Why do Relatives Assume

[grandmoon]

that old people need a dog.

At 86 years of age a friend decided that not to replace her dog after him died.  She had had him for 16 years and now she feels that she doesn't have the energy to look after a young dog.

Her grandchild turned up at the weekend with a 6 month old Bull terrier cross. 

The friend lives in a retirement unit with a very small yard.  The family can't understand why she doesn't want the dog.

[patchoo78]

and wo and behold if we took her out for the day and we didn't get her home by 6:30 at night for her to go through his night time ritual

I think the phrase you're looking for is "Woe betide" and instead of "ritual" you should perhaps have used "routine"

If you want people to think you're clever by using big words and phrases, you should al least use them correctly 

Animals work on routines, they usually like being fed and put to bed at the same time each day.

Having an aspie kid, I'd have thought you would know all about routines and their importance

[azureline**]

well, it could be a ritual if she said night time prayers with him.......

[b3llag1na]

Some years back when our much loved dog passed, we got a new pup that was "free to a good home"  in a shop window....

The people who had him, got him as a wedding present (!!!!!!) for a friend - from a pet shop ( ).

The friend had him 3 nights, then gave it back to them because "it wee'd on the carpet and cried all night" !!!!

He was a terrific little dog, we had him 14 years.

We have just got our last dog. A rescue  With that breed's life expectancy, we will be past starting out  looking after another dog when he goes. If a family member decided we needed another one..... they'd be told!

[vampire-teddy]

my mum now lives alone as dad recently went into a nursing home.  she has a 6 year old dog but he is a blessing as it gives her company she loves him to bits and can look after him but I can't imagine her with a puppy.  luckily my sister should be able to take Danny (the dog) if anything was to happen.  a small lap dog might be suitable for some elderly but certainly not a strong powerful dog.  I can't imagine never having an animal in my life.

Mum and dad got Danny via the old Chinwag forum from a lady who used to rehome dogs, I think her name was Sue.  Not sure what happened to her but Danny turned out to be a wonderful little man and a perfect dog for my parents.  We take him to the nursing home sometimes to see dad.  It is the only thing he ever asks for.  

[azureline**]

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@vampire-teddy wrote:

my mum now lives alone as dad recently went into a nursing home.  she has a 6 year old dog but he is a blessing as it gives her company she loves him to bits and can look after him but I can't imagine her with a puppy.  luckily my sister should be able to take Danny (the dog) if anything was to happen.  a small lap dog might be suitable for some elderly but certainly not a strong powerful dog.  I can't imagine never having an animal in my life.

Mum and dad got Danny via the old Chinwag forum from a lady who used to rehome dogs, I think her name was Sue.  Not sure what happened to her but Danny turned out to be a wonderful little man and a perfect dog for my parents.  We take him to the nursing home sometimes to see dad.  It is the only thing he ever asks for.  

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Our dog came via the same rescue group, Varicool! Last I heard she was only doing chi rescues.