My parents want to get a puppy

[Anonymous]

You would not have to take the dog if they can no longer care for it. They can bring it to a rescue or a shelter, or they can see if a friend or relative wants it. You are choosing to make this about you but it does not have to be. Even if they ask you to take it, you can say no.

[Anonymous]

OP, be glad and be supportive. If this is something they want, it's something they should have. Don't be a kill joy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A small, senior dog is probably better than a puppy b/c an older dog would be most likely to be house trained. Plus more likely to be familiar with walking on a leash—you don’t want a puppy to intertwine a parent’s legs knocking them over. Number 1 reason people go to nursing home is broken hip.

No, a senior dog is just a bunch of vet bills and a dog that will get sick in a couple of years. Pugs often aren’t the healthiest dog anyway, and you won’t know what health problems the dog has. Besides which - IT ISN’T UP TO THE OP. 68 is not too old to decide what kind of dog you want, for goodness’ sakes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A small, senior dog is probably better than a puppy b/c an older dog would be most likely to be house trained. Plus more likely to be familiar with walking on a leash—you don’t want a puppy to intertwine a parent’s legs knocking them over. Number 1 reason people go to nursing home is broken hip.

No, a senior dog is just a bunch of vet bills and a dog that will get sick in a couple of years. Pugs often aren’t the healthiest dog anyway, and you won’t know what health problems the dog has. Besides which - IT ISN’T UP TO THE OP. 68 is not too old to decide what kind of dog you want, for goodness’ sakes.

I still think it’s fine for op’s parents to get a dog; I was just thinking not a puppy mainly so as to avoid the potty training process.

[Anonymous]

My ILs went through this craziness some years ago. Thought they were going to get a golden retriever puppy even though they were in their 80s and didn't do much for exercise. We prevailed and they got an older dog. At one point we went with them to check out a one year old retriever they were interested in and the dog jumped up on FIL and nearly knocked him over.

[Anonymous]

My 85 year old FIL got a puppy from a breeder less than 5 years ago. He is in love with this dog and we all swear it is keeping him happy and alive since his wife died. The dog is about 12 lbs.

Don't discourage them from getting a dog, unless you truly have concerns.

[Anonymous]

Good god OP. They are 74/68, they ain't dead yet. I don't know why you would deny their wishes and, unless you are taking care of them now, it's really not your business. I don't get your "not sure if I agree with that" attutude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 74 year old father and 68 year old mother want to get a puppy. They’re lonely and would like the companionship. However, I’m worried whether a puppy, as opposed to an older dog, is a good idea given their ages. If the puppy lives 15 years, my dad will be 90! Has anyone been in a similar situation and know some of the pluses and minuses? My parents don’t want to go to the shelter because they have a very specific breed in mind, and given that breed, it would be hard to find an older dog.

I get your concern but ultimately it is their decision. Unless they are living with you should treat them as capable adults. In 15 years they are going to be older anyway. How would you feel if your parents told you not to go to grad school, get married, have another kid.

It is really none of your business.

The reason I feel it’s my business Is because if my parents are no longer able to take the dog, we’ll have to take it. Also, pets are family members! I want everyone, including the dog, yo be happy

That does not give you control over whether they get a dog or which one! I never understand how controlling of their parents people on this site are, to the point where mothers are lying about going to the hair salon! They are your parents, not your kids. I had a pug, as did several people in my family. Theyve all been pretty lazy after the first year or so. Mine and my uncles died at 13 from cancer and I think that’s pretty typical. They were great dogs. Love pugs.

Was coming to say the same thing.
Coincidentally, many in our family (including elderly aunts and uncles) have also had pugs, and they usually passed from cancer at 12-13 years old. And they ARE great dogs and terrific nappers.

[Anonymous]

I would try to talk them out of a puppy, no matter how active they are. I got my puppy six months ago off a lovely couple in their late 60s/early 70s that wanted a companion but got a wild puppy they couldn’t handle. She was wild for us too that first month; she has since calmed down considerably. I felt terrible for them because they were so sad to give her up but knew they couldn’t handle her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good god OP. They are 74/68, they ain't dead yet. I don't know why you would deny their wishes and, unless you are taking care of them now, it's really not your business. I don't get your "not sure if I agree with that" attutude.

+1. They're not dead yet and they're not children. My husband is 72 and he takes our young dog for a 4 mile walk everyday. I can't imagine our children telling us that we shouldn't buy a dog because we're too old.