Need Advice: Dad and Dog About This Page:

[JoanneS]

My DDad, who will be 83 this year needs to put down Stella, his 11 year old French Bulldog (brain cancer). He hasn't been without a dog since 1958, but it's getting harder for him to move around and he's worried that he won't be able to walk a dog much longer. He lives alone ("the only way you're geting me out of here is in a box") and really depends on his dog for companionship. We're worried that he will be terribly depressed and lonely without a pet. And, a little history; Dad has OCD, the real kind, not the ha-ha kind. He's on medication for it, but I worry that if he's alone, he won't see the need to take his meds and get worse. We thought about a cat, but the idea does not appeal to him at all.

Is there a small dog breed, maybe less than 20lbs, that doesn't require a lot of exercise? I'm looking for a lap dog that would be good for an older person. The plan is to find the right breed and then to try to find an older rescue animal, just like we did with Stella.

Thanks for any ideas or advice.

[Claireanddylan]

I would ring the rescue centres and see what they have.
The rescue centres really struggle to rehome older dogs so something like that would be perfect for your dad.

[Claireanddylan]

Yorkshire terriers, bischons, anything that isn't a spaniel/working type is good.
Greyhounds need very little exercise and are calm but obv not lap dogs. They are nearly always trained on the lead and around other dogs if they have a racing background too. I have had two ex racers now.

[lsugirlinutah]

I would recommend a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. They are about 15 pounds, eager to please, do not need a lot of exercise. They are very sweet dogs and will even just sit and watch TV with you. It would be better to go through a rescue group like Cavalier Rescue USA, especially in your situation as the rescue group takes them to the vet and fosters them to study their personality/behavior to make sure they are a good match for the adoptive family. Good luck!

[Belle*]

I would recommend adopting an older dog of a smaller breed that would not require much exercise. Definitely check Petfinder | Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder and you can search by age of pet! You could save a life and improve your Father's.

[Ashli]

I know you said a small dog, but I just wanted to throw this out there. Older basset hounds usually require VERY little exercise (mine sleeps about 23 hours a day) and there are many many basset rescues across the country that I'm sure would be thrilled to have your dad adopt and older dog. Some rescues I've seen even have programs called "Seniors for seniors" where the adoption cost is very low or waved all together.

[ariel14]

We have a pomeranian and he is the sweetest thing ever. And definitely a true lap dog.

[GATechGal]

what about a Westie. A friend ofmine is just in love with her's and it doesn't seem
to need a lot of exercise.

[guerns17]

I would say getting a dog that is older as well. We have a shin tzu. She loves to cuddle, doesn't shed, and is very laid back!

[coffeechef]

I think that you are on the right track that your Dad needs the companionship of a older dog that he can chill with. Perhaps you could go to a shelter and check out the options, then bring your Dad there. so he and his new Companion might choose one another.

[JoanneS]

Thanks for the advice and support. Stella left us on Saturday . This was Dad's first day alone. He's called me 6 times and my DSis 5. Dsis and I decided that we really can't let this go on too long. He's very down right now. So, tomorrow, Dsis will take the first turn taking him to a pet shelter to see what's out there. Keep your fingers crossed that can find the right pet for Dad.

[Fortissimo]

and for your family.

[Pax]

Does your dad have a yard?

If he does, can you afford to put in a run?

One style is just a cable attached to thehouse near a door on one end, and a tree or pole at the far end. You can attach a special leash to the cable, and the dog gets a lot of freedom to run along the line - and the leash can have enough length to let them go out quite a ways to either side, too. That way, in good weather, your dad can put the dog on the run, then have a comfy chair to sit in, and play "fetch" with the dog. On days with inclement weather, he can just let the dog head out to do it's business, and not have to expose himself to any cold and wet conditions.

My aunt and uncle used to have that sort of thing set up, just so they could let their dogs - two beagles and a large poodle - go out and do their business no matter how cold the Maine nights got, or how late they decided they had to pee right this very moment.

Or, alternately, a fenced-in run - with a roof/top - also allows for a dog to get some outdoor excercise.

[DisneyFanAnn]

[Huntermom]

AS an older person, I cannot imagine life wit a dog. I am so glad you are going to get a new companion for your dad. I have two high lab mixes. In spite of being at least half lab, Zoe, out older dog, haaas always been low energy.

We have runs for our dogs, but unless the dog is really low energy, they will not provide enough exercise. Can your dad play with a dog in the house? Even our crazy 3 year old lab can be satisfied with some intensive ball throwing.
Good luck in finding someone. We have had good luck with the Animal Rescue league in Bedford.