Therapeutic Pets

I firmly believe that pets have many therapeutic benefits. And judging from our survey responses, you agree.

We asked:
How have your pets helped your arthritis? Either physically or mentally.

And you said:

NEW! 'You know what they say about dogs and their owners looking alike? Well my dog Madeline is overwieght, has arthritis, walks with a limp and has whiskers, just like me! When I am flaring I know I can count on my Maddy to share my bed and my heating pad. She's always there with a lick and a snuggle when I need it most!' -KJ

NEW! 'Brianna's cat, Herbie was initially adopted for the purpose of companionship for her when she was swollen and unable to basically move at all. He has surpassed our expectations and not only is he her best companion, but he is very loving to her. When Brianna is flared up and cannot become mobile and hurts, Herbie comes running to her to lay at her head and lick her. He watches over her when she's sick and only allows her to pick him up. He is truly a therapeutic pet for her.' -Brianna's Mom

'My Max is a large, beautiful German Shepherd. He's 13 now, and about as slow as I am. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 1998, and Max was diagnosed with Canine Lupus 6 months later. He is my strength, and my hero. His love and devotion is unending. He is one of the most noble creatures I've ever been priveledged to share space with. Cortisone really helps him, but I know that every day with him is a gift right now. Thank you for letting me share this.' -Linn

'We had just gotten our cocker spaniel, Little Bit of Honey, 6 months before my accident. Now I stay home alone 75% of the day so she is a true gift from God. She is my best friend and the only one that doesn't judge me for what I can or can not do. She can tell when I'm sad or in pain and comes to comfort me. I've become very depressed over the past 3 years of isolation she keeps me sane. I don't think I could live without her or would want to. She reminds me there is a world out there full of people. In the summer I take her for short walks downtown and she meets all kinds of people. Unlike me she's never met a stranger so she helps me meet people. After three years of trying every kind of medicine imaginable she is the best medicine I've found so far.' -Miss Honey & Momsie

'About a 1 1/2 years ago my husband got me a Black male mini snauzer. Harley. I have severe osteoartritis in my feet (from club feet/dislocated hips and primitive surgeries at the Riley Hospital , Indianapolis, Indiana in the early 50"s and most of the joints in my body. I also have arthritis in my hands. I have had 6 fractured bones in 3 years ( Advanced Osteporosis). My little Harley is so sweet. He knows when I am having a difficult day. When I take him out he will be a gentleman and will not go in the door until I do. I have to use my power chair most of the time now. I got a little white female for Harley, her name is Sugar. These little buggers are a lot of work. Like having toddlers again getting into everything. I think they have been the only thing keeping me going. They encourage me to keep moving, you know how easy it would be to just quit moving (and less painful). My silly little pair make me laugh and that is the best medicine you can get.' -Carol Sue

'Mentally, Taz and Lint are always making me laugh about something or another that they do. When I am feeling bad, they seem to sense that and are very loving and want to be right beside me.
Both of my knees are in very bad shape. Taz's favorite place to sleep is in my lap draped across my knees. The heat of her body and the weight of her body works better on relieving/easing the pain in my knees that anything else I've ever tried to use.' -Deb

'Mentally he is my stress releaser. Long walks bicycle rides, or just hanging out he just keeps pestering me till I get up and do something with him. He knows when I need cheering up and will bring me a favorite toy, or come for a pat on the head. He will be so happy to be outdoors, to see me that he lifts my spirits immensly.' -Toni

'The cats are there when any one of us are not feeling well, especially Ashli. Richmond sleeps with her and when she has to lay with ice on her knees and ankles, Richmond is right there on her lap giving her comfort and joy.' -Sandi

'Yes, physically, because they keep me moving, even when I don't want to. And mentally, they are also here for me.' -Judy

'When I am sad, Misty will crawl up into my lap and lay there. It is like she is trying to make me feel better. If that does not work then she will chase her favorite toy....a sock!!
She helps me physically when she runs out under our legs and I have to go chase her.' -Randara

'When I am hurting or just feeling down, Moses can feel that and he always offers himself to come get into my lap and spend time with me. All I have to do is look into his eyes, he knows me.' -Susan B

'I think they help me mentally just being with me, they're someone to talk to and play with.' -Carole

'Absolutely. Nothing better than snuggling a warm, furry cat when hurting. I live alone, and the house would seem terribly empty without the little fella around.' -Brenda

'They keep me somewhat active as I have to get up at least once an hour just to let them outside (small bladders!). When I am in pain and I start crying they always come up and lick my tears or cuddle with me. When they lay up against my back it makes my back feel so much better.' -Cindy

'Both. The Shih Tzu is just 7 weeks old. I have to take her outside often which gives me exercise and fresh air. She is so cute that just looking at her makes me smile. No one could be in a bad mood seeing this beautiful puppy.
The parrot is 19 years old. It is cranky around me but loves my husband and son which leads us to believe it is a female. I don't get much physical activity from the parrot but when &quoT;she&quoT; talks or makes her noises (quacks like a duck and imitates a person sneezing) it is a real mood lifter.' -Diane B

'During my initial sudden onset of RA my cat, now deceased, constantly wanted to lick my wrists. This was a new behavior for my cat. I think he new something was brewing in my wrists. He was a very comforting cat. I miss Pumpkin.' -Sue

'They help me mentally by watching them play and letting me pet them.' -Tracie

'Probably both. Definitely mentally. and on days when I just don't feel like it, that screaming call for food [she is deaf and doesn't think I can hear her] just makes you push on, get up and do what she wants.' -Duckie

'I'm not sure I can say that they have, but I will say that they are loved and that their daily care is something I enjoy doing.' -Bonnie

'They have helped. Mainly if I'm having a bad day I have to move to feed them so they still make me active to some degree.. and the Border Collie ( yup he's a big fatty) is a great lift me up when I cannot get out of a chair , off the loo or out of bed.' -Amanda

'Well, Angel has not helped me physically! Since she's so old, she's become more demanding and literally screams for food. And whatever I put DOWN ON THE FLOOR in her dish, isn't quite the right thing. So we experiment a lot. She also wakes us up during the night with this and that. Just like a baby!' -Cynthia

'Yes, because she is completely unjugmental and accepts me as I am.' -Gill

'MY DOGS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO SEE ME. EVERY MORNING, THEY DO LITTLE CIRCLES WHILE WAGGING THEIR TAILS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO HAPPY TO SEE ME. THEY KEEP ME SO MUCH COMPANY. IF I'M SICK, THEY LAY RIGHT NEXT TO ME. I TRY TO WALK THEM, AND THEY NEVER PULL ON THE LEASH.' -Melanie P

'My cats have helped me because they are a source of comfort, fun and enjoyment, are supportive no matter what I'm going through and they love me unconditionally.' -Jill

'When I am having a bad day the cat will sit with me in my chair and want me to pet him, I think he does this for my sake cause he really hates to be petted most the time. And Osceola will sit by my chair and when I get up she follows me at my slow pace where-ever I go. Even down the stairs which I take very slow and she will be behind me going one step at a time too.' -Cheryl

'My dogs have helped me emotionally. They are always there with their big ol' doggie smiles and loving acceptance no matter how grouchy I am!' -Carol

'Our parrots have extensive vocabularies (Shammy's is around 200 words), so they always provide great company and unending entertainment. Because they are such characters, there is never a day that they don't make us smile and laugh, as well!' -Donna L.

'When they come to you for love, wanting to be petted, I tend to forget about the aches and pains. They look up at you so adoringly and with such complete trust. They depend on you for food and care.

Our dog has saved me from falling/triping several times when we're outside walking, by bracing herself up against my knees/legs.' -CJ

'He helps spiritually and emotionally. Max lays by me when I'm resting - he knows whem I'm not well and stays close by me to lend support.' -Linda J

'Mentally, they give me great comfort when I'm down.' -Cris

'Pets are GREAT for mental health. They make you laugh and are supportive. If I am ever feeling bad or sick and go back to bed both my cat Baby and the dog will come up and lie with me in bed. Then Breeze will follow me around the rest of the day, making sure I am ok.' -Maria

'these little girls have helped me both mentally and physically...I am now walking 1 to 2 miles aday with them,,They have given me purpose...With the kids grown and married they have been such great company...and they love no matter how I feel what I can or cant do....
For those that dont have a pet should really consider it..The return is worth the investment..' -Sharon

'Yes. Just by being there.' -Stephanie

Tell us about your therapeutic pet!