Should Seniors Get New Pets?

[IrishEyes]

I lost my dog April of 2024. I won’t get another, and I won’t get other cats when my two are gone, mainly because I have no one who would take them if something happened to me and I wouldn’t want them to have to go back to a shelter. Also, it completely broke me when I lost my dog. I still cry for her every day. I’m not strong enough to deal with that again.

Same for me, my one 9 year old dog left with me would not be as hard to re-home as the one I just lost. If I were younger I would
gladly get another but not at this stage in my life.
I admit I was very worried Oscar was going to out live me and with him having
Rage Syndrome - no one was going to want him. I am glad he passed in my arms.

 

[Fritz]

@Della my father was debating on this very thing. He's in his 80s but in very poor health. He gave his 2 cats to the shelter because when he broke his hip he spent 3 months in a nursing home and his friend wasn't happy about having to take care of them cuz she worked and had to drive in each day from where she lived to do so.

He got home and wanted another cat but he wasn't sure he could take care of one anymore. I think if you're healthy enough to take care of them I see no reason why a person shouldn't get another pet. But if you're not able to care for them properly I think it should be well thought out before deciding to get one.

 

[StarSong]

Ozzy-dog is nearly 5 years old. Whether he'll be our last dog is open to question, but for sure one of our kids would adopt a a pup if we became unable to provide care.

Cats are a no-go for us because DH is allergic, but even if he weren't I wouldn't get one at this stage of life because they tend to get underfoot.

When investigating and touring assisted living facilities in 2013 (Mom) and 2018 (FIL), all mentioned permitting small pets in residents' rooms.