From Pet to Partner: How My Dog Helps Me Navigate Life With AS

It wasn’t my idea to get a dog.

My 9 year old daughter was obsessed. I can’t tell you how many times a day she would tell us she wanted a dog, but it was a lot.

It was only when she sat us down to watch the full (and very persuasive) powerpoint presentation she had prepared. The show ended with her handing us an envelope containing her life savings (a fairly impressive $250) that we realised this kid wasn’t going to stop.

So, we got a dog

Harvey the miniature schnauzer came into our lives 7 years ago.

Anyone who’s had a puppy knows the heart-melting adorable factor is off the Richter scale, but there’s also a lot of work involved.

And true to generations of dog-wanting children the world over, mine did very little of that work. It fell to me to clean up accidents, go for walks and get woken through the night to those baby schnauzer cries.

Which was when all my objections to getting a dog came flooding back.

Pain and injuries

Bending down to clean the floor was especially difficult with my sore and inflamed back. Walking an untrained puppy on a lead was also problematic, as he would pull to one side and leave me in a world of pain. Several times I had to lunge and grab him before he ran into danger.

I injured myself more than once on those occasions and like anyone with AS, the healing process was long and difficult. Straining my symphysis pubis in a dog-related injury was one of the most painful things I’ve experienced.

In spite of all this I fell deeply in love with Harvey

Working a lot from home meant we spent more time together than anyone. I came to love his warm and comforting presence beside me at my desk.

Even though those early days were a challenge, the puppy stage doesn’t last forever. In its place we soon found ourselves the owners of an affectionate, funny little dog who has become the centre of our family.

I don’t know if dogs can sense someone’s pain, but I do find Harvey sticks extra close to me on the bad days. On sleepless nights when my back pain wakes me and I wander the house, Harvey is instantly there walking beside me. He’s happy to see me no matter the hour and he’s always up for a few laps of the lounge room.

When I’m trying to do some yoga there he is again, pushing his furry little body into me on the mat and giving the occasional sloppy kiss of encouragement. It’s a bit revolting and totally hilarious. I think collapsing in helpless laughter is probably as good for me as the stretches are.

He helps me get out the door

There’s no greater prompt to exercise than a dog who’s eager for a walk. I feel so much better when I move my body regularly, and Harvey is an eager participant. He’s always up for a lap of the park or a trip to the beach so it’s a great reminder for me to keep active too.

He’s also committed to making sure I don’t sit at my desk too long. Over time he’s found that demanding to go inside then outside then inside again for no particular reason is a very effective way to install regular break times and keep me moving! It does drive me nuts but I’m definitely not sitting in one place for any length of time.

It might sound a bit mad, but Harvey has become an important part of my AS support crew. He may be a dog, but his unwavering devotion and support help me navigate the challenges of living with this condition. He’s a constant source of comfort, motivation, and joy in my life.