The benefits of having a pet while raising a daughter with LEMS
A story about the love between a girl and her dog
We’re pet people in my family. Specifically, we love dogs. There’s nothing like coming home to a dog that is overcome with excitement at the sight of you. You can’t help but smile.
Our current dog, a basset hound named Pumpkin, is a huge part of our family. Where we go, she goes.
In order to move with us to Singapore, Pumpkin endured an epic flight in a crate, only to find herself quarantined for 30 days upon landing. But Pumpkin loved our new life there. She ran the perimeter of our spacious garden with zeal. She chased the monkeys that lived in our trees — only to discover they’d chase her back.
Through the years, Pumpkin has been a great source of comfort when our kids were sick.
Dogs and chronic illness
Lori Dunham says her family’s basset hound, Pumpkin, is a godsend. (Courtesy of Lori Dunham)
Pumpkin brought special comfort to our daughter Grace after she was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
Grace got sick when she was 15. While all the other kids were outside riding bikes or playing sports, Grace was stuck inside, practically bedridden.
Yet Pumpkin was a faithful friend. She didn’t race outside to play with all the neighborhood kids. Instead, she cuddled on the couch when Grace’s energy was zapped.
Pumpkin slept at Grace’s bedside downstairs when our daughter could no longer go up the steps to her bedroom. While the rest of us were upstairs tucked in our beds, Pumpkin chose to sleep on the floor downstairs, next to Grace’s bed, watching over her.
LEMS stole so much of Grace’s teenage years. Some friendships faded and many activities ended because of LEMS. But the love between a girl and her dog endured.
A reason to get up in the morning
There are many health benefits to owning a pet, including lower stress, increased physical exercise, and even lower blood pressure. As a caregiver to my daughter with LEMS, I think I’m healthier today because of our family dog.
In my experience, having a pet forced me to get out of bed when I didn’t know how to face another day. During my darkest moments after Grace’s diagnosis, I wanted to hide from the world and the troubles we were facing.
Yet I knew I had to get out of bed for the sake of my children. Often, it was our dog who yanked me out of my slumber. She was persistent and sometimes demanding. She wanted her morning walk and breakfast regardless of my desires.
In large part, I was available for my children because Pumpkin forced me to tackle the day. I’m so grateful that our family dog played such a key role in helping us accept and then manage a LEMS diagnosis.
Having a pet was just the thing we needed to make it through another day.
Note: Lambert-Eaton 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 other 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 Lambert-Eaton News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
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