@cmdw2600 After excellent health my entire life and being active (hiking, swimming, agility with my dog; recently - with Silver Sneakers - going to my Y 3/x wk), last January (age 71) I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A year later I’m done with surgery and treatment and planning to live my best life!
My comment is about owning a dog/s. We have 2, just regular spoiled little guys (10 lbs and 20 lbs, both rescues; ages 13 and 5), and I cannot imagine life without them. They add immeasurable joy to my life! They are a responsibility but that’s also good for me, they really set our schedule and give me something to do. But not overwhelming - feed 2X/day, let out periodically, pet often! And there are dogs that are couch potatoes and are happy to just sit next to you all day. We travel often, and after some searching we now have 2 wonderful reliable sitters - our dogs LOVE going to their vacay place, having pets does not limit our getting out and about.
I could go on but this gets the idea across.
It is important to have someone who is willing to take your pup, if he/she outlives you. Or if just adding a pet, adopting an older pet is so uplifting - he/she may not be with you as long, but the love and companionship you receive is daily and boundless.
I plan to never be without a dog, luckily have family members who would take any pet if we aren't here for them.
Ha, ha, yes, I am a diehard dog lover, I say often ‘there is nothing like a dog’.