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I know it's a progression but sometimes,
Caregivers | Last Active: Nov 8, 2023 | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
Been thinking of getting a puppy but am afraid I would just be adding more work for me but I think of those long walks. My husband can’t walk very far and is always looking for me when I am not at arms length. I am able to talk to one of my sons who understands his father’s situation. Do you have anyone you can talk to?
Replies to "Been thinking of getting a puppy but am afraid I would just be adding more work..."
Hi @wmehan, one of my friends just got a puppy for her loneliness, after her two old dogs died, and now all she does is complain about how much work the puppy is. She's in her late 70s and on her own, not a caregiver to anyone but herself and the puppy.
My husband, with his Alzheimer's, is very attached to a neighborhood/stray dog. We walk to feed her and pet her most days. She's taken a real shine to my husband, but won't leave her safe place under a dilapidated house. I've been feeding her for about six years now. She has trust issues.
At this stage, I can leave my husband for a few hours. He gets anxious if he can't find me when I'm home.
If your heart is set on a dog, a mature (healthy) dog would be less demanding than a puppy, or maybe you could sign up for dog walking with your local shelter, or volunteer to walk a neighbor's dog if you can get away for a walk.
Would a scooter, walker or wheelchair benefit your husband? Maybe then he could join you.
Good luck!
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Wmehan, a puppy is a LOT of work and takes a lot of your energy, however, there are many older dogs in the local animal shelter that could use a nice, quiet home. and they are housebroken and have been trained with basic commands. The people at the animal shelter could point you to a 'perfect' companion with great listening skills 🙂