How a Puppy Helped Heal My Health Grief: The Power of Dog Companionship

Dealing with the grief and challenges of being diagnosed with a disabling health condition, such as chronic fatigue syndrome / CFS ME, can be an arduous journey. I lean on my husband and children for support, and they are amazing. I also look to my two 7-year-old beagles (Poppy and Kiwi). The presence of my beagles has a remarkable ability to provide emotional support and alleviate stress, contributing positively to my mental health. Whether it's cuddling on the couch or simply having a warm body to lean on, their presence has a calming effect on my mind and body. The unconditional love and affection they offer create a safe space where I can let go of my worries and find solace in the present moment.

Wanting a Puppy

We had yearned for a third dog for a while but delayed it due to my illness, and also the barmy high prices during lockdown. Then, on my birthday, I was having a quick look / research for puppies in the area, like I had many times prior, but this time, I spotted one that caught my attention. A KG-registered miniature dachshund. They had a black and tan one; she was cheaper than her Dapple sisters. My best friend was around at the time, and she egged me on to get the puppy (she had just recently gotten a puppy herself), so I contacted the breeder via the ad to see if they would take a reduced offer (I didn’t think they would). And they quickly replied to accept. That same day, on my birthday, Hubby, my little girl, my son's girlfriend, and I drove an hour to meet her. We fell in love instantly and put a deposit down. A week later, we went to collect her - and we welcomed to our family Penny, the mini dachshund.

Welcome Penny

At first, my beagles were horrified, both refused to come downstairs unless necessary (to eat and toilet). But, after 2 days Kiwi came down and sat in her normal spot on the sofa, and then quite quickly an amazing friendship blossomed, Kiwi and Penny (the new puppy) became inseparable. It did take Poppy a couple of months (she is particularly stubborn), but now all three are a little pack, where they sleep, eat and play together.

I discovered an unexpected source of healing and support after receiving the diagnosis of my chronic illness, which brought all the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome ME/CFS. It had been a few weeks prior when I received the diagnosis of my chronic illness, and Penny, the mini dachshund, became the distraction and focus I’d needed to help me adjust and accept the new me, offering a unique form of support as I navigated through the many symptoms and sudden crashing fatigue (post-exertional malaise (PEM)).

She was the source of laughter and joy: It's often said that laughter is the best medicine, and having a puppy in my life has certainly proven that to be true, especially for my mental health. Penny's playful antics and silly behaviour never fail to bring a smile to my face and lighten my mood. Her ability to find joy in the simplest things reminds me to appreciate the small moments of happiness in life, even during challenging times.

How a puppy helped

This is how Penny has helped me navigate the difficulties of health grief and find solace and joy along the way, as well as giving me a daily routine:

Emotional Support: Penny’s unconditional love and presence offered profound emotional support during times of grief as I dealt with chronic fatigue syndrome ME/CFS. Her playful nature, affectionate gestures, and the simple joy she exudes lift my spirits and provide comfort on difficult days. When facing the emotional toll of a disabling health condition like ME/CFS, having loyal and loving companions helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and fatigue.

Distraction and Focus: Caring for a puppy requires attention and responsibility, which serves as a welcome distraction from the challenges of health grief. The daily routines of feeding, training, and playtime shifted the focus away from negative thoughts and redirected my energy towards a positive and fulfilling task, helping to manage profound fatigue. Engaging with Penny's needs and witnessing her growth and development has brought a sense of joy and a renewed zest for life.

Physical Activity and Motivation: Penny's boundless energy often encourages me to engage in physical activity, even when I am experiencing physical limitations due to my health condition. Taking small walks, playing fetch, or simply engaging in gentle exercises with Penny helps improve my overall well-being and I am maintaining a level of physical activity. The motivation provided by Penny's needs is a powerful catalyst for promoting a healthier lifestyle, incorporating pacing strategies to manage fatigue.

Companionship and Social Interaction: Living with a disabling health condition can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and a decrease in social interaction. Penny acts as a bridge, facilitating social connections. On dog walks, we often find ourselves engaging with other dog owners.

Unconditional Love and Acceptance: Perhaps the most profound impact Penny has had on my journey of health grief, especially as I navigate the complexities of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is Penny’s ability to offer unconditional love and acceptance. Regardless of my physical abilities or limitations, my dogs see me for who I am, and they love me unconditionally. Their unwavering affection helps cultivate self-compassion, boosts self-esteem, and supports my mental health.

Of course, I have to recognize my two beagles. They have been there for me through everything and continue to offer unconditional love. All three keep me company when I am stuck home alone.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a puppy into my life has been a transformative experience in my healing journey through health grief, particularly with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The emotional support, distraction, physical activity, companionship, and unconditional love provided by Penny, Kiwi, and Poppy have been instrumental in navigating the challenges and finding solace along the way.

While a puppy may not be a solution for everyone, the power of the human-animal bond and the therapeutic benefits of dog companionship should not be underestimated.

Ultimately, the journey of healing is unique to each individual, and finding what brings us comfort and joy is essential in overcoming the difficulties of health grief. This journey is particularly poignant for those of us grappling with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and the broader spectrum of mental health challenges that come with it.

About me

I am a married mother of four children. One of those four children is our granddaughter, for whom we are SGO (legal guardians)/kinship carers. I run a small business and enjoy writing, so I blog. My blog focuses on my family life as well as my experiences of living with chronic illnesses and disabilities such as ME/CFS, spinal stenosis, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.  Oh, and I am only in my mid-40s.