Adopting a Dog While Being Disabled Is All About Adapting

I recently adopted a mixed beagle and Chihuahua named Albert. He is 10 years old, and I got him from a local animal care organization. During the process of adopting him, I was excited and looked forward to my new position as a dog mom.

That changed when we went on our first walk.

Albert was overly excited and pulled me away from my walker several times, causing me to fall. When this happened on the first day, I became scared and discouraged. I worried that I couldn’t meet my obligations and responsibilities in taking care of him. It’s heartbreaking to accept the fact that I can no longer walk a dog.

It took conversations with my mom and close friends to convince me that I am capable of taking care of Albert. I was getting down on myself about something that happened on the first day, and it wasn’t the fault of either of us. Speaking to others and verbalizing my problems puts me in a better position to hear what I am complaining about and to address it properly.

Yeah, it sucks not being able to take my dog for a walk every day, but I have a wonderful mother who happens to live close by. She makes the effort to walk Albert every day. I am so grateful I have someone in my life who is willing to compensate for the things I can’t do.

This is another one of those things I must come to terms with. At the end of the day, I must be willing to accept my abilities and what my body is capable of. It’s not worth being stubborn, going out, and falling on the sidewalk because I’m determined to walk my dog. I need to be accountable and realize that injuring myself due to my stubbornness isn’t worth the long-term effects it would have on my body.

If you have experienced a similar situation, I would love to hear about it. I feel like we are constantly put in positions in which we must determine whether we are capable enough to handle a certain task. Because there is no escaping this aspect of FA, I think we deserve a pat on the back for making these types of decisions every day. 

Albert and I are doing just fine and getting used to our routine. I love this little guy. (Photo by Frankie Perazzola)

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Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.