I am a dog lover, and we recently lost our little girl, she was just days before turning 2 when she wondered off and got hit. This was back in October, I think. Now it is 2008 and a family member suggested we get another pupppy, that it would "fill the gap" or be good therapy for my recovering husband. As much as I would absolutely love to get one, right now, I feel as though that would add to my responsibilities and duties. I am new to this caregiving and am planning on moving. When we move into an apartment, it usually costs anywhere from $50 to $750 to $1000 to have a pet at some of these places! Some take payments and some do not. I think a puppy who loves to be mischief or investigative might not be good right now. However, if later we can handle one, we will surely get one.
maybe a mature rescue dog might be an option. I have a dog (or rather an 8 year old puppy) who is probably one the reasons I can handle things that would otherwise be too hard. I am single, and care for my mom who has hear disease with Atrial Fibrilation, dementia and now diverticulosis....scary since she is also on blood thinner for the A-Fib. My dog who is a rescue mixed breed has become a partner in my mothers care. She instinctively knows the right thing to do all of the time. As my mother uses a walker, my dog actually escorts her - or as I joke with my mom our dog is the "snooper-viser" (ok - maybe its dumb, but anything that gets a laugh at my house is good)
I truly believe my mom is more engaged and I am happier because of my dog. I hope whether you get a new puppy or maybe find a rescue or shelter dog that wins your heart that your dog will be a comfort and bring some joy to your house.
as caregivers we don't get much - but hugging my dog sometimes is the difference between feeling sad & just dealing with what is. Dogs don't whine about what was - they just wag their tail and love you. can't get better than that for me or my mom.