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The Unconditional Love & Comfort of Pets - Page 3

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

I know that leash laws are made to protect both dogs and people, but I had my pets before I accepted my fibromyalgia, and before it became too difficult for me to walk with them on leashes. This is also something that must be considered when deciding whether to have a pet or not. My dogs need to run, and I need to walk, and there are very few places where I can just let them run free without running into people who are fearful of dogs. I will continue to allow them to run free where there are few people walking, because my health is more important to me than someone's lack of understanding or common sense. This may sound harsh, but if I do as this elderly man suggested - that is, not take my dogs for a walk if I couldn't manage them on leashes, then I wouldn't get the exercise, fresh air, and joy of watching my dogs run and play. I might as well just curl up in a ball and never leave my house if I was to listen to every ignorant and uninformed person that I meet.

My pets have given me much more love and understanding than most people have given me. People see me as not having anything wrong with me, and even when I tell them, they still don't understand that right now walking is the only exercise that I can do without a great deal of pain and fatigue. I cannot walk for miles, but even 20 minutes outside with my dogs does more for me than just sitting at home and feeling like no one understands me.

My dogs know that I am in control of them, and they do obey me. Yet, they also give me the comfort and unconditional love that people sometimes can't give.

I have fibromyalgia, and the demands and expectations of people can wear me out, and yet it is not the people around me who give me the comfort and support that I need. It is my pets who give me what I need. Sure, they may bark and get muddy, and track it into the house, but they are there for me when most people aren't.

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