Should Your Parent Adopt a Dog?
If your parent is living alone, you might be worried about him feeling lonely without anyone else in the house. As his caregiver, you can provide lots of visits, help with all the chores and even hire a home care provider to help prepare meals and clean the house. But your parent is still alone each evening, watching TV or reading a book. Perhaps it’s time for some companionship.
October is national adopt a dog month. The Humane Society has celebrated National Adopt a Dog month to encourage people seeking out pet ownership to look to the shelters to adopt their next pet and provide another lonely creature with a place to live and call home. There are 3-4 million animals in shelters every year hoping and dreaming of finding a home to call their own.
And while adopting a dog is a kind and noble gesture, is it the right one for your elderly parent? Is your parent willing/able to care for whichever dog he is smitten with at the shelter and brings home for a new life? While there are many things you should consider before having your parent take the plunge into pet ownership, here are just a few.
Is he financially able to own a dog?
Home Care Rockford, MI: Seniors and Dogs
Of course, there is always the upfront cost of purchasing a dog. Even a dog rescued from a shelter can easily cost several hundred dollars to bring home, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Your parent will need to be able to provide his new dog with everyday care items, food, and veterinary care. Like humans, dogs can get seriously sick at any time. They can develop diabetes or be stricken with cancer. Your parent should at least consider what he will do if these things happen
Is he physically able to own a dog?
Dogs require walks and exercise. Not all dogs are the same. Some don’t mind laying on the couch all day long, but others need consistent exercise. Does your parent has a fenced-in yard or can he take the dog out for daily walks? One option, especially if it’s a lower-energy dog, is to have a home care provider help with dog walking and clean-up. Because let’s not forget, each time Fido goes outside, he’ll need to take care of business and that can mean lots of bending and stooping to keep the yard cleaned up.
Is he emotionally able to own a dog?
Again, like people, dogs come in all temperaments. Will your parent be patient enough to handle a dog that occasionally pees on the carpet? Can he provide the snuggles and attention most dogs need to feel loved and safe? They might seem like small things but it’s important for you and your parent to be realistic if getting a dog matches your parent’s emotional output ability. A home care provider can help with the daily tasks of dog ownership, but only your parent can provide the round-the-clock love a rescued dog may need.
If you or someone you know needs help with Home Care in Rockford, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/adopt-a-dog-month/
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