With a little help from my furry friend

Many pet owners talk of the benefits their animal companions bring, which can range from getting active to improved mental health. We heard from Lisa, who was diagnosed with MS and who told us about how creativity and a little help from Spud the hamster helped her get through tougher times.

My name is Lisa and I was diagnosed with MS in 2008.

At first the symptoms weren't too bad and it wasn't something I wanted to shout from the rooftops about. I did the usual, told the DVLA, work, close family and friends. My fiancé had just proposed so not knowing anything about this disease, I told him, "If you want to go, then I wouldn't blame you." Neither of us knew what to expect! He didn't and since then has stuck to me like glue. He's now my husband.

Soon after, there were redundancies at work and guess who was one of the first out. Six months of trying to get another graphic design job resulted in nothing so I had a brain wave to set up my own business, pet sitting and dog walking. I loved it! If forced me to go out come rain or shine and I thought the exercise would help me. I was already stiffening up sat in front of the computer.

The business went from strength to strength but annoyingly so did my MS. After a few years of asking, I eventually found out it was primary progressive. I'd started to trip and fall a lot which it turned out was foot drop and does exactly what it says on the tin. I heard about FES, a device that might help, made an enquiry and was sent to get one fitted.

While in the waiting room, I came across the Open Door publication so made a note of the MS Trust. From that moment on they've been a life saver! The MS Trust are quick to respond to questions or queries and full of information. Plus, they don't share depressing news as a lot of MS sites can do.

All was going ok, but I had started to notice I was getting uncomfortable tremors in my leg. They were unpredictable and I didn't sleep for three months because of it. Then March 2020 came around and we all remember when we were told to stay at home. At first I didn't mind as I thought the break might help, but looking back it didn't. One thing I have found is that stress does not help my condition. Because I was self employed, there was no money coming in yet that didn't stop the bills.

Two weeks into lockdown, my hamster Spud, escaped from his exercise ball! This was the catalyst to get me out of the deep, dark hole I'd fallen into. I realised that Spud has essentially spent his life in lockdown so I was going to make adventures for him to go on, using little more than imagination and cardboard!

He went to the art gallery, Rodents Return on Coronation Squeak, to wizard school 'Hamwarts', Paris as Hamksy (the new Banksy) even to Hamsterdam! Spud even won a Royal Mail Corrie competition worth £100 and a Hamster Hamper from Professor Noel Fitzpatrick for his competition #StrongerTogether!

The inactivity hasn't helped my condition and I'm on a lot more tablets now, but if it hadn't been for Spud and my husband, I'd have given up. What I love about being a pet sitter and a pet owner is that animals don't judge you. They don't look at you funny and say, "What's wrong with your leg?" They accept you for who you are. My cats have a sixth sense when I'm down or feeling low. They give you so much love and affection. They bring the sun out from behind the blackest of clouds and ask nothing in return, just love and affection. However big or small.

• A year in Lockdown #BeLikeSpud book - If you would like a copy of Lisa's book, detailing Spud's adventures in lockdown, they are available to purchase for £8 plus £2 p&p.