There are dogs that do not shed and are hypoallergenic. I have a Bichon Frise which is a small dog. I do not know about cats, I think they all shed and many people are allergic to them. Hope you can find a pet your doctor approves of.

We have a black lab mix, so a mutt. And she sheds a lot! But we had her before I was diagnosed so she is part of our family. And her fur probably doesn't help my breathing, but oh well.

The doctor has a good point why introduce a *possible* complication into a scenario that is fraught with *real* as well as *possible* complications. Cat allergies are quite common. A cat produces FIVE different possible allergens you may be sensitive to one or a combination of any of them so a Cat isnt one possibility it is FIVE! (Smile)

As you had a cat when you were younger you may not have to worry as much, but reduced immunity, medications, and respiratory function cause us to develop new susceptibilities to items we barely noticed before. So I suggest you only go into the adoption process with a bail-out plan the cat may have to go can you do that? (Smile)

So called hypoallergenic cats only reduce one or two of the five allergens. If it is the ONE you cant stand then alls well, otherwise bye-bye kitty and they are expensive. For any cat you get; make sure it has a house cat mentality as it will need to stay indoors a lot; you need to brush it frequently and bathe regularly; and be sure to feed it only good fatty *meat*, avoid the inexpensive vegetable pet foods.

When you mentioned transplant, immediately the word "toxoplasmosis came into my mind. My brother received his "Liver Gift" 5 yrs ago.

Organ transplant patients must remain on anti-rejection medication for the rest of their life. The med stops the immune system from recognizing the new organ as a "foreign substance" to his body. As a result of the necessary med the patient ends up with a "compromised immune system".The cat litter box is a possible source for acquiring toxoplasmosis. Transplant patients are usually warned about this.

As a result my brother bought a small dog & they are living happily ever-after!!

I have a small dog (Maltese) and a cat...for me...no problems..

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Thank you all for your advice. I certainly don't want to be irresponsible and get a pet that I may have to give away. I have read extensively about pet dander and hypoallergenic pets and I know some shed more than others and there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic cat or dog. My doc suggested fish and I joked with him I would rather have fish on my dinner plate than in a tank. I guess I should really think seriously about this. It's frustrating and a bit heartbreaking. But I can't have it all.

I hope you're having a good day.
Hugs,
Cas

I had my dog(s) before i was dx'd with this and she sheds constantly!
i also am allergic to her, but i take my allergy medicine, i vacuum a lot & once summer comes i will have her shaved even though she is short haired.
She is wonderful company for me & i hope she sticks around as long as i do.
a cat i would worry about due to you having a transplant & the toxoplasmosis problem.

i do know people who have small dogs that are litter box or "pad" trained if you do not have a yard & are un-able to walk a dog.
there are so many wonderful pets needing to be rescued & many rescue operations that try to match you up to a pet that "fits" you & your lifestyle. Maybe some place like that will help you find the right pet/dog for you and your family.
good luck

Thankyou Jarca. I appreciate your advice. I have indeed been looking at shelters and have never considered buying an animal. You're right they seem to offer fantastic advice.

Hope you are having a good day.
Cas