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Originally Posted by babbsiam44  Ok, shoot me for saying this but my Grandmother at the age of 80 was the most alert and fit person(one of her age) that I ever knew. She cooked and cleaned daily for two other people that were somewhat younger than her.
If she would have wanted a puppy to love at her age I would have never denied her wishes. Of course I would have been there for her...in case. Love knows age limit and she probably loved this little one very much. |
I don't think that the issue is whether or not an 80 year old should have a dog .... it was should an 80 year old be given a puppy. Odds are, if someone that age gets a puppy, the dog will outlive them and then what happens to the dog? Other things besides death can happen as well -- a small stroke, a broken hip, dementia sets in, etc. Even if there are prior arrangements made as to who will take the dog if the elderly person passes, it can be really difficult for the dog.
The SPCA has a program that addresses this issue -- "seniors for seniors." If a senior citizen will take a dog that is at least 7 years old, the adoption fee is reduced to $15. The older dogs are calmer and more settled, and the senior gets the positive health benefits from having a pet, it's a win-win.