What do you think of having a cat or a dog during retirement. Are they a help or a hindrance?

[George1959]

A lot of senior cats and dogs at the shelters are looking for someone to give them a cosy home and, most of all, love. But my wife and me, though still in our early 60s, would never buy a baby cat or a puppy from a breeder. They might live 15 to 20 years. My cousin bought a puppy (German Shepard) at the age of 73. This is not only ultimate stupidity but a crime against this dog too.

Let me clarify that I only refer to my cousin with the last sentence, since I know the circumstances. If someone of you seniors at age 70 or 80 has young dogs or cats I don't criticize it, although I wouldn't do it myself.