Sometimes when I'm out walking Krystal, people ask me what happens to her when I'm sick. They really want to know if she's still a happy dog. How do I handle giving her long walks every day. And do I let her do her business in the house.
I'll answer the last question first. Doing her business in the house is not an option. Krystal knows she always goes outside. She gets lots of positive "good girl" reinforcement along with "good potty" and "good poop" every time she does her stuff. No matter what the weather--rain, sleet, snow, hotter than blazes--we go outside.
Krystal's now 4 years old, so she's developed the ability to hold on and wait if there's a thunder and lightening storm, or a heavy downpour. Sometimes the weather is so bad that she absolutely doesn't want to go outside. Since I'm the one who knows the weather report, or how long it's been since the last potty breatk, I may insist. Luckily, she's small, so I can lift her up and carry her outside and stay put until she does her stuff. Then we both race back inside.
If I'm not feeling well, Krystal is a flexible dog. She'll go for a short walk, and we can go back inside quickly. Some dogs (I'm thinking of Border Collies) couldn't handle being deprived of their long walks. But, I'm blessed with Krystal, who keeps track of my health and well being, and will go along with whatever I need. I'm filled with gratitude.
But mostly, what I want to say is that when I'm not well, Krystal steps up. She's right there for me, making sure to be extra gentle, and generous with her hugs and kisses. She's my guardian angel, and she watches out for my needs. And she does it happily. I am blessed to be living with a compassionate happy loving dog.
She smiles and I smile.
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