By Sam Mazzota
King Syndicate
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My mom, who’s in her late 70s, told me that she wants a puppy. Her independent living community allows pets, but I think that she is a little too old to train and care for a new dog. How do I convince her to give up the idea? — Janine in Ocala, Florida
DEAR JANINE: I put this question to my friend, R.A. Morean, author of Your Last Puppy: A Practical Guide for Seniors and Their Families. Her reply:
I get this question a lot. And after interviewing nearly a hundred parents and their adult children, I am sorry to say your mother makes a good case.
There is clear, empirical evidence that having a dog or puppy actively promotes physical, mental, and cognitive health, especially for those 60 and older. There is no doubt having a puppy or dog will promote longevity and quality of life.
Lean into the idea and then explore the question together. Your challenges when speaking to your mother should include a discussion of a succession plan, and clear-eyed responses to a set of questions ranging from “What is my energy level?” and “Do I have mobility issues?” to “Is there a trainer close by?”
Make your list and sit down with her and discuss. It will soon become clear to both of you if a puppy will be too much work. Then you can move on to the step: if not a puppy, then an older dog. There are many places to find older, well-trained dogs.
In the last 15 years of my mother’s life, she adopted an older dog. And when Lettice passed, she adopted again. If your mother’s community also offers assisted living, I would approach them now, because 75% of assisted living communities allow dogs. Some facilities are “pet friendly,” which means they allow pets. Others are “pet inclusive,” which means they monitor food, schedule veterinarians and groomers to visit on-site, and staff are trained to keep an eye out for both residents and their pets.
Good luck! The important thing is that you are listening to your mother.
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