Dog for two wheelchair users

Sheepdish1 · 24-08-2019 12:46am

Also depending on breed grooming may be needed every 8 weeks

Dial Hard · 24-08-2019 12:53pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Our back garden is an ok size. And yes, we can both throw a ball/toy around.

Will you or someone else be able to physically take the dog out for at least a 30 minute walk at least once a day? Throwing a ball around the back garden isn't an alternative.

I'm sorry if I sound like I'm being a complete negatron but you haven't actually answered this question yet and unless the answer is "Yes" then you're not really in a position to get a dog regardless of how much you both want one.

Graces7 · 24-08-2019 1:15pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Will you or someone else be able to physically take the dog out for at least a 30 minute walk at least once a day? Throwing a ball around the back garden isn't an alternative.

I'm sorry if I sound like I'm being a complete negatron but you haven't actually answered this question yet and unless the answer is "Yes" then you're not really in a position to get a dog regardless of how much you both want one.

Actually it is. Playing fetch is great exercise and they love the interaction with you. I did this for many a year perforce. Dog was healthy and happy and lived to a good age. I used to say that on the short walks I was able for she got at least twice the exercise as she would run on ahead then race to me when I called.

There were naysayers to me then but I am happy with what we did. Disabled folk find ways round what others would find impossible.

Sheepdish1 · 24-08-2019 5:14pm

Graces7 wrote: »

Dial Hard wrote: »

Will you or someone else be able to physically take the dog out for at least a 30 minute walk at least once a day? Throwing a ball around the back garden isn't an alternative.

I'm sorry if I sound like I'm being a complete negatron but you haven't actually answered this question yet and unless the answer is "Yes" then you're not really in a position to get a dog regardless of how much you both want one.

Actually it is. Playing fetch is great exercise and they love the interaction with you. I did this for many a year perforce. Dog was healthy and happy and lived to a good age. I used to say that on the short walks I was able for she got at least twice the exercise as she would run on ahead then race to me when I called.

There were naysayers to me then but I am happy with what we did. Disabled folk find ways round what others would find impossible.

I don’t agree that playing with a ball in a back garden is the same as going for a walk. They do get exercise however a walk for a dog is not just about exercise. some dogs can become overly stimulated from playing fetch. I know someone who was recommended to stop playing fetch for this reason as the dog was completely wired for hours after playing fetch for 15 mins.

Most dogs enjoy sniffing new smells, seeing things, feeling new textures, meeting other dogs etc while out on walks etc. A walk isn’t just about exercise.

If the OP gets the right info and goes to a reputable rescue they may be able to bring the dog on short walks as long as the dog is calm and used to other dogs. Some dogs can’t walk much due to mobility issues so it may not even need to be 30 mins a day.

There are other ways to mentally stimulate a dog such as enrichment. The rescue will help the OP with this too.

Graces7 · 24-08-2019 9:08pm

Sheepdish1 wrote: »

I don’t agree that playing with a ball in a back garden is the same as going for a walk. They do get exercise however a walk for a dog is not just about exercise. some dogs can become overly stimulated from playing fetch. I know someone who was recommended to stop playing fetch for this reason as the dog was completely wired for hours after playing fetch for 15 mins.

Most dogs enjoy sniffing new smells, seeing things, feeling new textures, meeting other dogs etc while out on walks etc. A walk isn’t just about exercise.

If the OP gets the right info and goes to a reputable rescue they may be able to bring the dog on short walks as long as the dog is calm and used to other dogs. Some dogs can’t walk much due to mobility issues so it may not even need to be 30 mins a day.

There are other ways to mentally stimulate a dog such as enrichment. The rescue will help the OP with this too.

I did say short walks as well

My disability limits mobility. As will the OP's. And as I have said my dog ( well 2 of them) was happy and lively with my routine and needs .

Hate the idea of folk saying someone cannot have a dog unless a, b and c are in place. We find ways

On these matter we will have to agree to differ, please/ I had this conversation way back when my mobility started to fade and I had two dogs. We did fine, and I am sure the OP will do also . There really are no rigid rules.

Cherry Blossom · 24-08-2019 9:51pm

Sorry Graces7, but could you just remind us of the reasons why you didnt get another dog please?

Sheepdish1 · 24-08-2019 11:09pm

Graces7 wrote: »

I did say short walks as well My disability limits mobility. As will the OP's. And as I have said my dog ( well 2 of them) was happy and lively with my routine and needs .

Hate the idea of folk saying someone cannot have a dog unless a, b and c are in place. We find ways

On these matter we will have to agree to differ, please/ I had this conversation way back when my mobility started to fade and I had two dogs. We did fine, and I am sure the OP will do also . There really are no rigid rules.

I never said that the person can't get a dog. In fact I have done quite the opposite and encouraged the OP to get help from people that will be able to advise on the practicalities involved as this will set them up for success.....the same way I would encourage anyone to think about the realities of owning a dog.
Knowing what to expect is far better than being in a situation where a person becomes stressed out due to lack of research. One of the most common reasons dogs get rehomed is because there is not enough research done on breed before getting a dog

For example, there is no point in the OP getting a dog that is a bundle of energy if they need a calm dog, some breeds are far more energetic than others and need a lot of exercise or stimulation or they will become destructive. Others tend to be couch potatoes. Also, mobility will be different from person to person, some people are more or less mobile than others.

I never said there are rigid rules....I have simply said the OP needs to get information and then go to a reputable rescue that will match with a dog that suits his / her lifestyle so they understand what is involved in owning a dog.

Graces7 · 25-08-2019 8:23am

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Sorry Graces7, but could you just remind us of the reasons why you didnt get another dog please?

Several factors. Where I live now; farming country and I do not have an enclosed garden. My previous dog was very amenable and well trained. A newcomer would have been a different matter .

My own health is declining and I am nearly 80. Not just a mobility issue which I have been coping with for decades but far less energy and resources and far more acute pain. As in needing to be off my feet and abed now most of the day. As opposed to mobility issues which many of us disabled cope with and still have dogs as I did many years. A wheelchair and exercising as I have done years is not an issue. Needing to be abed in a dark room many hours each day is a different matter.

Just now, taking care of my own basic needs is more than enough. As opposed to disabled folk in wheelchairs whose basic health is still sound, mine is .. shot!

I would love a dog but it would not be fair on the dog as I am now. It was a very difficult decision I can assure you and I still yearn,

but that is that! My family know me and hence told me to go and rescue three more cats! They are great dog people and we talked it all through in depth.

Not disability but illness which is not going to ease now. My cats curl up abed with me .

near tears here...please excuse me . everywhere here is filled with the time I had with my dog.

Graces7 · 25-08-2019 8:24am

Sheepdish1 wrote: »

I never said that the person can't get a dog. In fact I have done quite the opposite and encouraged the OP to get help from people that will be able to advise on the practicalities involved as this will set them up for success.....the same way I would encourage anyone to think about the realities of owning a dog.
Knowing what to expect is far better than being in a situation where a person becomes stressed out due to lack of research. One of the most common reasons dogs get rehomed is because there is not enough research done on breed before getting a dog

For example, there is no point in the OP getting a dog that is a bundle of energy if they need a calm dog, some breeds are far more energetic than others and need a lot of exercise or stimulation or they will become destructive. Others tend to be couch potatoes. Also, mobility will be different from person to person, some people are more or less mobile than others.

I never said there are rigid rules....I have simply said the OP needs to get information and then go to a reputable rescue that will match with a dog that suits his / her lifestyle so they understand what is involved in owning a dog.

It was not primarily your post I was referring to. agreeing with you totally. Hoping the OP goes to a rescue and falls in love! The rest will follow with their help.

Sheepdish1 · 25-08-2019 10:13am

Graces7 wrote: »

Sheepdish1 wrote: »

I never said that the person can't get a dog. In fact I have done quite the opposite and encouraged the OP to get help from people that will be able to advise on the practicalities involved as this will set them up for success.....the same way I would encourage anyone to think about the realities of owning a dog.
Knowing what to expect is far better than being in a situation where a person becomes stressed out due to lack of research. One of the most common reasons dogs get rehomed is because there is not enough research done on breed before getting a dog

For example, there is no point in the OP getting a dog that is a bundle of energy if they need a calm dog, some breeds are far more energetic than others and need a lot of exercise or stimulation or they will become destructive. Others tend to be couch potatoes. Also, mobility will be different from person to person, some people are more or less mobile than others.

I never said there are rigid rules....I have simply said the OP needs to get information and then go to a reputable rescue that will match with a dog that suits his / her lifestyle so they understand what is involved in owning a dog.

It was not primarily your post I was referring to. agreeing with you totally. Hoping the OP goes to a rescue and falls in love! The rest will follow with their help.

I have done the same as you. I can’t commit financially or time wise to a dog so I own a cat. She’s not independent like most cats so needs more care and she’s quite a little character. But it’s great that I can leave all day without restrictions and I don’t need to commit to walks.

I think I would get a lurcher or a little whippet if I get one in the future .Generally they are quite calm. I adore their temperament and find them very calming to be around. When I see owners with them I am a little envious of them!

Graces7 · 25-08-2019 10:24am

Sheepdish1 wrote: »

I have done the same as you. I can’t commit financially or time wise to a dog so I own a cat. She’s not independent like most cats so needs more care and she’s quite a little character. But it’s great that I can leave all day without restrictions and I don’t need to commit to walks.

I think I would get a lurcher or a little whippet if I get one in the future .Generally they are quite calm. I adore their temperament and find them very calming to be around. When I see owners with them I am a little envious of them!

Thank you for this. It was a hard decision to make as I am sure you know. It is still less than a year since my dog died. She is still in every lane and field.

Only other dogs around out here are collies; they have a blue merle next door; amazing silver eyes but a live wire.

My cats are grand company and great fun but as you say, no commitment as with dogs.

Bunnyslippers · 30-08-2019 7:20pm

I agree with most folk on here - a rescue is the best way to go, an older dog would be just ideal. I wouldn't get stuck on a specific breed though and just go with each individual dog, mini pins are nuts so wouldn't recommend them at all, most terriers are pretty up there energy wise!

I wouldn't recommend a jack russell unless an older dog, we got a puppy for my grandfather and he loved her to bits, we were on hand to take her for off lead walks though as he could only manage to take her on the lead, but she was fabulous once she got over the nutty puppy stage at about 8yrs old! We took her for a couple of hour long walks every other day and she'd still be bouncing! She was with him till the end and then we had her, but she did need loads of different things to do, we used her as a sheep dog and a ratter, she lived till she was 16yrs old when she sadly lost the plot completely, but they are very busy little dogs!! I've rescued 2 other jack russells since and both are great dogs but I walk them a couple of hours a day up the mountains, plus a friend bought a jrt x king charles spaniel as she thought he'd be a little lap dog, we ended up with him as he was so high energy and is about the size of a springer spaniel so grew way bigger than she thought! It was a heartbreaking decision for our friend to give him up but he was so unsuitable for her, so I'd hate for anyone else to be in the same situation and get attached to a dog that 6 months down the line you find you really can't cope with and have to rehome!

As for walking as others have said I'd have to agree with them that playing in a garden isn't enough mental or physical exercise for a dog, think of it like cabin fever!, they really do need to get out and see other things so if you're not able then there are tons of dog walkers out there who I'm sure would fulfil that avenue.

I'm with the rescued greyhound thought, they really do make great pets, and are seriously lazy dogs just needing to clear the cobwebs once a day which a dog walker could easily do!!:D But I'd go and have a chat to a rescue and see what they have, you may have to wait for the right dog but it will be worth it in the end! And I've found rescue dogs always seem to be so grateful, they might have to odd quirk but then what dog doesn't!!

Mental Mickey · 28-09-2019 9:37pm

My sister in law raised some valid points saying that it would be unfair to leave a dog couped up alone in a house all day.

Suggested maybe a hamster as a pet

Graces7 · 29-09-2019 4:39am

Mental Mickey wrote: »

My sister in law raised some valid points saying that it would be unfair to leave a dog couped up alone in a house all day.

Suggested maybe a hamster as a pet

ah you are both out all day? That adds a whole different dimension.

Knine · 29-09-2019 7:03am

Mental Mickey wrote: »

My sister in law raised some valid points saying that it would be unfair to leave a dog couped up alone in a house all day.

Suggested maybe a hamster as a pet

If you want to go down the small furry pet route I would suggest a pair of Guinea Pigs, very cute & interactive. You might need a bit of help with changing the cage.

Mental Mickey · 29-09-2019 12:25pm

Graces7 wrote: »

ah you are both out all day? That adds a whole different dimension.

Yeah we both work

Graces7 · 29-09-2019 5:13pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Yeah we both work

Ah OK.. and not good for a dog to be left alone all day; maybe 2 dogs!

Such a pity you do not like cats. One of the pedigrees eg Siamese are as intelligent as dogs and very good company. and very affectionate; I bred them for years and they really are special. My family of rescues are great company yet very independent. And they come for walks with me.

puppieperson1 · 09-10-2019 12:27pm

a big neutered rescue cat would provide the companionship yet be able to go out and exercise it self a dog for 2 wheel chair people is a bit cruel unless they adopt an eldery dog whose owner has passed away usually they require peace and quiet, defo not a young dog or puppy d

Dubl07 · 09-10-2019 6:42pm

Graces7 wrote: »

Ah OK.. and not good for a dog to be left alone all day; maybe 2 dogs!

Such a pity you do not like cats. One of the pedigrees eg Siamese are as intelligent as dogs and very good company. and very affectionate; I bred them for years and they really are special. My family of rescues are great company yet very independent. And they come for walks with me.

Siamese, Burmese, Maine Coons. All different to the average moggies but cost a fair bit and might be outside the budget. And people who don't know how different one cat can bef from the next have bias. Pity, really. But even a house-cat needs a bit of investment to put in a cat-flap and in the garden to make it secure or else frequent exercise and enrichment.

Mental Mickey · 19-10-2019 8:24pm

We went visiting a friend today who's a wheelchair user. She and her husband have 2 dogs - a Shih Tzu and a terrier.

I fell in love with the Shih Tzu tbh

VonVix · 19-10-2019 10:05pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

We went visiting a friend today who's a wheelchair user. She and her husband have 2 dogs - a Shih Tzu and a terrier.

I fell in love with the Shih Tzu tbh

Shih Tzus are great little dogs for people who are looking for a lap dog who isn't super high energy. I would just urge you to get pet insurance, eye issues and joint issues being something I have commonly dealt with in this breed.

Graces7 · 23-10-2019 8:18am

OP; have you got any further with this please? I keep thinking of you and hoping you find a furry friend soon... I am much perforce abed these days and that company and purring is a healing.

so many rescues out there needing a loving home

Dial Hard · 23-10-2019 8:25am

Mental Mickey wrote: »

We went visiting a friend today who's a wheelchair user. She and her husband have 2 dogs - a Shih Tzu and a terrier.

I fell in love with the Shih Tzu tbh

Is her husband also in a wheelchair though?

I’m really sorry to keep saying this, OP, but I just don’t think you and your wife are in a position to give a dog the care it deserves without major outside help, which you haven’t actually said you’re prepared to engage.

I genuinely don’t mean to be harsh or dismissive here, it’s clear you really want a dog. But plenty of people who would love one are willing to concede that they simply aren’t in a position to do so.

Mental Mickey · 23-10-2019 12:42pm

Graces7 wrote: »

OP; have you got any further with this please? I keep thinking of you and hoping you find a furry friend soon... I am much perforce abed these days and that company and purring is a healing.

so many rescues out there needing a loving home

Not yet

Mental Mickey · 23-10-2019 12:47pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Is her husband also in a wheelchair though?

I’m really sorry to keep saying this, OP, but I just don’t think you and your wife are in a position to give a dog the care it deserves without major outside help, which you haven’t actually said you’re prepared to engage.

I genuinely don’t mean to be harsh or dismissive here, it’s clear you really want a dog. But plenty of people who would love one are willing to concede that they simply aren’t in a position to do so.

No he's not, but they can both manage him

Graces7 · 23-10-2019 2:08pm

OP; can you visit a friendly rescue place? Make a first initial progress? I remain sure, from my own experience, that it is viable and desirable.

Almost a year since my wee dog died and I know that had she lived longer we would have enjoyed those years. Even with my increasing limitations and decreasing mobility..She was joyful and exuberant.

People in wheelchairs have dogs.

Mental Mickey · 10-10-2020 7:07pm

Hey all. OP here. We still haven't got our dog due to COVID19 etc. There is a rehoming centre a few miles from us - I'm on the website almost daily looking to see if there are any suitable for adoption. Hopefully, when we get a bit more cash we will look at getting a dog.

Graces7 · 11-10-2020 1:41am

It is good to hear from you. Yes many things are on hold.

My faith-family in Canada are heavily into rescue work and are inundated with dogs and cats that were acquired at the start of covid being dumped. I gather it is the same over here.

Good luck with your search. Hoping all is well with you.

Mental Mickey · 14-10-2022 9:36pm

OP here again.

Im after failing in love with a Cavalier King Charles that I've seen on Dogs Trust website. It's not one with floppy ears. It has short fur also. Gorgeous dog

Mental Mickey · 17-10-2022 1:27pm

Don't think I can get it though? All the hidden costs involved

em_cat · 17-10-2022 8:20pm

What do you mean hidden costs? ASFAIK they are more than up front with costs given they only want the best for the pups in their care.

Faith · 18-10-2022 2:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119755851#Comment_119755851

Dogs cost a fortune, tbh.

I'd be asking myself - "Am I thinking of what a dog can do for me, or what I can do for a dog". If it's the former, you are off to a bad start. Dogs have a lot of needs, and when we take a dog into our homes, we have an obligation to meet those needs. These needs include daily exercise, lots of mental stimulation, company, not leaving it alone for long periods etc.

If you and your partner are both still working full time outside the home, I doubt Dog's Trust would rehome to you? Equally, if you aren't prepared to pay a dog walker to take the dog out for a walk every day, assuming you can't do it yourselves, then that's desperately unfair on the dog, regardless of breed.

https://www.dogstrust.ie/getting-a-dog/dog-ready/quiz/

Mental Mickey · 20-10-2022 11:35am

My Wife is at home all the time now at the moment, so any dog we get would have company throughout the day.

We would want to obviously rehome a dog that has had a rough start, not just for the craic.

Mental Mickey · 09-02-2023 12:22am

OP here. We're still toying with the idea of getting a dog......maybe not at the moment because of financial constraints......?

micah537 · 09-02-2023 4:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120218200#Comment_120218200

Rescues appreciate people fostering dogs too especially with the massive amount of surrenders at the moment. You don't have to adopt.

Foster for a month and then you should know if you want to commit or not.

Mental Mickey · 10-02-2023 12:45pm

Might not want to give it back lol

Graces7 · 10-02-2023 5:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120223596#Comment_120223596

Can you visit a rescue? It would help in many ways and they are wise and careful folk who would support and inform... and you might just fall in love with the perfect critter for you....

Dial Hard · 11-02-2023 12:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220552#Comment_120220552

If money is an issue - and it seems to be - then I'm not sure fostering is going to give the OP a realistic view of the costs involved in dog ownership, as generally the rescue covers all costs during the foster period.

I'm sorry to be like a broken record, OP, but nothing you have said since your initial posts would indicate to me that your situation has changed enough for you to be able to give a dog everything it wants and needs. As I said before, the best starting point for you is probably to make contact with a responsible rescue, they'll be able to objectively assess your situation and tell you honestly whether a dog is really an option for you.

Mental Mickey · 13-02-2023 11:54pm

I've found one on their website and spoke to one of the volunteers at the centre. Have also submitted an expression of interest form to them. This little guy is a 2 year old Jack Russell.

anewme · 20-02-2023 9:22pm

Jack Russells are very high energy and need a lot of walking. I had one years ago and he needed 2 walks a day. People make the mistake of thinking small dog, wont need much walking, but thats often not the case at all.

Dial Hard · 22-02-2023 7:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120267242#Comment_120267242

I wish I had one of those "high energy" dogs that only needs two walks a day! My dog goes out four times, always has. I'm worn out!

Deja Boo · 22-02-2023 8:01pm

I tried walking a Jack Russell once on a lead, and immediately he took off leaving me face down on a curb.

Strong little fellow - personally, I wouldn't consider getting one if there is any fear of pulling and falling.

Mental Mickey · 08-07-2023 3:49pm

Going to a local animal shelter open day tomorrow.

Mental Mickey · 11-07-2023 10:20pm

Hi all. We went to that open day on Sunday. We met with an adorable little female Jack Russell. We're going back on Thursday to have another look at her and speak with the volunteers again.

My question is, if we want to reserve the dog, how long are you allowed to reserve it for? We have holidays booked, and my Wife is looking after her nieces and nephew for the month of August, plus we have holidays booked for the end of September.

DBB · 11-07-2023 10:45pm

That's completely down to the policy under which the rescue organisation works in this respect, so really, you need to address your enquiry to them directly.

Mental Mickey · 13-07-2023 4:54pm

We went back up to the shelter today to meet with the volunteers and the dog. We completed an adoption form. They have agreed to hold onto her until September because we have holidays and other stuff arranged.

muddypaws · 13-07-2023 10:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120847085#Comment_120847085

Do they not do a homecheck?

Mental Mickey · 13-07-2023 10:50pm

They will do that too

Mental Mickey · 14-08-2023 11:52pm

Hi all. I probably should have asked this ages ago, but how do you budget year on year for a dog's needs ??

anewme · 18-08-2023 10:41pm

If you have that much going on and are not able to take the dog for 3 months, then if I were you, I’d question whether you are ready to rehome a dog.

There will always be excuses why you can’t take the dog till x date.

What are you going to do next year when the same situation arises?

Dog for two wheelchair users

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