dog talk

[Guest guest]

Fly here!

I know many of you love pets, but we have to realize that some of us

don't. (Personally, I can't imagine being without my critters!)

This week, Ross sheds some light on those of us who would not be

good pet owners as well as the age of a pet for those who are older or

not able to get around.

It's a sensable article.

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Features - Dog Talk - April 2, 2000

Seniors should ponder pros, cons of pet ownership

By Ross

FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Dear Dog Talk: I have read numerous times from the so-called experts

that the elderly should get a dog; it will help us to live longer. I

have two sisters who just love their dogs, but I am not an animal lover.

I do love children, though. In fact, the only good things about getting

old are grandchildren.

After reading some of your columns, there is no way that a dog would

help me to live longer. It would probably put me into an early grave! We

always had a dog and a cat when I was growing up. Dogs I can tolerate,

but I can't stand cats.

Dear Senior: I can't help you with your aversion to cats, but your

letter brings up some interesting points. While you didn't ask a

specific question, your thoughts about dog ownership are certainly

valid. I think that many of the so-called dog experts have a tendency to

make blanket statements about dog ownership and training. Their

statements are based on half-baked concepts that on the surface sound

good but in reality are often ridiculous.

In my 25-plus years as a trainer and obedience instructor, I've found

that there are several good and not-so-good aspects of senior citizens

owning dogs. First, if an individual is not an " animal person, " then the

whole idea of getting a dog becomes a moot point. Neither dog nor owner

will be happy. But for the individual who has affinity for animals, the

unconditional love and companionship that a dog can provide is truly a

gift. That's particularly true if the person is not fortunate enough to

have grandchildren (or other relatives) or lives a long distance from

them.

My dogs and I have had many opportunities to visit elderly residents in

nursing homes. I know from these experiences that seniors who have been

lifetime dog lovers are delighted just to run their fingers through a

dog's coat. Also, I've read of scientific studies showing that simply

petting a dog lowers a person's blood pressure.

Realistically speaking, however, raising a puppy requires a tremendous

amount of work and energy. Too many people of all ages have a distorted

image of their own capabilities. I especially have found this to be the

case with seniors acquiring dogs. You would not believe how many times

folks in their 70s have shown up in my training classes with wild,

6-month-old dogs that weight 80 pounds or more. Despite their good

intentions, seniors often do not have the physical strength and stamina

to handle a dog this big.

I had a private client a few years ago who was in her early 80s. She

bought a very energetic German shorthaired pointer puppy. This dog was a

ball of fire that was bred to hunt birds six hours a day. By the age of

6 months, this puppy was completely out of control. When I asked her,

" Why did you get a German shorthair? " her response was, " Because I've

always had them. " Well, I've had bird dogs most of my life, too, but

when I'm 70, I'm getting a miniature poodle.

Although finding the right dog may not be easy, adopting a small older

dog is often a good idea for senior dog lovers. Animal shelters,

breeders and breed rescue organizations are good sources for finding an

appropriate pet.

I think it is important for older dog owners to consider what will

happen to their dog if it outlives them or lives beyond their ability to

provide basic care. Are there adult children or other family members who

will adopt the dog? Perhaps a neighbor who has gotten to know the dog

over the years will take it in. Maybe a local no-kill shelter would

accept and place the dog if needed. And a quality breeder will always

take back one of his or her dogs in an emergency.

For what it's worth, people of any age can lose their ability to care

for their dog. Illness or tragedy can strike anyone. For this reason,

the care of one's pets should be discussed with relatives and even be

stated in a will or other formal document.

Thanks for reading my column and taking the time to write, even though

you are not a dog lover. I wish you many years of happiness with your

grandchildren.

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You can mail your questions to Ross at P.O. Box 2802, Nantucket, MA

02584 or e-mail at dogtalk@...

Fly