Pets and Juvenile Arthritis.

I've always grown up surrounded by many different animals. From guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs to ducks and a pigeon who think they're chickens (that's a story for another time). The one thing that has always been apparent is how much a child's life with Juvenile Arthritis changes when animals are around.

From my own personal experiences and stories I've heard through beginning Kids Arthritis Australia, that animals as pets are very important to their condition.

We all know pets make us happier and have more active lives, but to a child with Arthritis this is what we really need. 

When I was 7 years old Ebony, our beloved family pet dog passed away. We still had chickens, guinea pigs and rabbits, but without a dog my parents began to notice something different.

When Ebony was alive I would be more active. I'd take Ebony for short walks up and down the footpath of our house, sit on the floor with her and have a secret cuddle when the Arthritis pain was too much. Now without her this wasn't happening anymore, which meant less accidental active time. This lead to more Juvenile Arthritis joint flares, which meant more hospital visits and joint injections. Less motivation with more pain and no fluffy animal to cuddle. 

We eventually found a dog who was trained and tame enough to join our family home. Her name, Ellie. Within the next few days there was a huge difference. There was more accidental active time, less inflammation joint activity and the overall feel of the house changed. 

Jessie (little white puppy) joined our family after a close friend passed away from Cancer and she wanted her bundle of joy in caring hands. We now have two dogs which anyone who has two or more dogs would know the fun you have.

You are now thinking about your own home and how a dog may impact positively on your life. From my experiences without a dog life would be different. Not only in an Arthritis sense, but companionship for everyone in the home. A dog will be happy no matter how you're feeling and will always be pleased to see you come home after a day away.

If this has got you thinking about adding a new fluffy, cuddly member to your family. Check out the RSPCA website and see if your perfect match is there.