Mr Harv's Passing

[jennyjoan]

Now that Mr Harv is no longer with me I am finding it increasingly difficult to go out for a walk as I think it is quite aimless.

Since the fridge and freezer is bunged with food - I have no inclination to shop for food.

How can I get some motivation to do a little exercise - it is also a no no for exercise in the house.

[DTCwordfan]

Are you going to get another dog as he or she would need some exercise...? Also for the companionship. He or she won't replace Mr Harv but will have their own personalities and peculiar traits for you to enjoy!

[jennyjoan]

I don't know DT - I do think I would be looking for Mr Harv in he/she.

[DTCwordfan]

Part of the trick is not to buy the same breed....however, even two of the same breed can be so different in personality - wit the mutt here, a cross between a cocker and field spaniel, totally into balls and water, also he's a reincarnated Bhuddist as he walks around with his metal dish in his mouth as if he's seeking alms.

[jennyjoan]

LOL DT - aren't they so funny. Mr Harv was literally named Geordie Best - he was wonderful heading the ball up and down in the yard and moseying it all around the park - he was such a show-off.

One Sunday afternoon he came into the living room with the yard brush in his mouth - I mean the shaft. Loved it when we all laughed.

He also loved head massages. I would do so and then tap my fingers all around his head and when I looked he was sleeping.

[Baldric]

They vary so much. Our two, a year between them, one parent in common.
The Big guy, the Dog is like Bam Bam, up for anything and into everything.
The Female, AB doesn't like the word ***, (See, told you) is a real Lady, won't do anything that means getting wet or dirty, except walks. just observes life carefully, but she's full of mischief, chalk and cheese they really are!

[DTCwordfan]

A new pup will have their own idiosyncrasies, believe me! Plus all the fun of having one (ahem) but there would be enough advice on here to countering chewing etc - there's always a rescue dog as well..... also go for a breed that doesn't need huge amounts of exercise (no labs/boxers etc, more terriers and such smaller dogs).

Otherwise, you need an exercise like walking for the papers, if feasible distance wise, i.e. not too far to be uncomfortable

[jennyjoan]

I know I would feel dopey walking the park alone.

Don't buy papers - get all my info here. LOL

[jourdain2]

It sounds as if you do need another dog, now. This time, find a female so you will have an immediate point of difference with Mr Herv and, as someone said, a different breed - or type of mongrel. If a puppy will be too much work (sounds as if it may be) then seek out an older girl needing a kind home for the rest of her life.

[DTCwordfan]

well it could be something like a Mars Bar, a small treat....!

[jennyjoan]

Plenty of those in the house DT. I am telling you no reason to leave the house unfortunately.

I am for the physio tomorrow morning and then off to leave a birthday card in - then on Friday night - have a birthday dinner. Well my niece is 30 so have to go to that.

[jennyjoan]

I may think of a girl next time as I so loved Mr Harv as he had such a tiny little charlie. LOL -

[DTCwordfan]

Good to hear that - have a wee think about the advice that will stream in here, looks consistent though already!

[Old_Geezer]

I'm unsure about motivation, although you obviously realise already it is good to exercise. I think a lot of it is about determination. Tell yourself you will make a regular effort whether you feel like it or not, go through with it, and see how things change as the days pass. You know things improve, life is full of ups and downs. No harm in faking it until you make it, as 'they' say. As you refer to, a walk a day is a good start; wrap up well for autumn though.

[Daffy6543]

Do you have an animal shelter nearby where you could be a volunteer dog walker jj? A friend of mine did this after her dog passed away and she said it really helped her to cope, she also ended up adopting one of the dogs she walked that was having trouble finding a forever home, she fostered dogs for a while as well.