A Letter to My Dog

From an Ezcema Fighter to a Tibetan Terrier Mix

tibetan_terrier-chester_the_dog.jpg

Dear Chester, 

Don't Wake Me Up in the Middle of the Night.

I don't care if you have to pee. You just peed a few hours ago. How do you hold it all day while I'm at work, but then need to pee every few hours as soon as I get home? Wait until the morning! And don't you dare pee in the house.  

You see, while you may go right back to sleep afterwards, I'll stay awake with a hundred little itches all over my body, keeping me awake as I see the clock tick tocking towards the early morning. I have work in the morning, for crying out loud! 

Sleep is a luxury for me and my eczema-covered body. So don't wake me up! 

Stay Away Sometimes, Time it Just Right, and Keep Loving Me

I love when you cuddle with me on the couch, but at this very moment I'm convinced that my flare-up was caused by you. Do you have allergens on your fur? Is it just an on/off dog allergy? I don't know, but you're making my skin itchy and my eye is swelling up. Try again next time; I'll probably be fine then. And keep loving me in the meantime.

Don't Expect to Go on a Walk - It's Too Hot Outside

Have you felt the temperature outside? We live in Houston and it's the summer! I can't be out there; my skin will get all sticky and itchy! I have eczema, remember?! Can you run around the back yard instead? That's good enough, right?

Remember That I Love You 

You must be totally confused. I give you so many mixed signals! I'm sorry. I love you to the moon and back. And I'm very lucky to have you. My eczema tends to take over my life at times and I haven't yet figured out how to balance it. Thank you for your patience and love. Tomorrow will be a better day; I'll give you lots of treats and hugs.

Love, 

Helen