Wanted: A new furry friend to help my gene-positive wife cope
We're ready to open our home to a new dog, and the search is on
My wife, Jill, has battled being gene-positive with Huntington’s disease (HD) with remarkable grace and resilience. Despite her difficulties, she continues to find joy in the simple things, such as the companionship of a furry friend.
Our beloved dog, Baby Girl, passed away in 2022, leaving a void that Jill has felt deeply. Recently, she’s been longing for another dog to share her days with – and she’d like a cocker spaniel, her favorite breed.
Cocker spaniels have always held a special place in Jill’s heart. Their gentle nature and affectionate demeanor make them perfect companions. But finding one has been more challenging than we anticipated. Prices for these dogs have skyrocketed, often ranging from $800 to $2,000 or more. That makes it difficult for us to afford one from a breeder.
Jill has diligently searched local shelters for a suitable dog. Unfortunately, most available dogs are larger breeds or mixed with breeds that don’t fit our needs. Jill needs a smaller dog because of her condition; she’s witnessed incidents where larger dogs have behaved unpredictably, which understandably makes her cautious.
Small breeds are best for us
In our quest to find the right companion for Jill, we’ve explored various options. We’ve looked into adopting from rescue organizations that specialize in small breeds. These organizations often have dogs that need loving homes and may not be as expensive as purchasing from a breeder.
Additionally, we’ve talked about the possibility of finding a service dog trained specifically for individuals with neurological conditions such as HD. These dogs can provide not only companionship, but also assistance with daily tasks and emotional support. While service dogs are not common for Huntington’s patients, if we could find one, they could offer Jill the independence and security she desires.
For Jill, having a dog is about more than just companionship; it’s about maintaining her independence and having a reliable friend by her side. Dogs have been shown to improve psychological symptoms, such as loneliness and anxiety, in individuals with chronic illnesses — including those gene-positive for Huntington’s. A new puppy could bring joy and structure to her life, helping her manage the emotional and physical challenges she faces.
As we continue our search, I’m reminded of Jill’s strength and determination. Her desire to welcome another dog into our home is a reminder that she’s planning on being able to raise an animal that will need her to be in good health long enough to take care of it into adulthood. We remain hopeful that soon we’ll find the right furry friend that’ll bring happiness and comfort into our lives once more.
Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.
About the Author
Comments
Chrissi Penney
We lost a dog too!
We are finally ready to look again for our next babygirl 🐶
I’m gene positive too