Do you have a dog?

Hi guys! I've had my PM for about 3 years now and since then I've been too nervouse to adopt a dog. I'm afraid they will accidentally paw at, or headbutt my PM site. I am really petite so the surgeon was not able to get the PM under my muscle, so there isn't alot of natural protection there, if you know what i mean.

Do you have a dog? Have you been able to train them to avoid that site?

Thanks!

~Renee


10 Comments

go get a dog!

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-05 01:01:42

I've always had two (sometimes 3) dogs at a time, goldens and German shepherds. I volunteer with a golden retriever rescue and foster occasionally so I spend a lot of time with dogs that aren't my own. Even the most rowdy, untrained rescues have never hurt me. My own dogs know not to jump up, it's just a matter of training. If you want a dog, get a dog! No matter how old and well trained the dog is when you adopt, sign up for an obedience class together. It's good reinforcement for the dog, will make you more comfortable, and it's a great way for the two of you to bond.

If a dog attempts to jump on you, turn your back and ignore it. That usually nips it in the bud. Petting just reinforces that jumping will be rewarded.

Can I make a suggestion? If you work through a rescue rather than a shelter or breeder, they can match your personality and lifestyle to the dog you adopt. A good rescue will foster the dogs before putting them up for adoption so they can learn the dog's personality and needs, and they will interview you and possibly do a home visit to determine the type of dog you'd be happiest with. An older dog might be a better choice, skip the puppy energy and get one that's already mellowed out. If you have questions, lemme know. In case you didn't guess yet, I'm a bit of a dog person ;o)

Pets

by Cabg Patch - 2016-01-05 03:01:00

You are doing yourself a disservice not already having a dog or 6. I have three desert tortoises, 3 monster cats, and 2 gihugic (as in way too big) dogs.

The tortoises are just too slow to walk with, however I do notice they can go into turbo mode when they want. The felines have cattitude and could care less, but the dogs walk me every morning and don't let me slack off for one excuse or another when I really would prefer not to exercise.

They both have this special look they give me, I call it accusatory eyes, and they keep up the pressure until the guilt wins and I just do it.

Now all of our animals were doing hard time behind bars when we sprung them, so they listen pretty well, but when they do get out of line I remind them they could go back. I never have trouble with the dogs. The turtles while quite large aren't known for their athletic prowess and can't jump that high.

However, the cats, well they have bounced off my device more than a few times. In fact I strongly suspect they plot against me and are trying to hurry the reading of the will.

Stop worrying about every little remotely possible negative and start living. All of my pets lay at my feet and in my lap when I'm struggling medically, they know and take care of me better than any doctor could. Do yourself a favor, get a pet.

Get the training, get the dog

by Theknotguy - 2016-01-05 10:01:21

The two dogs were with me when I collapsed on the trail.

They've been with me as much as I can see them. One at 70 pounds, the other at 60. They helped in my rehabilitation. It's hard to be depressed when they do something goofy to make me laugh. It's hard to fudge on your exercise when they drag you down the trail.

After they got back with me post pacemaker I'd be a dog "sandwich". One would lay on my left leg and the other on my right. Couldn't move unless they knew what was going on.

No problem as far as the pacemaker goes.

Most important, you can't beat a cold nose and a warm heart. They've done more for me than I can describe.

Hope you are able to get a great dog.

No worries.

by Alma Annie - 2016-01-05 11:01:10

I don't think a dog would disturb a PM when jumping up, more than I do when sleeping on my left side. My pm has often flipped up at right angles. moved 190 degrees etc. EP first raised eyebrows then shrugged shoulders and then started talking about something different. In other words not an issue. PM still works well.
Get your dog!
Alma Annie

Dogs

by Good Dog - 2016-01-05 12:01:41

I have had a pacemaker for 30 years and have had three dogs for that time. My dogs are house dogs medium in size (Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen) and there has never been a problem. Can't even imagine how there could be a problem! Couldn't live without my hounds!

Sincerely,
David

p.s.

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-06 01:01:45

Post a picture in the gallery when you get your new friend. Do some research on the breeds you are interested in. There is a lot of difference in personality, some breeds are more high strung and higher energy than others. You can't go wrong with a mixed breed, mutts rock.

Thank you!!!

by ReneeV2.0 - 2016-01-06 02:01:02

Thank you so much for all the advice! I'm smiling and laughing reading all of these posts!

I will definitely be adopting a dog from a shelter...and I'm most likely getting a smaller dog; Yorkie, Poodle, Havanese, or (most likely) a mix of those. Great idea about training/obedience class...sounds like a good plan for both of us!

Thanks again!!

Renee

Gallery pictures

by Cabg Patch - 2016-01-06 02:01:47

.

TO ANYBODY THINKING OF JOINING PACEMAKER CLUB

by Tattoo Man - 2016-01-08 08:01:32


above you will read the most persuasive accounts of why PM Club is the only place to be when you have been blessed with a 'Device'.....

Bless you all !!

...Me I am a Cat Man.....Try..'Simons Cat' on You Tube..I just dare you to keep a straight face....

'Katmandu' is brilliant...make sure that you go to the Loo first..

TM

..Don't 'Walk away Renee'...get yourself a 'Houn' Dog..

Absolutely!

by K8 - 2016-02-22 08:02:21

I just adopted a 9 week old Havanese puppy. You will have so much fun with a dog in your life. Enjoy!

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