The Pro's and Con's of keeping a Dog

viv0147

I am a 62-year-old male and I live alone, and through ill health I had to retire. I have had an operation and as far as I know everything is now ok. For a little while I have been thinking about getting a dog for company, and taking a dog for walks would give me some much needed exercise. I am on a limited budget just my pension now, I have a surplus most of the time, and I did have a dog when I was 14 and had lots of fun with him. Of course that was many years ago, so do you think it may be a good idea? And what would the costs be in keeping a dog? Would the costs outweigh the benefits please any advice would be welcome. Thanks

tealady

Hi.
Why not volunteer as a dog fosterer or a dog walker. That way you will have support in looking after a dog and can see if having a pet permanently is for you.

UKTigerlily

I got a dog 15 months ago & the only downside is you need to plan around it, it's not good to leave them for more than four hours a day in total (Not four hours in the morning, then another four at night!), so i'm always thinking when i'll have to be coming home or would have to get someone to look after her. Other than that it's been great! If you consider a rescue dog then they will generally come vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, microchipped & neutered etc

The main costs are insurance, a dog walker (But it sounds like that won't be an issue) & food, but mine only costs about £2.50 a week to feed on a really good food (Orijen). You could post on the pet forum too for help x

missile

I am pleased to see you are giving dog ownership careful thought. It seems many don't and it upsets me to see pets which are not given the care and attention they deserve.

viv0147

Thank you for your answers I have now moved this post to the pet forum

*zippy*

Can I just add my Dad is 70 and has two small dogs he wouldn't be without, they are getting on a bit now, but he walked over 30 miles with them last week so yes they are a great way to get some exercise

Good luck with your decision, do let us know how you get on x

tabskitten

you should look at volunteering at local dog rescue with view to adopting one of the dogs after you have got to know a few and what suits you.

you will be able to get an idea of what types of dog you like and pros and cons of the different breeds.

retiredlady

I retired 2 years ago for health reasons and got a dog shortly after. It is the best thing I have ever done! Charlie gets me out of the house, I have made a whole new circle of friends, it gives my husband and myself something to talk about other than "whats of tv today then", we even have days out for the dog! ie - its such a nice day - shall we drive down to Southend for the day because Charlie likes to see the sea:rotfl:

In a way it is almost like having a child in the house again albeit one who sleeps alot:)

Charlie was a rescue dog, he is a Bichon Frise. He doesn't eat an awful lot - I would estimate maybe £3 a week plus a daily dental chew. I don't cost the count of his toys because they arn't vital although he does love his teddy and trys to kill it regularly:D He is insured for sickness and accidents but I opted out of the life insurance part so I pay £12 a month for that which gives me peace of mind. No cost for beds or blankets as he uses ours. Starts off on the floor beside the bed at night and when we wake up the next morning he is cuddled in between us at the foot of the bed. When we wake up and look surprised to see him he gives us a big grin and bounces up the bed for cuddles:D

Ok - I guess you can tell I am pretty soppy about my dog (thats him in my avatar)! Downside - It can take you ages to walk anywhere because most people will stop and say hello and have a chat - never happened before Charlie came along!

By the way we cover holidays with another Bichon owner. When she goes away we have her dog over to stay and visa versa.