![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bluedog on February 24, 2003, at 23:38:48
Hi everyone
I originally posted the following on the Med board but it appears to have become a bit more social in nature so I'm re-posting it here on PSB. Also Dr Bob has archived the original thread so my post was probably missed and any responses may have been cut short.
Anyway I'd love to hear anyones thoughts on this topic as I personally find it a fascinating and relevant topic to my current circumstances.
Here's a link to the original thread on the Med Board:-
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030219/msgs/202974.htmlAND here's a copy of my original post in full
Working for a living CAN = lonely depressed pets!! » bozeman
Posted by bluedog on February 22, 2003, at 23:57:33In reply to Re: Ginger and garlic and sweet furry poochy pups » bluedog, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 17:28:40
Hello Bozeman
I too am a corporate slave though thankfully my hours are not as long as sixty hours per week though it does come pretty close when I include commuting times.
That's why I got TWO of the cuties so that they can keep each other company while I'm away. Though one word of warning.....two goldies actually can wreak 3 or 4 times the havoc in your garden that one goldie does when your not around to provide constant supervision. It's not quite as simple as two dogs equals twice the damage. (What's the old saying?.... "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts")
Herb gardens and goldies are definitely NOT a compatible combination. They have actually been clever enough to this point to overcome EVERY barrier that I have tried to stop them getting at my plants. It's getting to the point where I am considering plan F (having already tried plans A to E) Unfortunately plan F will probably involve spending lots of money that I don't have on a high security dog barrier with razor wire, electrified fences and concrete anti-tunnel-under-the-fence devices.
Anyway I believe that animals can suffer from depression just like humans and when I only had the one dog I noticed that she was definitely lethargic, unmotivated and sad during the working week. She is a completely different dog since I got my other little fellow to keep her company during the day. She no longer shows any signs of depression. I know that onion is toxic to canines so I suspect that garlic, also coming from the Allium family may also be toxic to canines so I wouldn't try this as an antidepressant for dogs. By the way do you know of any effective, safe, natural herbal anti-depressants for an animal that IS suffering from depression?
By the way I'm actually still debating whether to get a couple of kitties but I don't think I'm completely stable or strong enough yet to rear some new babies just yet. Though I have been sorely tempted a couple of times just recently before my common sense kicked in. Maybe in another 6 months to a year when I'm sure that I've completely stabilised from my illness I'll give in to this temptation. To do so beforehand would be completely selfish on my part and not fair on the kitties.
Keep well and warm regards
bluedog
Posted by BekkaH on February 25, 2003, at 0:22:32
In reply to Depressed pets and gardening with pets, posted by bluedog on February 24, 2003, at 23:38:48
Hi bluedog,
I don't mean to minimize your distress and the severity of your illness, but kittens are so delightful, I think you'd feel better having them around. Exercise helps, too. There isn't any pharmaceutical that's better than kittens and exercise. And there are so many kittens that are waiting to be adopted.
Bekka
Posted by kb on February 25, 2003, at 20:36:28
In reply to Kitties ARE antidepressants - bluedog, posted by BekkaH on February 25, 2003, at 0:22:32
Cats are delightful - I have 9 rescued cats - but proceed with caution: dogs and cats can be a difficult mix. We have a jack russell terrier who insists on barking every time one of the cats moves. oy.
Posted by bozeman on February 26, 2003, at 0:11:11
In reply to Depressed pets and gardening with pets, posted by bluedog on February 24, 2003, at 23:38:48
Greetings bluedog!
Wow, tough call on the kittens. Raising them (properly) is a big job for the first year or so. But KB has a point about them being antidepressants. See my thread above -- ongoing post-surgery saga with my Zorro. He's my oldest, and he keeps me sane.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030223/msgs/203876.html
I suspect you're right about the allium-garlic-and-onion thing. I found a great website tonight that will probably confirm or deny it, but I lost the url and am too tired to find it again. Will find and post for you later if you're interested.
I try to remind myself that slavery is out of vogue, even the corporate kind, but still I find myself working too much. If I could put half that energy into the garden, what a happy woman I'd be! And much wealthier, for not spending so much money on organic veggies. :-)
Be well, my friend! Take care of your beautiful dogs. (boys, girls, or one of each?)
bozeman
Posted by kb on February 26, 2003, at 10:17:49
In reply to Re: Depressed pets and gardening with pets » bluedog, posted by bozeman on February 26, 2003, at 0:11:11
A solution to the work of raising kittens is to get a slightly older (6-8 months) cat - still young enough to bond and be playful but old enough to have developed some common sense. If you get a "pre-owned" cat, you can find one who has successfully lived with dogs before.
Posted by bluedog on February 26, 2003, at 11:02:51
In reply to Kitties ARE antidepressants - bluedog, posted by BekkaH on February 25, 2003, at 0:22:32
> Hi bluedog,
>
> I don't mean to minimize your distress and the severity of your illness, but kittens are so delightful, I think you'd feel better having them around. Exercise helps, too. There isn't any pharmaceutical that's better than kittens and exercise. And there are so many kittens that are waiting to be adopted.
>
> BekkaThankyou Bekka
I couldn't agree more with you. My doggies also have huge anti-depressant qualities and there is nothing as relaxing as giving my dogs a great big cuddle and and their antics definitely have the effect of flooding my body with feel good chemicals. I know that a couple of kitties will make the my home even more lively but because I'm just coming off a four month extended sick leave period from work I unfortunately have to consider the cost factor as well. Until I'm absolutely sure I'm stabilised, if I get sick again and have to go back onto sickness benefits it was hard enough to keep my pooches well fed (by the way I'd feed my dogs before I would feed myself if it came to the crunch) let alone if I have a couple of kitties as well.
I can definitely say I love cats and am still mourning the death of our 12 year old baby Burmese/Russian Blue X to kidney failure late last year.
There is absolutely NO WAY that it ever entered my head that you were minimising my distress or illness. I know from your past posts what a gorgeous caring person you are Bekka.
warm regards
bluedog
Posted by bluedog on February 26, 2003, at 11:20:50
In reply to Re: Depressed pets and gardening with pets » bluedog, posted by bozeman on February 26, 2003, at 0:11:11
> Greetings bluedog!
>
> Wow, tough call on the kittens. Raising them (properly) is a big job for the first year or so. But KB has a point about them being antidepressants. See my thread above -- ongoing post-surgery saga with my Zorro. He's my oldest, and he keeps me sane.
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030223/msgs/203876.html
>I hope Zorro is starting to feel more like himself again....and that it remains that way. I havn't had the chance to read the full thread above tonight as it's really late here in Australia and I'm going to bed now. How many kitties do you have? Don't bother answering this as I have a day off work tomorrow and will take the opportunity to read the thread in full. Animals definitely can keep you sane.....researchers have actually proven this as a fact. Pet owners are on the whole and in general a happier mob than non pet owners. I can't imagine how tough my illness would have been without my two babies happy faces to greet me each morning with their wagging tails and silly antics....they have certain morning rituals that I'm EXPECTED to play along with.
==================================================================================================> I suspect you're right about the allium-garlic-and-onion thing. I found a great website tonight that will probably confirm or deny it, but I lost the url and am too tired to find it again. Will find and post for you later if you're interested.
>If you find the link I'd love to have it but don't bust your gut trying to find it back :)
==================================================================================================> I try to remind myself that slavery is out of vogue, even the corporate kind, but still I find myself working too much. If I could put half that energy into the garden, what a happy woman I'd be! And much wealthier, for not spending so much money on organic veggies. :-)
>
> Be well, my friend! Take care of your beautiful dogs. (boys, girls, or one of each?)
>One of each. The girl is the oldest at 5 1/2 years and is the dominant one of the two and self appointed head of security. My boy is 4 and has a very dependant, relatively submissive personality and simply wants to do and be wherever his best buddy is...they are after all together 24 hours of each and every day :) :)
It's good this way because they get along famously and never argue about pecking order with eachother...though they love to play fight constantly. This looks and sounds very intimidating to guests that aren't used to dogs but is an absolute joy to watch from my perspective.You take care as well
warm regards
bluedog
Posted by bluedog on February 26, 2003, at 11:33:51
In reply to Re: Depressed pets and gardening with pets, posted by kb on February 26, 2003, at 10:17:49
> A solution to the work of raising kittens is to get a slightly older (6-8 months) cat - still young enough to bond and be playful but old enough to have developed some common sense. If you get a "pre-owned" cat, you can find one who has successfully lived with dogs before.
Hello kb
I don't think I've babbled with you before so I'd like to thank you for your thoughts on this topic.
One thing, my dogs get on very well with the cats in our family and have actually grown up with cats. So I'm not worried about them mixing together at all. The only aggression shown by my dogs towards cats is by my female who is extremely territorial and will not tolerate strange cats entering her yard uninvited.
If I introduce a feline to my doggies they are absolutely fine and in fact the cats always end up realising that they are smarter, more dominant and simply superior to my dogs and my dogs know just as well as us humans to stay out of the way when the cats get that certain look in their eyes and have their little mad hours.
warm regards
bluedog
Posted by dreamerz on February 26, 2003, at 19:26:19
In reply to Re: Depressed pets and gardening with pets » kb, posted by bluedog on February 26, 2003, at 11:33:51
Sometimes I feel like giving my cat away --especially today..she won't leave me be. meow meow meow all day long--i don't know why.
She won't go out doesn't eat much of anything i buy..
Posted by BekkaH on February 26, 2003, at 19:51:25
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets , posted by dreamerz on February 26, 2003, at 19:26:19
> Sometimes I feel like giving my cat away --especially today
I'll take her.
Posted by dreamerz on February 26, 2003, at 20:04:53
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets -dreamerz , posted by BekkaH on February 26, 2003, at 19:51:25
> > Sometimes I feel like giving my cat away --especially today
>
> I'll take her.
>
Are you in uk?
Posted by BekkaH on February 26, 2003, at 21:20:49
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets -dreamerz » BekkaH, posted by dreamerz on February 26, 2003, at 20:04:53
No, I'm in the U.S. I think your kitty just wants you to cuddle her.
Posted by BekkaH on February 26, 2003, at 23:38:34
In reply to Re: Kitties ARE antidepressants - I Know, I Know! » BekkaH, posted by bluedog on February 26, 2003, at 11:02:51
> > because I'm just coming off a four month extended sick leave period from work I unfortunately have to consider the cost factor as well.
************************************************Oh, I see. Yes, that is certainly a major concern. I worry about the cost factor with the veterinary bills, too. My older cat has been sick this year, and I spent a lot just getting her diagnosed. She must be on medication now, and she has to have frequent check-ups. Do veterinarians charge so much in Australia? Here in the U.S., they charge as much as people-doctors.
I'm very sorry to hear about your baby Burmese/russian blue. Losing a beloved pet is so difficult. I'm glad you have the dogs to keep you company.
Posted by dreamerz on February 27, 2003, at 7:01:04
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets -dreamerz, posted by BekkaH on February 26, 2003, at 21:20:49
My kitty went outside!
Gave me some peace. Now such a cute look on her face..so guess I'll keep her...for now.
Posted by kb on February 27, 2003, at 11:05:06
In reply to Re: Depressed pets and gardening with pets » kb, posted by bluedog on February 26, 2003, at 11:33:51
Bluedog, I used to babble a lot, especially when I first got sick and was barely holding on, but I"ve been off it for a while and am just coming back.
It's great that your dogs are so accepting - we're trying to find a new home for ours for many reasons (he REALLY needs a yard) but one of the main ones is that no matter how hard they try, the cats can't train him - they smack him and he says "oh, better stay away!" and then three minutes later he goes "Look, a cat!!!!" and rushes over and the cycle repeats itself endlessly
Posted by kb on February 27, 2003, at 11:07:15
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets , posted by dreamerz on February 26, 2003, at 19:26:19
The cat may pester you all day because she needs a friend. I think cats do best in even numbers (2, 4, 22, etc.)
Posted by kb on February 27, 2003, at 11:09:31
In reply to Kitties ARE antidepressants - bluedog, posted by BekkaH on February 26, 2003, at 23:38:34
> Oh, I see. Yes, that is certainly a major concern. I worry about the cost factor with the veterinary bills, too. My older cat has been sick this year, and I spent a lot just getting her diagnosed. She must be on medication now, and she has to have frequent check-ups. Do veterinarians charge so much in Australia? Here in the U.S., they charge as much as people-doctors.
>My dog is currently in the animal hospital and so far we've spent about $500 because his pancreas won't digest starch and he suddenly lost a lot of weight. At least I get a group rate discount at the vet.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Dinah on February 27, 2003, at 17:57:29
In reply to Re: Kitties ARE antidepressants - bluedog, posted by kb on February 27, 2003, at 11:09:31
A group rate discount? I'm jealous.
I brought two of mine in today, because I wasn't sure which one was sick. $150. Plus instructions for dental cleaning and some minor surgery. Ouch Ouch Ouch
But that's the way it goes. Mine are getting older now, and costs go way up.
Posted by dreamerz on February 27, 2003, at 18:09:30
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets , posted by kb on February 27, 2003, at 11:07:15
I think cats do best in even numbers ---22 !!!
That's madness : )
Posted by Jonathan on February 27, 2003, at 19:30:10
In reply to Re: Depressed with pets » kb, posted by dreamerz on February 27, 2003, at 18:09:30
> I think cats do best in even numbers ---22 !!!
>
> That's madness : )
Posted by BekkaH on February 27, 2003, at 20:10:25
In reply to Re: Kitties ARE antidepressants - bluedog, posted by kb on February 27, 2003, at 11:09:31
> >> My dog is currently in the animal hospital and so far we've spent about $500 because his pancreas won't digest starch and he suddenly lost a lot of weight. At least I get a group rate discount at the vet.
> >
************************************************
Hello kb,
How's your dog doing today? What is the vet doing to treat the condition?Bekka
Posted by syringachalet on February 27, 2003, at 23:16:11
In reply to Re: Kitties ARE antidepressants - kb, posted by BekkaH on February 27, 2003, at 20:10:25
I dont have a kitty. I have allergys to cats and cant have one. Also I probably couldnt keep up with it in my wheelchair.
I do have a box turtle that his shell is about as big as a CD and his name is Jack.. like Jack in the Box.
He is a great pet for me because I had to find a pet that moves as slow as I do and was fairly low maintence. J
ack has quite the personality and he loves to be held in a hand towel just taken from the dryer or lay in his light bulb...he is very calming for me.Turtles live for like 70 years and only breed every 40 years.. so I guess one of these days I should get Jack a girlfriend.
But the real question is:
If Jack lost his shell, would he be homeless or just naked? LMAO
syringachalet
Posted by kb on February 28, 2003, at 12:28:40
In reply to Re: Kitties ARE antidepressants - kb, posted by BekkaH on February 27, 2003, at 20:10:25
The vet is giving him a powder to replace the missing enzyme. He seems to be doing better. The best news is that one of the vet techs showed him to her mother and she wants to take him from the vet to her house. That's great because she's home all day and has a big yard, so it'll be a much better place for him than our crowded house.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.