posted
....both of us. I just got this rescue beagle yesterday; long story short but I was too impulsive. There are some days I can barely take care of myself; thats the first factor. And when I went to walk him several times today, I found a few deer ticks on him and several walking on my pants. It HORRIFIED me. I didn't realize how affraid of woods/grass until today. And I just don't think I can do this knowing theres a good possibility I could be reinfected. Even w/ frontline, dogs can carry them in. If I got bit again? After 13 years already of this disease destroying me? The fear was palpable. Does anyone think I'm crazy? He's a wonderful dog who I know will be adopted; I just can't live w/ the possibility of lyme on top of lyme. People always say to me, "well at least you can't get it again, right?" We all know the truth. I'm in tears. Someone please talk to me.
Posts: 588 | From Wallingford, CT USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
I have a giant German Shepherd and will not give him up. He's my baby.
However, I had him for a few years before I got sick.
I don't think we should live in fear (I plan to go hiking again when I'm able, just with long pants and some insect repellant!), but also this might not be the best time to take on a new responsibility.
As you said, someone will take him in, maybe someone who can devote more time/energy to loving on him! Just my 2 cents.
Posts: 330 | From TN | Registered: Sep 2011
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posted
I would not be able to do it. I LOVE dogs and LONG to have one, but you just confirmed to me that I can't do it. I would totally freak if I saw ticks.
And I'm like you, just not able to keep up with a dog right now.
I support you.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
If he has them on him he should be dipped at a groomer or vet to make sure they are gone. He could have fleas too. After that, he should be fine.
Animals that are adopted know that you have saved them. They are so loyal and faithful, you will never again feel alone or forgotten. When your friends are too busy, the dog will always find you the center of his universe. They are very sensitive to your feelings.
When you don't feel like doing anything, the dog will remind you, that you both need a walk, need to eat, need to be taken care of (which is pretty simple for a dog). If you are alone, you really would benefit from companionship.
I sure hope he gets a good home. On the negative side, beagles are very "NOSY" and can take off following a scent, so you have to be sure they are contained in a securely fenced yard. They can be noisy when they are happy or think they have found something exciting, but I think it is cute.
I don't know how I could live without all my animals. I have one old dog left, 3 cats and 8 horses. They have gotten me through a lot of tough times. Two cats that died, used to lie with me when I was really sick to take care of me. They would watch over me while I was sleeping and mew at me whenever I opened my eyes. They tried to groom me. I still miss them.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
Thanks for everyones input. I still have my Willy (cat) who is great when I'm sick. But I bit off way more than I could chew with the dog; there is a waiting list for him so it is more fair for both of us if he goes back... thanks again, Sarah and Lymetoo, I nearly lost it when I saw all the deer ticks....terrified me.
Posts: 588 | From Wallingford, CT USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
That's a tough one. We had Beagles growing up. They are a nose with a dog attached, but are just so loveable.
I have given into the impulse-thing with dogs too, and lived to regret it.
If I saw deer ticks; I would freak too.
It sounds like he will have a good home.
Take care and God bless.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
I'm wondering whether you could put more tick repellent on the dog to successfully keep ticks off? Like some people are misting with Orange Guard, and I've seen advertisements for Best Buy and All In One - all are essential oil approaches.
So that's my question - have folks been able to successfully protect their pet so no ticks are found on them?
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
I'm the biggest dog lover and it saddens me to say that I will never get a dog again.
Just so terrified of ticks being brought inside.I just can't go through lyme treatment again.
At least you're able to get him to a good home before you get too attached to him.
I don't think you're crazy at all. I would do the same as you.
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
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Kudzuslipper
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31915
posted
Lifewithlyme, I totally hear you. I have two dogs who I love dearly. I had never seen a tick before I got them (although I believe one tick at least had seen me since I was undiagnosed for so long) But since my dx almost a year ago, I do look at them differently. They are little tick carriers to me now. We use Frontline religiously, but in a way that puts us humans more at risk cause they don't bite the dogs just use them to hitch a ride into our house. In December my DH woke up with a tick embedded in his back(it has been a very warm winter here) The dogs lost bed priviledges at that point. But still....what do you do?
I even had this conversation with my LLMD. I keep trying to remind myself that we have to live. we can't go into hiding. giving away the boys is not an option for us... it would break my heart. But if they were not "family" already I do not think I would bring a new pet into our house.
Glad your beagle will find a good home.
Posts: 1728 | From USA | Registered: May 2011
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Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
They featured lyme disease prevention for dogs on our local news this week. It was a major news item.
They interviewed owners walking their dogs in a dog park and all were so concerned about their pet, but no mention of the fact they could get it themselves. Nor did the expert mention lyme in humans.
They mentioned a new med which I don't remember, but here is a link for some.
Doesn't being on doxy prevent it for us humans? Coincidentally I was off of doxy or zith for about a month in November. I got a red ring rash in Dec and never connected it with having walked a dog in November because it was cold then.
I've never worried about walking in the woods since having been infected in 1992 because I thought lightning doesn't strike the same place twice!
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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