we’ll get another dog, since our last one brought us so much joy. We’ve always hedged and said, “Maybe.”
Then, a few weeks ago, we dog-sat for a friend. She is a dog we know, and she’s been to our house many times, but always with her humans. She’s a great, friendly, well-trained dog, but I didn’t think through all the dog hazards that have crept into our home since losing Kona. Not to mention that “beep beep” isn’t a very common command!
She got bored and she chomped on a pair of reading glasses left on the living room table, prompting me to rush to clear all the debris off our coffee tables, including my strategically stashed pill boxes, remotes, and her favorite, Kleenex. Later, she came upstairs and made a beeline to the basket of balled-up socks I keep by my getting-ready spot. She didn’t chew the socks, but I will say she’s brilliant at playing “keep away.”
Let me be clear: We had a great weekend and got plenty of happy puppy snuggles and ear scritches in. But I was reminded of how much work it is to have a dog and how much energy it takes to be vigilant. I also realized how much our house has changed to make living with my Parkinson’s easier. And right now, that doesn’t include owning a dog.
I’ve often said since we lost Kona that “life is not better without a dog, but it sure is easier.” I’m thrilled to dog-sit again and to have friends bring their dogs over, but the time isn’t right for us to get our own dog, no matter how much we love them.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
Lynn
This article was clearly written by someone who loves and respects and appreciates dogs. But we must remember that every person is different just like every dog is different. I credit my dogs with keeping me active meaning keeping my symptoms under control with the regular exercise they demand. Yes, dogs. My housemates are two Australian Shepherds. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 25 years ago and I have had bilateral deep brain stimulation five years ago. I take a very low level of dopamine as needed is usually 50 mg three times a day. But if I omit exercising with my dogs, my body becomes stiff and cramped. I used to have hunting dogs and though I adore those breeds, became a bit too boisterous for me. After they passed away, I researched breeds and picked a breed and age of dog (all my dogs have been rescue dogs) for my temperament and abilities. So please consider a dog as a loving companion who can keep you active. It is simply a matter of matching your needs and theirs.
Kelly
I appreciate all the stories and honesty in your writings!
Naomi Verdugo
Maybe you could get a cat. They are often under-rated. They really do have personalities. And it might give you the love and fun you miss from your beloved Kona. Or a senior dog that has little need for exercise but needs a loving home.
brenda s shoun
wrong wrong
Bob T
I could not exist without my doggy companions. My oldest is a 12-year-old Foxhound (Dakota) and a 6 y/o Staffy (Remi); they take naps with me and keep me moving and motivated each day. I am in year 4 since diagnosis in 2022. Each day is like Christmas.