Dogs Save Us

Do you ever just look at your dog and realize how lucky you are?

More than any other animal, dogs have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions.

In 2009 as well as 2016, we lost two sets of twin pregnancies, and I needed to take some time off from work. Over the course of 7 years, we went through the lengthy process of IVF and a variety of fertility treatments. It was emotionally and financially exhausting.

My husband was very supportive, even though he too was grieving. He unfortunately couldn't take time off from work to grieve with me.

I was home alone, but I was not alone.

If it wasn't for our two German Shepherds Remy & Rhino, I would of never found the strength to get out of bed most mornings. If it wasn't for Remy nudging my ribs, or Rhino licking me between my toes as my feet dangled out the side of the bed, I would of stayed in that darkness for a much longer time.

Our dogs unconditional love, acceptance and persistence got me out of bed each morning. I was a hot mess after the loss of our pregnancies. I had my shares of those really ugly cries. Those pitiful cries that you reserve behind closed doors. I had my share of cries from the floor of the shower, overwhelmed in absolute grief. The kind of cries that you end up with the swelling induced red puffy eyes, blotchy skin, and a very unattractive lip quivering sob, that you only let out when know one is watching.

Well, someone was watching, Remy and Rhino were watching, and thankfully they were, they seemed to understand my pain, and never left my side.

They saved me, with their refusal to accept settling for the quick let outs in the backyard to go the bathroom. They made me get out of bed. Literally. As Remy would patiently stare at me resting his chin on my arm, Rhino would cleverly pull back the bed sheets with his teeth. When I would shout "Go away" or "Go play with your Ball", they refused to leave my side until I got out of bed, and out of the house. They rewarded me with dog kisses and satisfied wags of their tails, letting me I was still a loved human.

Every morning our boys motivated me to get my ass out of bed and got me out in the fresh air on long 15 km walks. They didn’t care how I looked, or what I wore. They didn’t care that I had no desire to have a shower or do my hair or put on any make up.

They didn’t judge me. They loved me. They saved me.

Remy has a slight OCD problem, balls, sticks, you name it. But his favorite thing is finding the biggest bad ass stick at the dog park, and watching me struggle to throw it as far as I can into the water as he swims out to retrieve it. Rhino, the younger brother, loves to socialize. Remy is a super confident, somewhat of an arrogant dog. Other dogs don’t approach Remy, they seem to know he is all business. Rhino on the other hand, doesn’t have the confidence of his big brother, but he makes up for his lack of confidence, with his tender sweet charm. The ladies seem to like Rhino. He likes to flirt. Rhino is treat driven, you can get him to do just about anything for a treat. Remy could care less about treats, he is all about the work, he’s serious and driven and always begging for a job to do.

I love our dogs, they brought me sunshine, when I thought the clouds would never lift.

Our boys kept me active, when all I wanted to do is dwell in bed and watch tv shows. They helped me heal. They got me out of my funk. There were many mornings, I would try to negotiate just 10 more minutes of sleep before they insisted I get out of bed. I would whisper, “come on guys, give me 10 more minutes then we will go to the park.” They would do the famous GSD, tilt of their heads in sync, back and forth, trying to figure out all the words I mumbled out prior to the word “park” that they clearly understood.

Although the pain in losing our pregnancies will always carry a place in my heart, I know without a doubt, if it wasn’t for Remy and Rhino, I would of struggled with my grief much, much longer.

While our dogs are able to understand many of the common words we use, they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. When we are sad, depressed, anxious or scared, like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling (and to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course).

While most families with dogs are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with canine companions, many remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or snuggling up to a furry friend. It’s only recently that studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. The American Heart Association has linked pets, especially dogs, with a reduced risk for heart disease and greater longevity.

What does your beloved dog do for you?

The most common claims include:

* Decreased blood pressure * Decreased cholesterol levels * Decreased triglyceride levels * Decreased feelings of loneliness * Decrease stress and anxiety and depression * Increased psychological wellbeing * Increased opportunities for exercise * Increased survival after a major illness or loss * Increased opportunities for social interaction

Our boys Remy and Rhino saved me from the lingering darkness of my grief. They kept me active and in shape, and most importantly they love us as much (if not more than) as we love them.

Today I'm 46 years old, and after 7 IVF cycles we have a beautiful, healthy 4.5 year old daughter. Our daughter has the best play mates and protectors.

How has your dog saved you? Please share your story with us.

Melanie