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.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

All this advice is wonderful and that is exactly what I love about Doodle Kisses.  You have many Doodle owners here and everyone has their own opinion and it definitely helps in making a decision.  I am 68, my husband is 73 and we have had Libby now for three years.  I DO NOT know what we did without her and we have a very large family which keeps us busy, but she just added something so very special in this house and our family.  She has brought us so much love, fun, craziness and a closeness we did not realize we were missing.  Like some of the others, I think a smaller dog would probably fit you mom better and maybe an older dog because as we all know Puppyhood can be a BIG challenge.  With your support and back up I think your mom would be very happy getting a sweet, lovable, best ever dog and make it a "Doodle", what else of course.  LOL

[cheryl & oliver]

Jenn, both my husband & I are in our late sixties, oops Ira just turnd 70, I have a few yrs yet for that milestone, lol, but we have always had dogs since we were married, 42 yrs ago.  I could never be without a dog, I would be miserable, but I do have to admit, having a large doodle, at times is a problem.  Walking them, well you never know, at least with me, he can decide to pull after seeing something, and I have fallen.  I am now smarter, if I feel I am going to fall I let go of the leash, he will not run too far, but one never knows.  If she is one of those people that gets upset if her something in her house gets ruined, carpeting, chewed up different things, a dog might not be a good idea.  BUT on the other hand, I have to say I wouldn't ever be without a dog.  we have had 2 for the last 15 yrs, and now we are only a single dog home.  As much as I would love another one, I would have to think long and hard about that.  Of course if one happened to appear at my house, I would be thrilled...I agree with the others, I bet she would be better off with a rescue, or a dog that is a little older. Going thru the puppy stage is not easy, and to have not to do all that, well i think that is great.  AND she would be giving a loving home to a dog that needs it, and would most likely appreciate it.  Ok, now that I have rambled on, lol, my take is go for it, she has you to help her and I think she would love the company of a sweet doodle...

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I am 69, soon to be 70, and have two doodles...one standard and one medium. I also live alone with my dogs. My day to day life would be much less enjoyable without them; I can't even imagine it! As long as finances are not an issue, and you are available for back up, the joy and medical benefits of owning a dog would enrich your Mom's life as long as she understands it's like having a toddler again!! I have a place for them to go if I die before they do, so until that happens we walk every day, travel together, they give me unconditional love and don't talk back. Having a dog is also a social event because people want to pet the dogs and ask what kind of dogs they are. I don't have grass but if I did, I would sacrifice it for the love of a dog companion. Temperament is really important. A calm dog is easier :-)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

My mom took one of my Persian cats when she was in her 70's, having never owned a cat before. She lived alone. It was the very best thing for her. They enjoyed 8 wonderful years together. I think if a cat could speak, they could have finished each other's sentences. It was awesome, and a gift to both of them.

I agree, your mom would be better served by a smaller doodle. Ours is now 34#'s. I would not want a larger one. We are in our late 50's, and he has added so much to our lives in 5 months. I walk more, we want to go more places just to take him along, and even meet more people because everyone wants to know about him. I would hate to have a home without him now.

I say a strong yes to a smaller pup, but I do think it would be harder to find a rescue mini-doodle. If she is in good health, I would think she can hang with training a puppy. Sounds like there are a lot of us around your moms age with puppies here on DK. Another thing, I may be wrong, but it seems from what I read on here, the smaller pups require less exercise. Yogi loves to run and play, but if we are occupied, he just settles and calmly lays near us.

Good luck. Just think, you would have a new brother or sister. ( my DD always calls mine her baby brother)

[jenn D]

Thanks everyone! You are all so wonderful to offer support. I might see if she wants to have pickles spend some time with her just to see what she thinks. Kind of like a Grammie play date. What do you think?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think that's a wonderful idea!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Sounds like a great idea.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sounds like a super idea! Keep us posted!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Great idea!  I am going to be 62, live alone and can't wait to have another dog!  And I must say that I didn't realize that so many DK'rs were my contemporaries!  I am usually the oldest one!  My mom is 83 and would love another dog, as well, but she lives in an apartment and doesn't want to worry about walking a dog in bad weather (meaning snow and ice, which would be dangerous).  I think a trial visit would be great.  And I also agree about your mom getting an older dog, not a young puppy.  That's the direction I think I will take when I am ready!  Good luck!

[Diana Erhart]

My parents were 76 last year when they got their puppy. We tried to get a rescue dog for them but no rescue was interested in letting them adopt. We made the agreement beforehand that I would take any dog they adopted if for any reason they were no longer able to care for it. They ended up getting a puppy (a Maltese, for specific reasons but too long a story for here). I was very nervous that this was the right thing for them to do, especially getting a puppy, but it turned out to be the best thing for them. My father was very inactive before getting the dog but once they got the puppy he moved more than I had seen in years. And they are both very entertained by the puppy and his antics. My mother is very hard of hearing and the dog has learned to alert her to noises (like the alarm clock, someone at the door, etc.) They love that little dog and I tease them that they treat it better than they ever treated my brother and I! The dog has given them new purpose in life. Think through what kind of dog would be best for her situation but I believe that dogs are very intuitive and know what their "parents" need. Also as a side note, if she does get a dog and gets pet insurance, talk to the insurer about continuing the coverage if you need to take over the dog's care. PetPlan gave me instructions on how to set up the insurance so I can continue the coverage in case I need to take over the dog's care.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Great ideas, Diana!

[Brittney & Cally]

I am hoping Kate singleton posts on this. I saw her post a message for a small poodle looking for a home and told her to post here just in case!