In 2011, I was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Lupus. Since that diagnosis, I have been diagnosed with subsequent autoimmune diseases and disorders. I have spent countless hours in hospitals being treated for flare-ups of the Lupus or the other autoimmune disorders that I have. I take a lot of medication daily, a monthly infusion and most recently have, at the age of 33, had two total knee replacements. And yet through all this, I continue to train and show my own dogs. In 2011, when I was diagnosed I was a Police Officer. I lasted with that career until 2015. I then took a civilian job. I hated it, and was not treated well in that position so I made the decision last November to make my training business my full-time job and to also start a blog. Owning my own business allows me the freedom and flexibility in my schedule for doctor’s appointments or if I’m not feeling well I can reschedule appointments. I can go at my pace.
Some people ask how I do it. I have a strong love and passion for dog training wither I’m training other people and their dogs or my own dogs, its something I’m totally passionate about. I believe that every dog owner should have the education to arm them to make them a better pet parent. This is the goal here at Haus of Boxers Kennel and Canine Training, we want to work on your relationship with your furry friend.
However, I do still have flare-ups, sometimes I am even admitted to the hospital if it’s bad enough. But I keep on trying. No one can take your dream away from you unless you let them. There are days where it totally hurts to get out of bed and it’s a struggle to feed the dogs. But I have to, so I push myself out of the bed and get the day started. Heat affects my Lupus, so being in direct sunlight totally drains me. But I am prepared. I always have something to drink (for me and the pups), and I rest as much as I can in between going out on the field.
My energy level is way down from what it used to be. I fatigue quite early but I don’t really feel it until I get home and all my adrenaline has run down. So here are some steps that I do in order to still be able to show and train my dogs.
- Drink Water or Gatorade: Hydration is totally important with being out there in hot weather conditions. I suggest water and Gatorade because water will quench your thirst and help with getting sunstroke, Gatorade will replenish your electrolytes and help you to be able to function. I am so bad at this most times and I can definitely tell when I’m in direct sunlight that I’m not hydrated enough.
- Rest under a tent if you can, as much as you can.
- Prepare your equipment beforehand so you can grab it and go.
- Know your body, if it’s telling you that’s enough then take as many breaks as you need t.
- The people I train with are cool and most understand that I have an autoimmune disorder and they are always there to help me out wither if it’s holding one of the dogs during protection work or checking on me during tracking to ask if I’m ok. I am very lucky to have people that care and will help out on those bad days.
- Know your schedule: For example a couple of weeks ago I knew I was going to Pennsylvania for a dog training event. It took me the whole week to pack and get ready especially traveling with medications, I just use my medication calendar and it’s portable. I knew I would be on the road for 4-5 hours, would have to stop for a potty break for Tia in the middle of that. Driving was exhausting and when we finally got there I could get out of the car and stretch my legs.
- I have to reserve my energy. If I know I’m having a busy weekend then during the week I try to rest as much as possible.
There are times that I definitely cannot train. If I’m in the hospital, I always have Dan bring me my laptop so I can still work. I might not be able to train dogs at that particular moment but I can make blog posts on certain topics while I’m in the hospital. When I had my knee surgeries I was down for weeks with both of them. But I was watching YouTube videos and reading online materials that would help to make me a better handler and trainer. There are always ways to keep focused on the business and education. Education is one of my main goals when I do dog training. I need to educate people on how to have a great and understanding relationship with their dog.
Entering shows is definitely a gamble. Most AKC shows close 2 weeks before the show. I never know how I am going to feel on the day of the show or if I have to scratch. But luckily so far, all the shows I’ve entered I have been healthy enough to show. I may be tired and have no real energy but I’m there and me and my dogs have a really good time.
Another thing I had to realize is that I may not get as far as I want to in the time I expect to. If that makes any sense. I have to give myself realistic expectations for the goals that I make for myself and my dogs. On top of everything, I am also training two dogs at the same time which can be totally overwhelming for me at times. But I try my best and do what I can when I can and I know that me and my dogs will get there. Happy Training!
Ellasha
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