[quote=lwolfe;1923894]
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Originally Posted by Susan123  I don't want to hijack this thread, but I can see it takes so much hard work. I have kids 8 and 15. I also have fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. With that said, I'm having to give serious thought as to when I can actually pursue my dream. I have enough energy for my family and yorkies at this point. It's really hard, but fun and rewarding.
There are 2 people in my area that show from power wheel chairs. One of them show a big breed. It is the most amazing sight to seem them flying around the ring. It is a nice dog and she wins a lot. There is one lady that uses a scooter to get around because of her disability. She drives the scooter up to ringside, gets out shows her dog and then gets right back in. I have had 4 back surgeries and it is sometimes hard for me to get on the ground so I have trained my dogs to free stack. When I am having a bad day, I let them do all the work. When I know that I am not going to be able to get down to stack my dog, I tell the ring steward and she tells the judge. I have a cart that I use to carry my gear and crates and I use a lightweight table instead of a heavy ringside table. A handicap tag also helps because the clubs often uses parking that is close to the building for club members and judges. It can be a long walk from your car to ringside.
My right hand was paralyzed for a while and I still showed my dogs. I was very slow setting my dog up on the table but the judges were very patient.
I even learned to do a topknot with one hand. I can look back at pictures and see that it wasn't the best topknot in the world but it was good enough.
Having said all that, I have to tell you that the adeneline rush is so high that pain goes away. I concentrate so hard on my dogs and getting them ready. For those few hours nothing else enters my mind. |
Thanks for this post, I found it to be very encouraging. I also imagine the adrenile rush is awesome enough to help you push through. I'm in a flare and have gotten very downcast concerned if I would be able to do it. Since being diagnosed at 32, I've gone through grieving for the things I use to be able to do and have since been trying to adjust. Adjustments can be made and allow me to follow my dream. Having this goal and loving the breed is great inspiration. And so was your post, Thank you.