Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend?

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JosephineO

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19/07/2019 at 17:37

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JosephineO

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Hello everyone,

Animal therapy is known to have a very positive impact on the morale of those who are suffering from a chronic condition. they provide both comfort and companionship!

We wanted to ask you, do you have an animal to help you? If so, what kind? How does oyur animal help you?

Please let us know in the comments! :)

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Courtney_J

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28/05/2020 at 15:54

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Courtney_J

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@JazzyC Hello JazzyC, I'm sorry to hear about Herbie! I can understand how you're feeling, our pets are more often than not like family to us! Sending both you and him love and best wishes! Please let us know how you are both doing if you're up to it!

Take care,
Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-05-28 15:54:25

JazzyC

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28/05/2020 at 19:36

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JazzyC

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Thank you, he is a bit better although he doesn't like the heat.

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Janet Collins

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-05-28 19:36:47

PollyP

03/07/2020 at 19:16

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I'm a bit of a "crazy cat lady" as they say. I currently only have two, but at one point in my life I had seven! I love the calmness of cats. I find it really reassuring. And they say that the purring may have healing properties!

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-07-03 19:16:52

Suzhannah

04/07/2020 at 13:35

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My boy Rocky is 12 Had him since a pup at 10 months Rescue dog but he's rescued me If not for him would have nothing to get up for Cant walk far so pal helps He loves to potter round local field n trails He eats like a horse for a small lad Last year very traumatic Mast cell tumour on head removed then huge one near back n bladder nearly lost him but our vet amazing Sadly he has Anal gland Cancer but too week now to operate He was given prognosis of 3-6 months last july 2019 Thank god he still with me A little slow n a bit more grumpy but has daily meds and is very happy I absolutely rejoice in time left Spoil him with steak n chicken Lots of cuddles He sleeps on bed with me Never leaves my side.....cant imagine a future without him King Rocky x

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Suzanne

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-07-04 13:35:27

maddoglady

04/07/2020 at 19:29

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maddoglady

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I have 4 dogs and I wouldn't be without any of them. They give me a reason to get up in the morning.

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Maddoglady!

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-07-04 19:29:43

foxfan7

06/08/2020 at 11:45

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Since my wife passed away in June my daughter has suggested I might like a dog to share my life, I always wanted one but circumstances stopped this. Having read the posts on this subject I am thinking a rescue dog might be a very good thing for me. Comments please

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Peter

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-08-06 11:45:24

robjmckinney

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Edited on 07/08/2020 at 16:12

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robjmckinney

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@foxfan7 You might find jumping threw all the hoops of the animal charities hard these days, plus inspections and expensive charges. You may want to try local papers or Gumtree etc. plenty of people wanting to rehouse their pet to a good home. Normally all up to date with jabs etc. where simple circumstances changed and they need rehousing, all house trained. Plus due to Covid-19 crisis people bought dogs to go walks will now be dumping these animals or looking for a good home. A nice mongrel tends to have less medical issues while pedigrees can cost a fortune in vet bills. Plus choosing the right breed, some require lots of exercise, some so little so do some investigation is worth it. But the bonus of going walking, meeting people and a loving loyal friend cannot be measured!

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robjmckinney

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-08-07 11:42:50

lesmal

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07/08/2020 at 15:57

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lesmal

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@foxfan7‍ ... I agree with @robjmckinney‍ regarding all points above. I have a little Jack Russell cross who is now almost 13. He's a great little guy but rather spoilt. We brought him to Northern Ireland from South Africa, but it was worth it! I could never have left him behind.

It is important the dog is microchipped and registered on a database, licensed, and also has his yearly vaccinations up to date. I also get him regular monthly flea treatment and he is de-wormed once every 4/5 months which has always been the case. Vet fees can add up if there's an underlying problem. In our case, he had 5 lipomas removed through surgery last year, and I am due to take him in again as more have grown. During COVID-19 I tried to make an appointment with the vet he is under; they can only see him in October! Also, they won't do his vaccinations at the same time which I think is absolutely ridiculous. One week he must go in for vaccinations, the next week for checking lipomas, another appointment for surgery, and then, of course, the 4th visit for his check-up if surgery is required. I had such a rude receptionist, that I've now found another vet who said they could see him this month. The procedure is that one has to wait outside the vet, whilst the vet takes the dog in, does the check-up or vaccinations, then returns the dog to the customer through the main door. No one is allowed into the practice at the moment.

It's a good idea to get one that's already been vaccinated, licensed, and been through his training. Having a dog is the most special thing and they are such great loyal companions. My only worry would be that depending on your age and health problems, who would take care of him should something drastic happen to you, heaven forbid!

Please give it lots of thought before you commit to bringing him/her into your home!

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Les

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-08-07 15:57:52

maddoglady

11/08/2020 at 09:18

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Foxfan, sharing your life with any animal is an incredibly rewarding experience. That said a dog is a huge responsibility that can, if you've lucky,last 10+ years.

Pedigree, cross breed or mongrel is a personal choice as is rescue or a pup from a breeder. A properly bred pedigree pup from a caring and knowledgeable breeder will cost you more to purchase, however you should be getting a puppy from health tested parents and over a lifetime shouldn't cost you any more to keep than any other.

Your crossbreeds are a combination of breeds. Beware the ads for so called 'Designer Crossbreeds ' advertising rare colours and matings. Combining two breeds with a predisposition to certain health conditions doesn't give you a disease free dog, it just increases the possibility of health problems.

Best advice? Go to a reputable source, either established rescue organisations or breeders. Never buy from ads on Gum tree or online. If you go to a rescue, expect home checks, questions and form filling, if you go to a breeder expect the inquisition! If you don't get it walk away.

Expect to pay around £1500 for a pedigree puppy from a breeder and between £100 to £300 from a rescue organisation.

You can get pedigree dogs from rescues, I've got 3 from rescue and one from a breeder. Just remember dogs are often surrendered to rescues because they've become a problem in some way, either health problems or behavioural issues.

Whatever you choose, enjoy! I've shared my life with countless dogs over the years and each and every one has enriched my life a thousand fold. I've made some great friends through a shared love of dogs.

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Maddoglady!

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-08-11 09:18:50

JazzyC

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17/08/2020 at 11:46

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JazzyC

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I had a Jack Russell that was my best friend but I lost him on 19 June. Since then I have been more stressed and low. I have put weight on as I am doing less exercise so I am now actively looking for a rescue dog.

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Janet Collins

Animal therapy; do you have a four-legged friend? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/animal-therapy-do-you-have-a-fourlegged-friend-2901 2020-08-17 11:46:36

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