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LisaJo · 10-07-2009, 12:06 PM

Walking has always been my favorite way of getting out to exercise. Especially this time of year...its Fall and the colors are superb and the air cool and crisp. However since my little dog died unexpectedly a week and a half ago my heart is not in it. She used to see me putting my hair in a pony and cuing up my MP3 player and would wait excitedly by the door. Now it just makes me sad. I have been forcing myself to do some exercising in the house but am not really the Gym joining type. Does anyone have any ideas for me? I have forced myself to get out and walk anyway and in time Im sure it will be easier. But Im only 6months out....I dont want to lose my motivation, you know? Curious what other peoples choice of exercise and motivation is.

poet_kelly · 10-07-2009, 12:15 PM

Have you thought about getting a new dog? Or, if you're not ready for a new dog, what about volunteering to walk dogs at the animal shelter?

Kelly

Amilea · 10-07-2009, 01:18 PM

Oh LisaJo,

Your post just tugged at my heart. Pets can be like best friends and losing one is very hard. The things we did with our loved ones, the places we used to share with them, can become almost haunted with memories.

Perhaps at some point you will be ready to find a new 'walking buddy' to adopt. Walking the dogs at the shelter is not a bad suggestion if you would not find it too painful. The dogs and shelter workers are usually thrilled to have volunteers.

You might also try a change of route. Maybe on the days you have time, go to a walking park, trail, or even mall. In my community there are a few walking/running clubs as well, which adds a social component. Even if you were only able to find companionship on the weekends it might help.

Being very goal oriented, I always found it easier to exercise if I had a race to 'train' for. Most communities have charity or 'fun runs' often sponsored by local fitness stores, where for a small fee everyone can come walk/jog/run a set course. Setting a goal and making a plan on how to get there is very motivating for some.

runnersworld.com has a list of events searchable by location/date/length...

I am very sorry for your loss.

LisaJo · 10-07-2009, 01:39 PM

Living dog free sucks so though I cant imagine not getting another dog someday Im no more ready to go out and try to replace her anymore than I am to replace my 98 yr old Grandma that I lost a month or so ago. I live in a small area with one shelter that has limited hours but I have and will volunteer there again. I made myself get my butt out and walk this afternoon. Great ideas Gals thanks for taking the time to answer.

poet_kelly · 10-07-2009, 01:50 PM

Lisa, it occurs to me after I already posted that what I wrote may have seemed insenstive, and I didn't mean it to sound that way. I wasn't suggesting you replace your dog. I know she was irreplaceable. I understand that.

I lost a cat about three years ago that I really, really loved. This cat was like my best friend. I still miss her. And this is going to sound awful, but two years to the day that she died, my grandmother died. And I miss my cat more than I miss my grandmother.

We had other cats at the time, and still have them. If she'd been my only cat, I think I would have gotten another, because I really like sharing my home with cats. But a new cat would not have replaced the one who died. She was irreplaceable. And as much as I love my other cats, I do not feel as close to them as I felt to her.

I am sorry for your loss.

Kelly

Sherry_Lynn · 10-07-2009, 01:57 PM

We lost 3 of our best friends last year within 5 months, Tank our 14 year old lab, Grizzly, our 13 year old shepard mix, and Truman, our 7 year old St. Bernard mix.................we were devastated. Losing a beloved pet is just about as bad as it comes. For the first time in my life, I felt what depression is. We have since gotten 2 new puppies............and we love them beyond words, but they don't take the others places. I am so sorry for your loss. I walk on a treadmil, but I prefer walking outside.

LisaJo · 10-07-2009, 04:14 PM

Kelly I wasnt implying that you were being insensitive. At this point Im still overly sensitive for sure but its obvious you are a fellow animal lover and have been there. You too Sherry. Like I said...in time I too know there is another "kid with fur" out there waiting for me to find it

Im going to need alternate exercise ideas for weather reasons here soon too as it not unusual for the area I live in to average 300 plus inches of snow. Which may be starting any time now! Just trying to snap outta my funk and enjoy whats left of Fall!
Thanks again

poet_kelly · 10-07-2009, 06:29 PM

Have you thought of joining a gym or the YMCA or something? I joined the Y a few months ago and I was going to water aerobics several times a week. I haven't gone lately but need to start going again. It's reasonably fun. I am not an exercise lover. The Y also has a lot of fitness classes. They have a belly dancing class I want to take sometime.

Kelly

jerseygrl684 · 10-07-2009, 06:35 PM

Invest in a few good dvd's to do at home. I know I don't want to go out in the cold. Try Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, or find a cool dance-type video. That's my intention as soon as i'm cleared to workout again. I need to tone up.

Snow-Belle · 10-07-2009, 06:42 PM

Oh, I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo SORRY!

I know how hard it is for you right now.....

I know I've talked to my dogs vet and brought up the fact that when that horrible time comes, I don't want my Pixie to suffer...that I want us both to be euthenized at the same time...(I was serious, and my vet knew it). I just can't imagine life without my little Pixie-Dog...

Give yourself some time to heal and grieve......

Can you 'borrow' someone's dog until you are ready for or discover your new four-legged, wet-nosed family member? There are an AWFUL lot of people I know (especially those who work) who have dogs that need and would love to be walked....

Just be kind to yourself right now..... Hugs to you.... I am so sorry....