I help my sister take care of my mother who is widowed, 89 years old, and still lives by herself. About 2 1/2 months ago we had to put her toy poodle age 11, to sleep due to inoperable leg joint deterioration. Mother seemed to start slipping from that time. Mother and dad had had a black poodle for 40 years (all named Cheri). About 3 weeks ago my grand-daughters found a white poodle mix in the dog pound that was already house trained and we got the dog for mother. It is a male but he answers to the name Cheri. Mother is more lively than she has been in years. My sister and I believe that just having the dog has pushed back the time when mother would have to be placed in an assisted living facility. A pet is deffinately good theropy.
Keep the faith!
Darrel65
Morning, I also believe the pets are great therapy for the elderly. My parents never had indoor animals when we were growing up. When we moved them to Fla about 4 yrs. ago my sister had an outdoor cat which she let in now and then.My parents bought a travel trailer and was living in ear shot of my sisters trailer. Now she has bought a house on our road and at first mom cuoldn't stand the cat living indoors all the time but we live in a subdivision and the cat has to be in.
Well they have that cat so spoiled it isn't funny. Except they won't let him get on their bed.It gives them something to care for, and watch over and worry where he is and etc all day. They are both 84 in Aug.
Sorry this was so long but wanted to explain evern though they never had a pet adn they say they don't need anything they really do.
Good luck selling your pups when they arrive.
I am so jealous - I've always wanted a Yorkie but never had one. Shortly after Alice moved in here we adopted a large (80 lbs) long haired Sheperd. You would have thought Alice had a child. She used to "dust" him with her tissues (she didn't have the strength to brush him). We had to keep a container of treats beside her favorite chair. They definately formed a tight bond. When the grandkids came over Bhudda would hide behind Alice while she played cop and made sure the kids kept their distance from the nervous animal. I was amazed at the attention she showered on him and in the way her feeling of responsibility for him seemed to awaken and stimulate brain function. She sensed he needed her gentleness.
The morning that Alice died I was home alone with her. I sat beside her bed and held her hand as she struggled with her last breaths. When I realized that she had passed on I stood up and turned to leave the room to call the Hospice nurse. That was when I saw Bhudda sitting on the floor at the end of the bed with his chin resting on Alices foot. He slept beside her bed for several nights after she was gone. He still goes in there whenever he gets really nervous about something.
These are such touching stories. (..and I'm also jealous of HG's dog and puppies-to-be!). At the facility where my Mom is a few of the residents have dogs there and it sure makes the place feel 'good' having them there. Almost everyone enjoys them and they bring tons of smiles!
Interesting question Hippygirl.....
I have two things that bring joy in my life. My family and my cooking. Of course my Dad is #1 in my life however my children bring more joy to me than I ever imagined.
I have been cooking professionally for over 32 years but that dont count (LMAO) because I have actually been cooking since I was age 14 so its well over 40 years. Cooking is the essence of my being, without it, I would be no one, just like my family, without them, I would be finished.
Thank you Jocelyn for allowing me to cound my blessings once again today :)
