MS, dogs and me
Annie’s lived with dogs her whole adult life. In this blog post, she tells us how they’ve brought her joy and companionship throughout her MS journey. As well as helping her stay active and meet new people.
Early in 2009, I told the neurologist that a new puppy would be joining my family. "Well", he said, "as long as it’s not an over-energetic Springer Spaniel…" That puppy, a stubborn, loveable and opinionated Border Terrier, was Bruno. He died in January aged 15 and is much missed.
My remaining canine companion is Milly, a feisty 13-year-old Jack Russell.
Annie with her dogs Milly (left) and Bruno (right) at the beach.
Back when we got Bruno, I also suggested to the neurologist that it was a pity he couldn’t ‘prescribe’ a dog for everyone with MS…
Why? Because there are so many benefits of dog companionship for people with MS. I talk about dog ‘companionship’ rather than dog ‘ownership’ – because can we own a living, conscious being?
While My MS chips away at my life, my dogs have all enhanced my life - despite the poo collecting, vet bills, assorted hassles and grief when they die.
Getting out and about
MS means that I’m less mobile than I’d like. I’m often in pain and struggling with high fatigue levels. As well as what I call ‘MS weirdness’- unpredictable symptoms that come and go. MS makes me less motivated. I’m tired, I ache, my balance is ‘off’, and – major problem! – my MS bladder plays up. It’s tempting to sit down and stay sitting down – but I know staying active keeps things working as well as they can.
Over the years, my dogs have been my physiotherapists. I live alone, and dogs have to be walked, and given attention and play. I don’t always feel like meeting these needs, but my dogs rely on me, and that motivates me to keep moving.
As my MS symptoms have worsened, I’ve sought extra help from my lovely dog walkers. But my dogs have helped keep me alert, amused, and interested in the world around me.
There’s a social element to dog companionship, too. As I’ve walked my dogs, I’ve met other local dog walkers. I like to think of us as 'The Confederation of Dog Walkers’. Our dogs chat and sniff, and we humans just chat.
Dogs help with mindfulness
My dogs have helped me to live more mindfully. During the COVID lockdowns, Bruno and Milly were my only companions – luckily, dogs are excellent company. I didn’t dwell too much on the troubles of the world as I watched them play ‘tuggy’ and ‘chase’. Dogs live completely in the moment, and that’s helped me live in the moment, too.
It’s easy, when you have a long term illness, to focus on symptoms and discomfort, and forget to look for what is positive in life. My mindfulness training taught me that ‘what we dwell on, we become’ (or ‘what we focus on gets bigger, becomes a bigger part of our experience’). My dogs remind me to broaden my awareness and look beyond the the difficulties of my life, so that I don’t miss its joys.
My dogs have also been my psychotherapists. Dogs know when you’re tired, unwell, in pain or grieving. They silently offer empathy and unconditional love. Milly jumps up and sits by my side. Bruno used to lean against my legs. I was, and am, heartened by their concern. Dogs offer companionship and, for me, encouragement to exercise.
A dog will make you laugh, and sit with you in times of sorrow. Dogs are joy-bringers.
I personally like terriers, with their streak of anarchic unpredictability. But there’s a dog for everyone out there, and many dogs in need of rescue and rehoming. Dogs can be trained to provide practical assistance in the home, and the benefits of pet ownership for physical and mental health are well documented.
Ways to have a dog in your life
Before bringing a dog into your life, you have to consider the practicalities – like the size and temperament of the dog and the financial cost. There’s also their need for exercise and socialisation and your ability to meet these needs. Having your own dog isn’t the only option, though. Charities like the Cinnamon Trust and the Dogs Trust offer opportunities to interact with a dog on a voluntary basis without having the 24-hour a day responsibility for their welfare.
Visit the Cinnamon Trust website
As I reflect on my advancing age and illness, and on Milly’s advancing years, I realise she’s probably my last dog. I hope not, but I have to be realistic. Whatever the future holds, I’m thankful for all the dogs who’ve enriched my life for a collective total of 56 years – Suzi, Penny, Ba-el, Bruno and Milly.
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