Physical Changes in Humans that effect our Doodles~

[LG & Sadie]

Over this last year I underwent 2 back surgeries which were quite extensive and greatly hampered my ability to be physical with Sadie. Her physical needs were met, thankfully through my partner, friends, and her occasional attendance at a daycare place located in town. But I needed things to do with her so we would continue not only to snuggle cuddle and adore one another but also keep building what we have....she's 3 now.....and has many special needs......so, one thing I found I thought I would share in this group is the IQube CageyCube Dog Toy. It is interactive, and as smart as Sadie is (of course) it was something she could master... we could learn together and "do" together. Once I could get myself down on the floor to sit with her while she worked at it-I did that. We kept the toy apart from her other toys, and it was something special that only I did with her while I was recovering. There are a few other interactive toys I am thinking about getting just in case I never get up to my old speed again! I was just curious if anyone else has had any similar age or orthopedic, illness related changes that effects their doodles and strategy for dealing with it that they would want to share??? I have pictures of the toy if anyone would like to see what the IQube looks like also!  

[Anna and Achilles]

What a great idea, I sometimes throw my back out (not anywhere near your prob.) but this would be a great thing for the few days that I am down for the count. What a lucky doodle to have a mom that thinks like that.

[LG & Sadie]

Oh, I think the shared theme of back pain sure counts!! I might splurge and buy the other "educational" toys.....you may notice, Sadie is a bit like me and my partner's only child.......or we treat her as such......but, hey, I say all family is family, canine, human or otherwise!

[Frannie & Callie]

LG - Callie is my child through and through, so I totally understand how you and your partner feel!

[Frannie & Callie]

First - I'm so sorry for your back troubles! I hurt my back a few years ago and until then didn't have a full appreciation of how much it affects your movement and your mood!

I have Crohn's Disease. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago, and got Callie just over a year ago. I 100% think that having my dood HELPS me manage the Crohn's from an emotional standpoint. The disease is depressing but Callie makes me so freaking happy that it helps balance it out. There are definitely some issues that come up. There are days that I can't really go on "real" walks, and days that I'm just utterly sapped of energy. Then sometimes I'm just fine, so it's a bit potluck. During my flare ups or down-energy days, I try to take Callie to daycare, or I sit at the top of the stairs and throw the tennis ball down the stairs, over and over, until I think Callie is appropriately exercised. We also have lots of doggie play dates, and I foster for DRC, and Callie loves having the company (and also loves it when they go to their "real" homes and she gets me all to herself again!)

[Anna and Achilles]

Frannie, my niece has Crohn's. She was just found out. If you have any advise I could send her way that would be great.

[Frannie & Callie]

Hi Anna - I just saw this post. How old is your niece? I'm so sorry that she has Crohn's - it isn't easy but it can be made managable! My advice would be to work in tandem with her gastro and a nutritionist, because what you put into your body great affects your flare ups. Example - I try to have as few processed foods as possible, but still have to have low fiber.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

We are fearing that my youngest daughter has Crohn's - it was worst case senario months ago but now its not looking good. She is only 8 - we are going to another specialist at the end of the month. I have an appointment with a nurtritionist next week to see if they have suggestions. I might be calling out to you for some help :-( I am soooo sorry that you have to go through that yourself.