topic Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior in Pet Lovers

Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

chiclet — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:35:18 GMT

I am almost 70 and lost my Pomeranian in August and I miss him every day. I just cannot get over the pain. I want to get another younger one to keep me busy but he may wind up in a shelter if I die before him. I know people say adopt an older shelter dog but I have researched every place online and it is almost all big dogs. My husband and I only have each other and our pets are our world even more so during Covid. I see seniors out walking their dogs and I know that without that dog they would probably never walk or even get out of bed. It is sad that the time in your life you have the time and attention and need for a dog you have to worry about the fact that you dont have the longevity.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

goldensrbest — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:40:21 GMT

Oh my dear, no it is not selfish, it is good for them ,and us, if you can walk them, spend time playing,it is all GOOD. I will be 69 in december, last month lost my baby spirit, having a tough time, i have a little red golden ,she is 9, i am wanting a pup in the spring.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

PINKdogWOOD — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:41:37 GMT

Heck NO it's not selfish at any age to have a dog!!! @chiclet You and your husband have so much more love to share not only with each other but so many doggies small, medium and large who need loving good homes.

Don't sell yourselves short, enojy more life & living with another one perfect size for you two and enjoy to the fullest!!!!!!

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Imaoldhippie — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:42:09 GMT

Adopt a senior dog, they dont get chosen much because a lot of people want puppies or younger dogs.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Terrywu — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:48:45 GMT

When my Jake passed 5 years ago. I could not deal with the loss. DH and I were I were in our mid 70s and got a brand new puppy. We live in a condo so we must walk him. We get so much joy from him. I think they help to keep us young. I say go for it. Good luck!!

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

catter70 — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:55:31 GMT

I say go for it. None us know when our time will be up. You need to have a little happy in your life.I'm a cat person and I don't know what I'd do without them.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

kaydee50 — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:56:42 GMT

I wouldn't worry too much about the "what ifs." If you enjoy having a dog and it makes you happy, go for it. You may outlive the dog!

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

patbz — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:58:50 GMT

I'm 76 and lost one of my two doxies 5 years ago. DH and I had this very discussion at the time. Normally I wait about a year before replacing a lost "child dog" but this time it was almost like something said "do it now" ( my grandson was there when we had to put down our. old,sick dog chilld, whom he especially loved) so we pulled the trigger. We are all so glad we did! Lucy was like a child to our remaining older dog, the grands and our adult son love her and she's meant the world to DH and me. She actually had a severe allergic reaction when she was two ( survived and seems to know our love saved her). We all love her so much! Our dogs add a real dimension to our lives and I think we'll always have two until we can't take care of them. If that ever happens I'll find them a loving home ( my son, if possible). I encourage you to go for it: it's good for everybody involved, including the dog!

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Mellyg — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:02:40 GMT

Pets bring so much joy and happiness to our lives, and it's said pet owners live longer, healthier lives. So there is no way that joy can be selfish!

I have a neighbor who is single and in her 80's, she had a concern about getting a pet. I gave her my word that if there was a time that she couldn't give her fur baby the needs that it had, I would gladly step in. It put her mind at ease and that pup really added some pep to her step!

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

freakygirl — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:13:41 GMT

omg no! and do it soon. just imagine all the love and happiness that's waiting to be given and received.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Shanus — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:37:04 GMT

@chiclet I don't think you're ever too old (or too young) to receive and give love to a dog. If you're worried about outliving your furry friend, appoint someone you trust to take him/her if necessary.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Jasmine19 — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:46:24 GMT

It's only selfish if you don't plan ahead for what happens if you die or become incapacitated. Animals are living longer than ever. Before I adopted a kitten when I was 60, I made sure my son would take him if I couldn't care for him. I adopted a shelter cat a few years ago from a shelter that requests adopters to return an animal rather than give it away or abandon it.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Abrowneyegirl — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:46:51 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@chiclet I don't think you're ever too old (or too young) to receive and give love to a dog. If you're worried about outliving your furry friend, appoint someone you trust to take him/her if necessary.

This. We can pass at any age. We have provisions in our will to provide financially for our dogs if they were to outlive us. We understand that pet care is expensive so we want to be sure that they are well taken care of.

Don't get a puppy. Reach out to rescues in your area that can help find a dog to meet your lifestyle and energy.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

hopi — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:56:56 GMT

Not selfish at all.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

goldensrbest — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:58:52 GMT

I can walk 4 miles if i want, i think your health is important, both physical,and mental, they bring so much to our lives,and we to their lives.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

JYWilliams — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:00:29 GMT

Not at all.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

Mombo1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:01:53 GMT

@chiclet wrote:
I am almost 70 and lost my Pomeranian in August and I miss him every day. I just cannot get over the pain. I want to get another younger one to keep me busy but he may wind up in a shelter if I die before him. I know people say adopt an older shelter dog but I have researched every place online and it is almost all big dogs. My husband and I only have each other and our pets are our world even more so during Covid. I see seniors out walking their dogs and I know that without that dog they would probably never walk or even get out of bed. It is sad that the time in your life you have the time and attention and need for a dog you have to worry about the fact that you dont have the longevity.

@chiclet To me...companionship is priceless. It doesn't matter how old you are.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

SXMGirl — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:15:53 GMT

@chiclet Seniors benefit in many ways from having a dog as it gets you out of the house, you get plenty of exercise, and you get to meet and talk to people on your walks. It is just a good way to stay active and alert.

I am a believer that seniors should go to the shelter and adopt a senior dog (or two). You improve your health and save a life, leaving space for another dog at the shelter. To me, it is a win-win.

Most shelters will help you find the dog that will fit your lifestyle and activity level.

Get your dog and enjoy. You are never too old, but have a plan in place for the dog's care, just in case.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

mizree — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:20:04 GMT

@chiclet my dear mom used to say only the good Lord knows when our time is up. I believe only a dog will heal your heart. I preview the humane society pets from time to time and see pets of all sizes that have outlived their owners. Know that any time you devote to a pet will be time well spent for the pet and enrich lives for you and your DH. Let us know when you've met your furever friend. Best to you.

Re: Is it selfish to get a dog when you are a senior

PamfromCT — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:49:31 GMT

No, it is not. When our kitty Lily died, our hearts were broken.

After a while, we asked both our adult children if they would take in a kitty if we could not care for it. Both families love animals and did not hesitate to commit. So we adopted our little Winston, who has brought us so much happiness in our old age. He is a beauty, seems to be mostly Maine Coon, as Lily was. He is affectionate, outgoing, and keeps us laughing.