It can work with help from able bodied helpers and family.
As a low income, disabled person, with my husband (carer)working part time, we saved, we went without a dog for a time and keep a bank account for our dogs needs. We know Caleb is going to one day need surgery on his knee, we have that money put aside already and add to it in case anything else happens to either dog. Both dogs go to the vets every few months. Pip's been rushed in over night for emergency care and we had no problems paying, as we'd saved up. This meant we don't buy much at Christmas, we go without, we don't have holidays, we planned for the dogs and had a family meeting, and all those living at home agreed/volunteered, on pitching in if needed with all aspects of dog care. (it has not been needed)
We know there are vet paying schemes in our area we could join, but won't unless we could not pay, but we've read up and know were to go, should it happen.
Our dogs get cooked chicken every day, and a good quality dry food due to food allergies. They have numerous beds, homemade -pillows, homemade-dog t-shirts, Dog towels/ tops. Numerous homemade collars/leads. (homemade to save money, old t-shirts and tops make great material for dogs items. Even an old coat is going to make a new coat for the dogs) Brushes, they are groomed at home their grooming kit was a Christmas present, added clips heads were birthday/Christmas presents over time.

I know rich people who's dogs have less and see the vet less often.

My mobility scooter has been altered so it has a barrier running along one side (length), so I can walk the dogs without them accidentally getting their feet under the wheels. They've been trained to walk beside the scooter. I've made clips that attach to various areas of the scooter for their safety. Husband made a box that's attached between my feet, that they can sit it, and be clipped in. Caleb mostly sits, while Pip walks and sometimes loves a run beside the scooter. It's unusual but works.

A 90 year old in a care home, could have a dog, with support. Without that support, the dogs care/needs might suffer. An elderly dog might be perfect for the situation, but most dogs need mental stimulation as well as a walk.
ie we bought a second hand treadmill for days I can't get out, for the dogs. I train them to do new tricks and do kongs, dog games, mind games to do with working out how to get or find treats in various situations. I'd imagine a dog in a home would meet lots of new people but apart from that it could be very boring for the dog.

In some areas prisons work with rescue dogs. Having prisoners train and prepare the dogs for a new home. It's a pity rescues can't work with old peoples homes, with the older dogs, that just want a warm lap, in a similar way.

That's rather touching. I kind of want to save that idea as a just in case kind of scenario. (the whole thing with the scooter)

The putting a bank account made for them, sounds pretty good too. I personally want to do that now. lol

The doggy treadmill? They make those? Sounds like a good idea- depending on it's safety(I.e. will the dog get stuck or flung around the room) It would be a good idea for when it snows really bad or it's raining and can't take them out for a walk.

We have this area made for our dog to do her business in the front "porch"(not really a porch, but it's this little area next to the steps of my house it's about 10-15 feet long x 3-5ft wide(im not too sure it just looks rather medium sized for a dog) it's like our little dog run except we're there with her on her leash and it's so when she needs to do her business and it's been snowing hard(it snows badly over here on occasions) or when its pouring rain or a lightning storm...



Yeah for a 90 year old it would definitely not be a 1-person thing but then again my grandma was in pretty good health when she was 90. She's not with us anymore, but she could had taken care of cats pretty well. Would probably need to put little socks on the cats for the claws (when she picks it up) but other than that it would be fine. She was rather tough.

I think it would be a great idea to have rescues bring calm, lap dogs or low energy dogs come over to the retirement center and supervise their play/interaction. Would think it would do both the animal and the person good. Would be better if the dogs were seniors as well because they would be low energy as well(well compared to a pup or regular younger dog).

Low income people and dogs
 

Unfortunately bad things do happen to good people In this day and age people get ripped off there are people that get scammed out of their life savings by conartists. I know decent hard working people that retired and just before their Medicare kicked in were diagnosed with cancer resulting in losing there home and every thing .what if they owned a Yorkie before the disaster hit what are they supposed to do . sometimes the "System" doesn't work For honest hard working people .I unfortunately live in Kansas where if your an older person it's impossible to recover. Because there are no resources , agencies that are supposed to protect you they cut the budget on.All The supposed charitable agencies I've seen are out of money. Not helping anyone. If you really look at all of them you'll see that no one is really helping any one unless your homeless / 100% disabled.

For people like you describe, it's tragic...it truly is. I hope people like that keep reaching out for help/assistance.

that's sad

Didn't Paris Hilton once forget about her dog and it died because it wasn't fed?

In regard to ESAs. My Loki is an ESA. There are only two places I can't Yorkie. To restaurants without an outdoor eating area that allows dogs and to the supermarkerket. Otherwise he has gone everywhere with me - this includes the hospital. The second and third day I had him, he went to two restaurants (he was 8 weeks old) and he was better behaved than some of the children there.

I found that the best way to socialize him is to bring him with me. It is also the best way to train him to behave. If it is somewhere that I won't be able to take him out for awhile, I use a belly band if he has to pee. As he only defecates after he eats, I can control that if we are going out. I also make sure that I have several toys and snacks for him. I also bring Nutrical, just in case. And fresh pads for his belly bands. For me, this is no different than preparing to go somewhere with an infant.

He is now 10 months old and loves going places and meeting new people.