lol I hear ya. I don't fear the crazy old (dog/cat) lady moniker...especially for reasons inaccuracy about my furry live-in children. lol I studied journalism. I deleted most of my original post...but basically, since YT is pretty accessible over the internet, has lots of Yorkie stories available, and there are more Yorkie story sources out there, too...and stories can be published anecdotally 'without permission' as long as identifiable information is removed, I was left wondering why AP would post on YT for "inches" to publish. "Baby Boomers" are a hot topic lately if our paper can be believed, so maybe it's just a search for a new "slant" on an "old" (pun not exactly intended, but what the heck!) subject...or maybe if its because they've suddenly run out of actual news. lol

What happens on YorkieTalk, stays on YorkieTalk! Besides, it was salty feet! :D

I'm in the news business too. When I saw his ap.org email address and his phone number, I felt comfortable contacting him. I Googled him too.

I don't know exactly what he has in mind for the story, but I've given thought to owning dogs as I age so maybe I can offer some insight. Things like owning a breed more suited to my lifestyle. I'm not as active as I used to be, so I don't know if I could do justice to a dog that needs miles and miles of vigorous walks every day.

Also, I think it's important at any age to have a plan to will your dog to someone you (and the dog) know and trust.

And when I bought Jillie, I was thinking she likely will be the last pup I ever own. I'll always keep my health and my life expectancy in mind when I get a new dog. The older I get, I'll likely limit myself to older rescues -- something I'll outlive, but barely ...

Then again, he may have something entirely different in mind. I'll let you know if he contacts me.

Yes we had a good thread on that - ageing - providing for your dogs in advent of accident or illness. I think we should create a sticky on it.

There are no perfect or right answers, but I think it is important to plan. I know that if hubby and I die who will get my dogs and my cat. And so do the peeps who have agreed to care for them.

Paris was in my will also.

Okay, that makes sense and it sounds like an interesting article.

Bwaak...bwaak...lol Not really...kidding only! :p

I do not distrust Michael Hill...the journalist...nor do I believe he is an imposter. Besides the fact that author's are not always able to get the details 'correct' (or there would never be any retractions...lol), the author is not always the last person to touch a story. :rolleyes::p

A great quote. 'There is one born every minute':D

another 'Better to be safe than sorry.

I don't believe his hog wash for a minute. :p

I just spoke with him and he seemed on the up and up, he was interested in stuff like do you worry about aging and not being able to take care of your pet. Big dog versus small dog, spending on dogs, asked about what I fed my dog, I think he was trying to see if I was over the top with organic and special diets. Since boomers are older he was asking allot about how much I spend on my dog and what type of things to I buy, and do I feel guilty about spending so much. I told him while I do spend a lot I also mentor a 12 year old girl, and donate time and money to various charities (many of them pet related) and organize a couple of fundraisers a year, and in the near future plan on doing nursing home visits with Lola. So depending on what angle he is going for if he uses my interview, I could wind up looking like an eccentric selfish woman that is focused on spending money on her little dog, or someone that does that as well as incorporates her love of dogs into charitable ventures as well. I let him look at my Facebook page since it has lots of photos of Lola. One thing I found out at the end that I was not keen on, is the AP likes to use your first and last name in news articles to prove they interviewed a real person. Oh well that was my experience.

I just spoke with him, too. He asked for my social security number and credit cards, mother's maiden name ... Is that weird?

KIDDING!

I was very impressed with him. He had some good, thoughtful questions and obviously put some time into researching the subject before conducting the interviews.

One of the reasons he decided to write the story is the pet industry is starting to get concerned about aging baby boomers. It's documented that we love pets and spend a lot of money on our pets. What happens when we hit our senior years? Are we still going to own pets? Are we still going to spend money on our pets?

I think my comments will reassure the pet industry for at least the short-term. ;) I plan on owning dogs as long as I can. I likely won't be getting pups when I'm 70, but I'll own rescues as long as I can take care of them and afford them.

Given the opportunity, I thought it was important to share my opinions. Maybe there are boomers out there who are thinking they won't get any more pets. Or maybe my thoughts will get somebody thinking about what they're going to do with their pets when they can no longer care for them.

We'll see how it comes out and if he uses any of it. He said he'd give me a head's up when he's done.

(And thanks for the head's up, Donna, on the questions he was asking. I like to be prepared!)

Got an email from the AP reporter today. Article's done and on the wire. I find it interesting. He sure found some fascinating people to interview. :p

Boomers? love of pets could change as both age | The Salt Lake Tribune

I don't think this would make an interesting story. Many retired people have pets, including Yorkies. No news there.

@ Michael Hill. Why don`t you just ask your questions on here . You will get more answers. I am a babyboomer and I will have a new pup in about a month. And then later, maybe another.

It is an interesting article. And, you're right he found some fascinating people to interview, don't know about that Mike Lewis guy, he sure sounds like a loon :D:p Seriously though Mike, I agree with your thoughts are owning dogs and aging. I'll always have a dog, but as I age, the dog (s) I get will be older too.

I don't think the pet industry has much to worry about. We boomers may be aging but we also didn't have near as many children as our parents, so we have less heirs to finance.;):cool:

hahahaha this thread just sent me to laughing

I agree with the last half of your appraisal. ;) I think you're wrong on that Mike Lewis guy. I found him fascinating. Wanted to read more about him. Who is he? What makes him tick? :p

But, yeah, the retired folks I know spoil their dogs worse than me. There's an elderly woman in my office who routinely rescues dogs who need lots of help. She spends a fortune on them she can't afford, but she wouldn't have it any other way. They give her more than money in return.

Article kind of petered out on the second page...

On the first page, I found it a little confusing when it talks about baby boomers that are empty nesters :confused: Aren't most baby boomers grand parents by now? I thought I (Gen Xer) was an empty nester as my kids are currently away at college. As I left my parent's nest many, many years ago, it seems more than a little strange to refer to people my parents age as such.

OMG!!! Thank you for THIS information!! I am essentially computer illiterate and as such, I dont do much of anything on a computer because I am so afraid of a murderer or a Yorkie thief will get all my information and show up on my door step!!!! Wont be doing this....besides, enough people think I am crazy about these dogs and all the "stupid" things I do for them....only other Yorkie owners can appreciate what we do with our babies....dont need the AP making us out like fools obscessed with Yorkies.....