Reducing stress is one of the most important things you can do to minimize PD symptoms. Having a calming relationship with a pet has been demonstrated to be very beneficial. As cats are less demanding of their owners than dogs, they may be the better choice for a new relationship, depending on the cat's personality. For established relationships, I don't think it matters - they can both be loving companions.

Yes, furry friends are family. I have a Great Dane, Rover (180lbs) and a Shitz Sue (sp), Buddy (12lbs) who are brothers. At night when I am having tremors in bed, Rover will lay against my legs and Buddy has a knack for knowing when I am going to have an off day. Do not know what I would do without them.

I love my dog. My dog tells me when she has to go outside so I have to get up to go outside. That’s my exercise. It motivates me to move around and see how Shai and don’t fall for my dog Bella.

I have 2 German Shepards. My Greta Garbo is 106 lbs of dog! Then we have Gunner Joe and a tiny mini dachshund, Doobie Doo. The three of them male sure I am up at decent hour instead of sleeping all day. They keep me moving. They are my sweet children that I love very much. They sleep with me and I swear my Greta knows there is something off with me cause she is always by my side when I am walking through the house, making sure I don't fall.

Being active and independent for all my 50 years then told I have PD and might have a few active years left before I will need care was the worse feeling . My 2 lap dogs got me through it and still helping me going through the process after my dx 9 years ago. Lately, I don't like to be around crowd or in public due to anxiety. But my furry friends keep me company and I'm okey with that...I don't feel alone.