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1. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   20 Feb 2019

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   Today is Love your Pet Day!
   Our furry friends can provide a great distraction during a quit, such as by going on extra walks with the dog, or playing with the cat. Some people find feeding, grooming, and training their pet is a great way to keep their mind off cigarettes.
   Animals can also bring a sense of calm during times of stress.
   Do you have a pet? How have you included your fave 4-legged family member into your quit plan?
   Sarah
   
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   20 Feb 2019 in reply to sarah, quit coach

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   I've got a black lab/bernese mix. 100 lbs of stubbornness that loves the winter.
   
   I quit Jan 01 and first week of my quit I was afraid to take him for a walk as I always had a smoke or 2 while walking him, so the task fell to my wife even though it was freezing out.
   
   After that I realized I had to start facing my triggers and after a couple of walks I was starting to enjoy it.  The magic moment was walking up from the ravine and getting to the top and not stopping to catch my breath. That was a 'reward' moment for my quit. I was actually starting to experience the benefits of quitting and not just feeling miserable going through withdrawal.
   
   I'm actually thinking about trying to start going for a jog in the mornings to work off some of the extra weight I gained since I quit, and it would do good for my dog well to join me and work off some of those treats he constantly gets from either my mom or mother-in-law.
   
   
   

   Last modified on 20 Feb 2019 16:02 by atp
3. wandam

   

   241 posts
   Registered:
   05 Feb 2019
   24 Feb 2019 in reply to atp

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   Good for you atp, I need to start walking with my dog like you, to loose the extra pounds, I put on since I quit too. Awesome that you recognized not needing to catch your breath!