I had the privilege of growing up with the sweetest and kindest rescue dog any family could ask for. I always went to her for comfort when things weren’t going well. Unfortunately, by the time that my diagnostic process began she was no longer with us, and her comfort felt like the missing piece in getting through. Sometimes during my diagnostic process, on days that were particularly difficult, I would ask my neighbors if I could spend some time petting their dog. But it wasn’t the same as having my own dog.
About six months after I was officially diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis (SM), we made a decision as a family that it would be beneficial and therapeutic for all of us to have a four-legged friend in our house again. Within just a few days of the decision, we had picked up an adorable 10-week-old golden retriever.
A source of boundless smiles
After we brought our new puppy home, I instantly felt a boost in my mood that has never faltered, even on the worst of the bad days. Baloo, our fluffy friend, has managed to bring us all joy, and been a light in the darkest times. Aside from being extremely fond of cuddles, he is often very goofy. As much as it can seem unhelpful to hear, laughter truly is one of the best medicines. Our laughs seem to encourage his goofiness, and bring some of the best moments.
Baloo has become very intuitive to my symptoms. There are times when my bone pain is debilitating enough that I feel the need to lie down with my legs raised, and no matter what he is doing, he will stop to come lay next to me with his head on my chest. I haven’t figured out yet if sticking my legs in the air actually helps with my pain, but I do know that Baloo’s need to accompany me while I do so brings a smile to my face every time.
There was also a period of time post-diagnosis during which I was experiencing non-epileptic seizures. A lot of this time is, thankfully, a blur for me, but I know by others’ recounting that Baloo would become extremely protective of me. When he would realize that a seizure had come on, he would place himself next to me and try to stop anyone else from approaching me. This might sound like a hazard, but by the time he started this habit we already knew that the seizures posed no medical danger to me, and therefore no one would actually need to be able to reach me. When I would wake from the seizure, he would be right there waiting for me.
Another benefit that Baloo has brought is spending more time outside. Going out in the sun and getting fresh air hardly requires owning a dog, but I’ve found that it’s a good way to force myself out. There are times when my mood can be so negative that I have no interest in doing anything other than locking myself in my room and spending the day in bed. But with a dog, I end up having no choice in the matter: we’re going outside.
Baloo has also been successful in bringing joy to strangers. One time I was having a flare that was completely new to me: I was having a lot of difficulty breathing. One thing led to another and we ended up calling an ambulance. When the paramedics showed up my parents had put Baloo in a closed room so he wouldn’t interfere. As the paramedics checked me it became clear that a lot of what I was experiencing was panic, from the initial collapse and lack of breath. They sat with me while coaching me through my breathing, and ended up telling my parents that they could let Baloo out. Baloo was so happy to be meeting new friends, he sat next to me on the floor — always protective — and tried to chew the ear pieces of one of the paramedics’ stethoscopes. I like to believe that this brought joy to the paramedics too, in what I’m sure is an otherwise very challenging job.
Grateful in many ways
I am very lucky that I am not the sole bearer of responsibility for Baloo, because there is no doubt that it would be nearly impossible for me to take care of him during flares, big or small. The fact that I live with my parents and they knew and respected my limitations before we adopted Baloo is what has made having him possible. I would advise any mastocytosis patient that is thinking of adopting a pet to consider this when making their decision.
Baloo has been the factor that has made this entire process and experience bearable, and for that I am so grateful.
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