"Jane" wrote in message
...
Maybe I need to be more specific. My husband is dying. He is the
love of my life and I just don't know what I'll do without him.

The only thing I've always wanted, which he didn't, was a dog. I
think that having a dog will help me through the worst times to come.

I need a small dog because it would be impossible for me to take a dog
for long walks and exercise. I have constant, chronic back pain along
with two bad knees. A small dog could get the exercise it needed
running up and down the stairs in my house. I'm not saying I wouldn't
take it out, of course I would, I just couldn't give it the exercise
it would need outside.

Same problem with going out to the bathroom. Most of the time I
could probably take it out right in front of my condo, as long as I
picked everything up. However we get lots of terrible weather and
sometimes, for months at a time, my front steps are covered with ice.
I think the best solution is to train it to go indoors.

Finally, because of my back pain I can't lift anything heavier than 7
lbs or so without chancing a back spasm.

I've had cats. I have one now. He's a gentle, wonderful animal, but
a cat just doesn't give the kind of love and affection that I'm going
to need.

I realize that small dogs have many health issues. I was thinking of
a toy poodle, a papillon or a teacup yorkie. I'd like to know the
pros and cons of each.

thanks again.

You might consider an indoor lawn. Here is an example:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/f...or-lawn-024584

For a small dog, you could probably make a frame about 2 ft x 6 ft from
pressurized treated lumber, and maybe even have it on a raised platform to
make it easier to maintain, while providing storage area underneath. You
could start with a layer of gravel, then some topsoil, and some sod. It
would need plenty of sunlight, or you could have gro-lights installed. You
could even grow some flowers. It would be more natural for the dog to go on
real grass and dirt. And an indoor lawn and garden can be very helpful if
you are stuck inside. Growing live plants can be therapeutic.

Some other links:
http://www.helpfulgardener.com/container/2003/
http://www.essortment.com/all/indoorvegetable_rhar.htm
http://standupgardens.com/index.htm
http://www.urbangardeninghelp.com/indoor.htm

Here is a link for "dog grass" which is designed for indoor potty use by
dogs:
http://www.patiopark.com/turf.htm

And a discusion of indoor dog potty options:
http://www.thehousebreakingbible.com...ty-options.htm

I think you should also have someone take the dog out for a real walk at
least a couple times a week, or perhaps you could manage it when the
weather is good.

My neighbor has a Papillon named "Bug", and he is a very nice dog. He's a
bit scared of Muttley, but he's only about as big as Muttley's head, so no
wonder!

I realize that your back problems may restrict your ability to make or
maintain some of these options, and I can sympathize because I have spinal
stenosis and sciatica. I have had some relief by getting anti-inflammatory
injections along with lumbar traction, stretching exercises, and a home
TENS unit. There are many non-surgical as well as minimally invasive
surgical techniques that you may want to investigate.

And, finally, I am sorry about your husband. I have known many people who
have had to deal with the illness and death of a spouse, but there are
support groups, discussions, and programs that can help. In the Baltimore
area, there is www.friendsofmercy.org.

Paul and Muttley