2 Xolos Available as Pain Relief Dogs for Those Suffering from Fibromyalgia
I have heard about Xolos’ history as healers but its good to see someone putting them into service to help humans in pain. I look forward to meeting one of these warm-hearted dogs in the future!
The PawsforComfort site also has a lovely line of card and gifts with Xolos on them.
Thanks to the National Fibromyalgia Association for this announcement.
Grants for Pain Relief Dogs
Friday, March 14, 2008FMOnline vol. 8, no. 3
Xolos are a breed of dog that can provide the same warmth as a heating pad for relief of chronic pain. Due to their hairlessness, the dogs’ heat is easily felt. Dogs weighing more than 12 lbs also provide traction that can contribute to pain relief.
1. Those interested in obtaining a “hot dog” have a possibility of receiving a grant for a dog. Please visit pawsforcomfort for grant criteria, pictures, and the application forms.2. Currently two dogs are available: one male and one female miniature-size Xolos, born Oct. 15, 2007.
3. The dogs are currently undergoing obedience and service dog preparation training. The grant does include service dog training costs and other fees.
4. The dogs may be placed without the grant if an applicant has his own resources and does not qualify for the grant. X-CPR™ will provide training support, among other benefits.
Here’s more information from the pawsforcomfort site:
Paws for Comfort® is developing a unique program for people with chronic pain who respond to heat therapy.
Xolos for Chronic Pain Relief™ (X-CPR™) is a service dog placement program which Paws For Comfort® envisions as a way to help others experience this amazing source of relief and comfort. Of course, all animals offer us companionship and comfort, and Xolos are not “better” than any other breed of service dog.
What is unique about Xolos is that they provide a service most other breeds can’t: they are non-edible “Hot Dogs”! Their history of being “heating pads”, dates back 3500 years to the Ancient Aztecs, and in fact, Xolos were actually eaten because they believed the healing powers of the dogs would cure them when ingested (not recommended now!).
Like many other service dogs, Xolos are highly intelligent. They can be easily trained to do any service task (except for pulling a wheelchair, though they would try if it pleased you!).
sign the petition http://www.animalsmatter.org,this petition is for to sign the the universal convension of pets,but it needs 10 millions signatures
I just wanted to let the world know what is happening in my life lately. I have witnessed the deaths of four of the most beautiful animals recently. This was all due to these precious pets being struck by cars. All four times, I alone stopped to help these animals. This is just to bring awareness to all drivers out there. Sometimes, an animal does become loose and wonders close to traffic. It can be tragic not only for the families these animals leave behind, but like me, I was the one that found what was left in the aftermath. Twice it was two dead on the road. Simply left on the edge of the road. Twice now, one dog, one cat. Both having injuries too great to save either animal, but not enough to end a life without extreme suffering. I took it upon myself to see that these pets were put down at my vets office humanely. The expense was mine to bear. I can live with the cost because I know I stopped. It was the right thing to do. I didn’t hit either animal,nor do I know how long either had been lying in the street dying. What I know for certain is that if I wouldn’t have stopped, I would have to live with turning my head and being as responsible as the person that actually hit these animals. I did all that I could do. An accident is just that. It does happen. However, if it does, please don’t just keep on going. An injured animal may lay for hours or even days needlessly suffering. I can’t explain how this has changed my life. I held both of these babies in my arms, stroking their fur, letting them have some kind comfort. I took these angels into my own vehicle bleeding, in shock, broken bones. It was horrible. Somehow, God gave me strength to help. I saw the pain in each of their eyes and really as strange as it seems, I saw the thanks in their eyes too. I have always loved what animals bring into our lives, but now, I see how important the flip side of that coin is. In death, animals need our care, concern and respect too. So, if you are ever in the position of accidentally hitting a pet while driving, please do stop. And if you happen to run acrossed a scene like I have, please don’t just drive by because you didn’t do it. Animals bring so much love into our lives they deserve so much more than this death. Accidents are just that, but by not stopping and taking some kind of responsibility, isn’t that considered to be an on purpose.
I watched a short news clip about the therapeutic nature of the Xolo and how some people are getting them for the purpose of alleviating their pain.
I have fibromyalgia and the thought of getting a dear dog solely for the “healing” benefits it may give is unseemly to me. My personal opinion. Any dog is an angel, deserving a life full of reciprocal love and happiness.
It is said that dogs and cats can lower blood pressure, quicken healing, lengthen a person’s life as a result. Knowing that is wonderful and not surprising, but offering a specific breed up like a curative you can get a prescription for, to me, seems inappropriate. Like a living heating pad…
In regards to Jennifer Jo’s comments–You are the first person I know who has shared your thoughts on an issue that is dear to my heart, but it also bruises my spirit. This is how I’ve tried to address the heartbreak of what you wrote about…
Have You Ever Thought About Me?
I was that lithe, black streak that darted in the street. I made it through two lanes of traffic and then I darted into the lanes where autos were moving the opposite direction.
I ran as fast as I was able through the first two lanes, then I paused a heartbeat before dashing back into traffic. Stretched out, supple, and swift I flew onto the road again. You hesitated but half a second, then continued quickly on your way. I tumbled over and over underneath your van. I was struck by the wheels and bounced up and down before being thrust out off the street. My body was seizing up as pain pierced my awareness.
Before shock set in, I pulled myself through the front yard, then under the car at a stranger’s home. Still thinking I was full of life; that no bad thing could harm me, I struggled into the shade at the side of the house as fear consumed me. Something inside me was broken and I could not move from where I lay.
You didn’t return to see if I had made it from under your wheels. Someone else, however, did. She looked for me but I was too tired and hurting too much to cry out loud enough for her to hear and she eventually returned to her car.
Before the pain sucked me under. Before my eyes misted over, I cried ever so softly. I was so full of life such a short while ago. This couldn’t be happening to me, could it?
Did any thought of me cross your mind as you neared your home?
It was Wednesday morning. Many folks were on their way to work. Or to drop their kids off at school. There in the middle of the right lane I lay after being hit by a car but a few minutes earlier. Most of the cars swerved around me. In that line of cars that drove around me was a lady who turned back and parked her car near where I was. She got out of her car and rushed over to me. Careful to keep an eye on the traffic coming our way she quickly scooped me up then set me down on some green grass next to a sidewalk.
I could hear her as she uttered soft words. She kept repeating to herself, “You looked to be sleeping. But you’re not, are you little boy?” I was still warm and limber, my fur fuzzy and soft when she gathered me up to move me away from the oncoming cars. This, too, made her cry. “I am so sorry for you. So sorry.”
She mumbled. “Your sweet face…It is as if you are saying, ‘I’m sorry. I’m scared. I just want to sleep.’” She then caressed my chest and belly tenderly as tears ran down her face into my fur. I licked her hand to thank her, but she couldn’t feel it. I was a spirit and my heartfelt kisses were too insubstantial for her to notice. As she bent down over me I sat by her side. She cried a lot. She was late for work. After she left God called me onward to play in green fields beyond the bridge. I thanked Him for her unconditional love for a strange young dog she’d never seen before. I thanked God, too, for allowing me to experience that love before He called my spirit forth. I wonder if she will recognize me when her time comes to cross over the bridge? I hope so…
Have you ever thought about me? I am the soul of the cat, hit by the van and left to die alone. I am the spirit of the young dog, still a puppy in heart and body…run over and left in the middle of the road. Have you ever seen me? I’m the old dog running down the sidewalk, so near to the street–my expression one of panic and fear because I am lost and looking for a familiar face. Looking for home. So frightened by my circumstances I bolt into the intersection unaware of the dangers awaiting me. But I am so consumed with anguish at being away from those I love that I do not notice the fast-rushing automobiles coming my way. Did you think to stop and help me to a safer area? To see if maybe I was wearing ID tags?
I am the heart and spirit of every animal that had been or would have been a loving companion to the human who would have had me. I am the creature filled with life… The dog bursting with boundless love, aching for your tender touch. The cat who would have been fully satisfied to share his or her home with you. I come in all colors. And in all sizes. I am young. I am old.
I am one of God’s creatures…
Copyright © 2004 by Kathy Pippig Harris
—I am the person who stops and goes to the body of the poor dog, gently picking it up and moving it to the curb. I am the one who cries over its still warm body. I am the one who looks for the cat, hit by someone else. I am the one who will try to locate the owner of a stray who is lucky enough to be wearing a collar with ID and telephone or address on it.—