Jeffrey Weiss, a professor at Texas Chiropractic College, is finding joy and purpose again after his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis by caring for foster golden retrievers.
Weiss began experiencing Parkinson’s symptoms seven years ago and embarked on a journey to find healing through medication and the help of some very good pups. With his wife of 38 years, Yvonne, he has welcomed seven goldens into their home in the past year.
“Our home has also been filled with the joy of animals. Our last two dogs, Molly and Chloe, a golden mix and an Aussie, lived wonderful, full lives of 14 years,” Weiss told Upworthy. “Once our hearts healed, Yvonne and I began fostering golden retrievers through the Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue here in Houston.”
Photo credit: Jeffrey Weiss.
Parkinson’s journey
An avid bowler, Weiss began noticing Parkinson’s symptoms early on in his bowling game and elsewhere.
“I struggled to walk, my bowling average dropped by more than 30 pins, and I even started to feel disconnected from my students,” he said. “It started with very slight tremors that eventually progressed into frequent shaking, coordination issues, and difficulty walking. I found myself dragging my right leg and right arm. To top it off, I developed non-motor symptoms, which have actually become the most troublesome part of my daily life.”
After connecting with a neurologist who “put me through the ringer with multiple MRIs, nerve conduction studies, and a spinal tap” without answers, he sought a second opinion. He was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but his initial treatment plan did not work.
“The mental drain of these ongoing symptoms took a heavy toll on my energy and mood,” Weiss shared. “I went through the classic stages of grief, experiencing denial and anger, constantly asking myself, ‘Why me?’”
After finding the right medication, called CREXONT, and an effective physical therapy routine, he realized it was time for a mindset change.
“As with any major obstacle, you have to learn to adapt, set reasonable expectations, and keep living,” said Weiss.
Fostering golden retrievers
Another part of his Parkinson’s journey has involved leaning into his love of dogs and fostering golden retrievers.
“They are sweet, loving goofballs ranging from 65 to 95 pounds who, despite their size, just want to be lap dogs,” he said.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Weiss
Taking care of them has brought him joy and a sense of purpose.
“They make me smile when I don’t feel like smiling, and they make me feel needed,” he added. “Knowing they just want to love and be loved gives me another sense of purpose.”
And he hopes his experience can inspire others living with Parkinson’s disease or facing other challenges.
“Parkinson’s disease is not a path I would ever choose, but like any obstacle in life, what matters most is how you choose to respond to it,” he said. “My deep desire to live, love, and interact with others is what keeps me grounded. It allows me to feel most like myself: a teacher, a bowler, a father, a grandfather, and a husband.”
