If arthritis pain and disease are turning your dynamic, beautiful, and outgoing self into an isolated, depressed TV addict, it’s time to talk to your doctor about starting a daily walking program. Next, it will be time to add a doggy doc and daily mini walks. You know it says “Use it or lose it”. That applies to sex AND joints.

You see, arthritis pain thrives on inactivity. Although arthritis is caused by deterioration of the lubrication of the cartilage between the bones due to age and normal wear and tear, it is accelerated by lack of movement. The less you move, the less lubrication you need. So less lubrication will be there when you want it. Make sense?

Nothing amplifies a woman’s activity like the addition of an always-ready walking buddy! OA Battista summed it up when he said, “A dog is one of the remaining reasons some people can be persuaded to go for a walk.” Most days that’s the only reason I go for a walk!

Dogs move and move irresistibly. Speaking in practical terms, a dog without walking is a drag, a disaster in the house waiting for it to happen. There’s no way to avoid it. Aside from the bodily messes, they also become mentally disordered without one or two daily outings. By the way, you too. If you are unaware of this phenomenon, there is a good reason. It’s called denial.

Romantically, it is impossible to find a better partner or friend. No human being will ever be more available, loyal, loving, and irrepressible committed to moving like a dog. They will drop anything in sight of a leash, fanny pack and sneakers or the sound of a word like “park” or “walk.” Mine can put words together to make phrases like “doggy beach,” “dog park,” and “let’s go.” They also understand French. Here! Hike!

Joint lubrication and companionship aside, there’s no better way to make new friends or gather a group of friends at a walking club than with the inspiration of a dog. You will also finally meet all those neighbors. My dogs, in addition to a friendly greeting and a smile, earned me the affectionate nickname, I think, of “the lady of the dogs.” I think it also sounds better in French, La femme des chien. Hmmmmm.

Until now I’ve been assuming you don’t have a dog, hence your house potato syndrome. There are also cases of women living with disappointed dogs. These out of shape dogs range from dogs that have given up ever seeing a leash in hand to sick, elderly, lonely or depressed dogs.

Dogs must undergo the same protocol as humans. Same first step: make an appointment to see your doctor, I mean the vet. In addition to getting a standard checkup that includes a heartworm test, be sure to check for Lyme disease; a hidden ailment that devastates the joints. If your dog is over seven years old, ask him about how to start taking glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplements.

If your puppy spends a lot of time home alone and misbehaves, consider adding a companion. Yes, dogs are lonely too. The easiest addition is a mature dog (three years or older) or an older dog (seven years or older). If you don’t have a lot of time for your dog, you really won’t have time or patience for a puppy. .

Finding the partner of your dreams and theirs is easy to do. First, go to PetFinder.com and click “Find Shelter” to find the closest animal shelter. Then call and make a “meet and greet” appointment. This is what it sounds like; a chance for you and your dog to find that new best friend together.

FYI. I thought my senior lab mix was happy as a lonely dog. We had been part of a pack for years, so I assumed he was enjoying his “space” and my full attention. One day Albert, an abandoned Bichon Frize, came into our lives. He turned back his watch and made me realize how wrong he had been. This variegated pair was so easy for me to handle that it inspired a couple of puppy breeding experiences and an addition or two to the pack.

Chinese dog!