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.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for sharing.....enjoyed this article.

[jenn D]

Very timely. Thanks.