Hi Joan!!!!
Gosh, I so totally know where you're coming from! I have Lupus, Scleroderma and Fibromyalgia and I had to quit work in December. My only child is leaving for college at the end of the summer and I so wanted a sweet little dog for companionship. I have mobility problems (use a cane or walker) and also suffer from severe fatigue, pain and other issues.
I tried to adopt a Yorkie but the rescues were like "thanks but no thanks" due to my disability. I thought an older dog would be best and I could offer a lovely home to a Yorkie who needed one! I'm still a bit upset that they didn't find me "worthy" just because I move slowly and need two naps every day! The things I can't do -- like lift heavy things, do fine, dexterous tasks like buttons, and such -- have no impact on my ability to care for a small dog!
Anyhow, I went to a pet store just to look on Tuesday and they had a 6-month-old, 9-pound Yorkie they said they hadn't been able to sell because he is "too big and too old." I fell in love with him immediately and they sold him to me for what amounted to an adoption fee. He is beautiful and sweet and healthy!
We are doing GREAT!!!!! He just seems to sense that mummy needs him and he makes me laugh so much! He is full of fun and his tail is constantly wagging! When I take my naps, he is lying right by my side and won't get up until I do. Such a sweet boy! I do put him in a crate at night, though, because I am very unsteady when I wake up in the morning and I want to make sure he is safe and away from mischief until I am ready to let him out.
He's a good size and a good age. I don't think a tiny one would be good because he or she might be scared of my cane and walker -- Bobby isn't fazed one bit. He follows me wherever I go and is always by my side.
I'm sure you have a fenced-in yard for your other babies -- that is so important! Bobby is doing pretty well with his potty training, especially since he was in a cage for most of his life! He doesn't poopy in the house and right now he has maybe two little wee accidents all day. It's coming along great, though!
I say, Go for it! You'll find the right baby and he or she will be a wonderful companion!
Julie |