Are Elderly People Good Pet Owners?

I remember when my grandparents decided it would not be wise to have any more pet dogs.  My grandfather had dogs as far back as I can remember, but when Penny, the last dog they owned, passed away, they figured that they wouldn't be around long enough to get another dog.

That's a sobering thought, but as the years go by, and I get older myself, I understand the importance of this kind of thinking.

Not long ago there was a Senior dog available at our animal shelter, in fact this happens quite frequently, and a Senior adopted the dog, the two will be great companions as they share good times in the later years of life.

As for my grandfather, little did he know that he was going to live many, many more years, until he was 97.

But this is a decision that every pet lover and owner will have to face one day, and we have an article that may help you a bit as you consider this question for yourself, or someone you love....click here for the article.

There is a great need for adopting senior dogs, maybe this is something you feel drawn to do, no matter what age you are. I am back to update this post with a great article on the subject, "Adopting an Older Dog". 

Updated 2/27/17

Should We Get Another Yorkie?

Is it okay to get another dog when you have had a dog for as many years as I've lived with my family?  And for some of you, is it a good idea to bring a pet into the home at all?

My owner was looking at the animals that are in our local animal shelter, which she has "liked" on Facebook, and found that they have a little young Yorkie that needs a home.  We are such cute dogs, that we tend to get adopted easily, and she was tempted to consider adopting another dog, so she asked a few questions.

I'm not sure what it would be like to have another dog come into our home after being the "top dog" around here for almost 13 years.  It may be fun, it may not.  It is a nice thing to do for a homeless dog, but people have to take time to think about how they are going to add this new family member to their homes.  Some things to consider:

1. How does the dog you have act around other dogs or when other dogs are brought into the home to visit? Try it if you haven't.


2. Are you going to be home to help the new dog transition into the home, watching to see how the dogs respond to one another and react accordingly?


3. What kind of personality does the dog have that you are bringing into the home, and how well will it match with the dog that you already have?


4. What kind of background did the dog have...in it's previous home were there children or other pets?


5. How was the dog treated in it's former home?  Was it abused?


6. Has it had all of it's shots and what is it's health history?


7. How much time do you have to give to a dog?  They need companionship from you or another pet if you work all day.


8. What size dog would best suit where you are living?


9. Do you have time to train a dog?

All of the above applies to other types of animals as well.

Take your time when you are considering bringing a pet into your home.  Yes, do adopt a dog from a shelter if you can, but be wise in your decision...it would be very sad to have to return it to the shelter if things don't work out.

Consider all of the above when purchasing a dog as well, or the poor thing may end up in a shelter if you are not satisfied.  Pets should be considered part of the family, they should not be dispensable...please, please, please be careful when you are considering bringing a new pet into the home.  At the same time, do consider adopting one from a shelter if your home and lifestyle permit it...there are so many pets that need good LOVING homes.

Do You Need Dog Health Questions Answered?

You don't have to look at the categories and pages along the right for very long to realize that we like providing answers to dog health questions.

But we aren't the only blog that likes to help answer your questions about dogs.  We have a friend who keeps another blog called "Ask About Dogs" that you're going to want to take a look at.

The site provides you with dog health and dog care advice of all kinds.

Why I Love Aspen

I'm writing as myself today...not for Aspen...but about her.  She has been such a wonderful companion for over 11 years now, and is beginning to show her age.  She recently seems to have difficulty seeing, and other signs that remind me that I need to give her extra loving for all that she has given to me.

She isn't as lively as she used to be, because it is hard for her to see...I just took her out for a walk, and not that far ahead of us was a cat...usually she would have gone crazy with barking and excitement, it took her a while to even notice the cat.

She sleeps more, and is always happy to have a belly rub, a back massage, and her treats, they are a special delight...something my husband gives her each night after we have dinner.

Here are just a few of the pleasures Aspen gives us:

Unconditional love, and devotion.

All that loving is healthy for you, yes, petting your dog, having their companionship, can help calm you...stroking their fur is good for them and good for you...Aspen loves to snuggle and loves her tummy rubs.

Aspen is great company when no one else is around...of course she likes all of us to be there...we are her "pack" after all.

Aspen listens to everything we say, as if she understands...and I think she does understand...a lot more than we may give her credit for. When everyone is out during the day, she is always there with a listening ear.

Aspen gets me outdoors to walk on days when I may want to just stay inside. I love walking, but some days just don't feel like making the effort, her companionship makes it more enjoyable. We both get some exercise when we walk.

Aspen makes me feel safe when my husband has to travel, which is rare, but happens occasionally. She will bark if she hears ANYTHING, and this brings a sense of security...no barking, all is well.

I guess I'm feeling a little sentimental today, realizing that she's an older girl now, and more delicate than she used to be. Just hope I can give her all she deserves for the joy that she has given us over the years since that March day when I watched her birth.

Love your dogs, treat them like part of the family, that's what they are.