Dogs and the Elderly Owner

       Dogs are great family pets, we all know that. Children can learn so much about love and loyalty from dogs. They often provide companionship and consolation on those occasions when human friends let your son or daughter down. A walk by the river, or even to the local park is so much more exciting when there's a dog with you, sniffing out trails and treating this every-day activity as if it was the most thrilling thing to happen ever.

       Dogs aren't just for families. It's actually when humans are at their most vulnerable that 'man's best friend' really comes into his or her own. I've known elderly people who live alone, who believe that it's unfair for them to become a pet owner. They fear not being able to give their pet everything it needs, some will voice the fear that the dog might outlive them. The really sad thing about this, is that the very fact that this person is aware of these fears is proof that they'd be a responsible and loving pet owner.I couldn't cope with a puppy.

       Good heavens, no one is suggesting that you should! Find an older dog from a rescue centre. These days they're very well assessed before being re-homed. Tell the home a little about your situation and they'll help you to select a dog with the right temperament, one who'll be as happy to spend most of his time in comfort and be content with a gentle trot out in the morning and evening.

Check out the blue cross for subsidised veterinary care and consider putting a little aside every month towards sensible pets bills. If your dog develops a chronic condition. I'm going to be a little harsh here and say of course you shouldn't allow an animal to suffer pain or distress, but expensive life extending treatments that will leave you struggling to meet your own basic needs isn't part of the deal. If you've given a homeless dog a good quality of life for a few years, you've given it more than it would have had otherwise. Don't bow to emotional or society pressure that suggests otherwise.

Get someone to do it for you. You can arrange dog walking Fulham without too much difficulty or expense. The people who walk your dog will also be able to offer dog sitting if you have to go away for any reason.

Well, yes, it might, and it might not. Nothing in this life comes with guarantees. Whatever happens, both you and your dog will have gained in the meantime. Talk to your family or friends about this, talk to the re-homing centre. Chances are they can offer reassurance on this point.

       If you want a dog, get one. Whatever your age and state of health there is a pet out there somewhere looking for an owner just like you. You gain companionship and security and your pet will gain a home and a companion who appreciates him for who and what he is.