You know, I get comments everywhere I go riding around with my 4 dogs. They are a license for friendly dog people to come up and talk to me. And I like that.
I remember an older gentleman in my neighborhood always riding around in his car with his golden retriever. One day I saw him without his dog and I asked about his dog- of course she had died. He lives alone, probably in his mid 70s and just did not feel like he should get another dog at his age. WHAT? I told him he does not have to get a puppy. He can get an older dog- good manners- from the golden retriever rescue. At least I had planted the seed. He did not know about rescue organizations.
Then very soon I saw him pass me in his car, all smiles, with a new golden retriever that was about 2 years old I am guessing. I see them a lot riding around together, each others companion. Even if someone dies (we can all go any time), you give a dog a loving place- and another chance at life. You extend their life. And they give us great companionship....often the elderly need it most.
So recently I was at a rest stop with my 4 children and an elderly couple walked up to me and said "we are admiring your dogs". They had just lost their dog of 12 years and were still very sad about it. I told them all of mine are rescues and plenty out there need a home. They said they were too old to get another dog- would not be fair to the dog. (This couple was probably in their 80s but very active/spry).
I told them they could adopt an older dog, one to keep them company. I even notice of late how my mom is extra tender to my old dog Maisy (16) because she understands aging- less energy, more aches and pains, but still want love, laughs and to be held. I could tell the couple was thinking about adoption as they walked away so I hope they go and find an older dog. Senior dogs are great and it is easy to find good, well trained one.
So never let anyone think they are too old, for anything. Much less love.
Karla
I remember an older gentleman in my neighborhood always riding around in his car with his golden retriever. One day I saw him without his dog and I asked about his dog- of course she had died. He lives alone, probably in his mid 70s and just did not feel like he should get another dog at his age. WHAT? I told him he does not have to get a puppy. He can get an older dog- good manners- from the golden retriever rescue. At least I had planted the seed. He did not know about rescue organizations.
Then very soon I saw him pass me in his car, all smiles, with a new golden retriever that was about 2 years old I am guessing. I see them a lot riding around together, each others companion. Even if someone dies (we can all go any time), you give a dog a loving place- and another chance at life. You extend their life. And they give us great companionship....often the elderly need it most.
So recently I was at a rest stop with my 4 children and an elderly couple walked up to me and said "we are admiring your dogs". They had just lost their dog of 12 years and were still very sad about it. I told them all of mine are rescues and plenty out there need a home. They said they were too old to get another dog- would not be fair to the dog. (This couple was probably in their 80s but very active/spry).
I told them they could adopt an older dog, one to keep them company. I even notice of late how my mom is extra tender to my old dog Maisy (16) because she understands aging- less energy, more aches and pains, but still want love, laughs and to be held. I could tell the couple was thinking about adoption as they walked away so I hope they go and find an older dog. Senior dogs are great and it is easy to find good, well trained one.
So never let anyone think they are too old, for anything. Much less love.
Karla
