Thoughts on dogs and senior citizens?

[jenn D]

I didn't really know how to title this one. Do you guys think dogs provide benefits for seniors, specifically ones living alone? After being around PB&J my mom is contemplating getting a dog for companionship. She is in her 60's physically fit but she lives alone. She lives about 10 minutes from me and we are a close knit family. She comes over multiple times a week, has helped me with my kids and plays with our dogs. She is wondering if a dog would be a good thing for her or not. I know she gets lonely in her house and she likes to walk a lot. She has a small patch of grass in her backyard and does want to know if you can train a dog to go potty in a specific area because she would rather not have the grass covered in burn spots. She has no issue cleaning up in the rocks or other areas of the yard.
I guess I'm looking for the pros and cons of her getting a canine friend. From what I can see here are the pros and cons I'm aware of or that she is worried about:

Pros:
Lives alone and would like company in evenings especially
The dog would probably give her some feelings of security
It keeps her walking
We could take obediences classes together
She has a friend who is really into dogs who lives 2 houses away, a groomer.

Cons: (her worries)
She travels a few times a year so dog would probably come stay at "casa jenn" with our doodles while she was gone.
She is worried about her tiny parcel of grass getting ruined.
She bakes cakes for everyone in the family for celebrations and is worried the dog would have a hard time just hanging out in the house with her while she decorates.

Ok I'm sure there are more. Thanks for any advice. I'd like her to have a companion and some unconditional love but only if she really wants it.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, I totally understand.  Our first doodle was 105 pounds, the second 90 pounds, the third 50 pounds and this latest one is 25 pounds.  Do you see a pattern there?  We are also in our sixties, and got our first doodle when my husband retired in 2003.

[Judi Kilpatrick]

I am 62 and my husband and I have 2 doodle pups, he still works but I am home with them during the day. Our pups ar F1 medium in size, suspect they will be somewhere between 30 - 35 lbs., one is currently 22 lbs., the other 26 lbs.( between 5 and 6 mts) I'm sure I will have difficulty picking them up eventually as they are getting fairly heavy now so I agree with a couple other comments that you mom would likely be happier with a true 'mini' because of the size. These guys need a lot of exercise so it's great that she likes to walk, it will sure make for a happier pup! Also, I think a doodle would be a great companion for her since she is alone, they are such lovable guys she would never regret it!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Owning a pet has scientifically proven health benefits. It helps with mental state, anxiety levels, blood pressure, and much more. I'd say as long as the temperament matched her lifestyle well, it could be a fantastic thing for her.

[Adina P]

The cons, in my opinion, are pretty minor.  I think the patch of grass would get ruined, but the rest wouldn't be hard on her or the dog.  My dogs don't care if I'm cooking or absorbed in a project.  They just lay around and if they are too energetic and getting on my nerves I send them to the mud room after a quick chance to run off their energy together outside. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

oh dear--you  have made me feel old--60 is the new 40, haven't you heard? I will turn 60 in 6 months, have three doodles, groom doodles and raise doodle puppies---so, YES, your mom can handle having one dog! (My hubby is 63 and helps out but not much, so the single thing is OK too--)

My dogs have to rest in another room whenever I am with the dog with pups or grooming a dog, so I think the cake decorating is not a problem and if she cleans up after her pup right away, the grass should be OK--especially of there are walks elsewhere during the day to take the pressure off of the yard....and of course, she lives close by and you are there to help--I think it is ideal! 

A mini-doodle might be the best bet--it is harder to find an older dog, but doodle rescues are always looking for homes just like your mom's to place their dogs in!

[Bonnie and Kona]

My DH and I are in our 60's. I cannot imagine not having a dog. We have had between two and four dogs for the past 15 years and 1 dog for the almost 30 years before that. I would recommend a smaller dog. We have two standards. One is 90 pounds and one is 65. They can be hard for me to walk together. My DH does fine with them. 

I have certainly read posts on DK saying people have successfully trained their dogs to go in a specific area of the yard. I have never tried that. 

I think your mother's dogs will love having her home baking. Dogs are pack animals and they are happiest when all of the pack is together. We have frequent overnight guests and both of ours love the idea of "the more the merrier". 

Casa Jenn is where I want my guys to go when I travel. Do you take reservations? ;o)

[Rose Coward]

There are young 60's and old 60's.  My grandma who is currently 104, was still working 5 days a week (seasonally) in the broccoli fields in her 70's and 80's.  I think she had to be in her 60's when she that Great Dane. 

As for the patch of grace, don't some people take their dogs for regular strolls specifically for the purpose of attending to their bathroom needs?   She could teach her that the back yard is not for pottying, but to ask to go out the front door for a walk. 

[Doris]

My mom lives alone, is 77, and has a Vizla (read that - very big dog!)  All was well until mom got sick.  She is determined to keep Sophie, but Sophie stepped on her foot this week and left a mess of a sore. . . . So - it definitely has pros and cons.  Would you be willing to take mom's dog if she couldn't care for it?  I'm ready to pick up Sophie anytime . . . it's a 13 hour drive, but I am very willing. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I am in my 60s too and I as long I can walk, I will probably have a dog, but maybe not two! LOL  I hope your Mom finds the perfect match for her level of activity.  Charlie Brown would make the perfect dog for her I think.  He is a couch potato, will go for walk when I insist, but it is 15 minutes one way and then back home.  Then I talk Beau on a longer walk.  Charlie loves to play ball in the yard and many days he stays home and plays ball with my husband instead of walking.  How about a mini doodle! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think there's lots of great advice here.  My DH and I are "seniors"....although I laugh every time I even think of that term.  The one question I would ask is "how flexible is she"?  Sometimes we get a bit set in our ways....and that's tough with a dog.  They bring with them so much love and companionship but lots of "challenges" too.  When they're sick in the middle of the night and you have to take them out every hour in the freezing cold...is that going to be okay?  When they chew your favorite pair of shoes....is that okay?  When they're afraid of the thunder storm and you have to hold them every time...is that okay?  When they see squirrels and try to pull you down the street (until they're really well trained)...is that okay?  Flexibility is key to being happy with a dog IMO...you can't worry about the grass...because there will be way more serious things to worry about.  I hope this doesn't sound negative, because I love my guys and would never trade them....but I have to remind myself all the time about what's really important and flexibility.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Great post Jane!  I think 'Mom" is going to have to realize that there are some negatives in being owned by a dog.  For me, it is no bother, but for some, it could be a deal breaker.

   Just how upset will she get when Fluffy yaks on the Persian rug?  For me, I'd roll my eyes and probably say a few choice words under my breath, clean the mess up and go hug the dog.   Others would go ballistic.   Just as long as she knows what she is getting into....all will be well!.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I second that!