Boomer Connections This Boomer's Life

Last year my veterinarian referred a client of hers to me. In his late 70s, Bob was living alone in the big, beautiful home he had shared with his late wife and their Lab.  When his dog passed away, his daughter knew he needed another to keep him company. She helped him choose a young adult Lab from a local rescue. I was called in because after a few weeks together, it was clear this particular dog had way more energy than anticipated. Walking him in the neighborhood had become dangerous for Bob, who had already been tripped up by the dog’s leash several times.

A few days after our first consultation, Bob called to say that he’d thought about it and with more than a little sadness, he was returning his dog to the rescue. It was a difficult but appropriate decision. Within a few weeks, he found another Lab – older and mellower – who has become his constant companion.

Are you a Boomer thinking about getting a dog? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Time. If you’re recently retired and are traveling extensively, will you be able to take your dog with you when you head out on your next adventure? One of the most important things you can give a dog is your time and if you would be constantly leaving him behind, consider waiting awhile.

Money. Dogs are expensive. My roommate adopted a young adult pit bull from the city shelter last year. There was a $100 adoption fee.  Seems like a bargain, right? Eight months later, she’s spent more than $2,500 on him. That figure includes a multitude of toys that have been replaced when he’s played and torn them apart. It also takes into account his sensitive stomach that requires an expensive dog food. His anxiety was so bad that three months in the vet recommended putting him on Prozac. He’s still on it. It helps.

Whether you get a puppy or an adult dog, his or her future health is an unknown, so consider pet health insurance.

Standard recurring costs of having a dog include flea, tick and heartworm preventative; annual vaccinations; dog food and treats; toys; and if you start with a puppy – multiple leashes and collars as they outgrow and chew through the originals.

Choosing a dog. You can adopt a dog from a rescue or buy one from a breeder. The one thing NOT to do is buy a puppy from a pet store or online. The great majority of both are from puppy mills. Puppy mills are profit-making machines run by very bad people keeping dogs in unspeakably inhumane conditions. The puppies born into these conditions aren’t healthy and often have genetic issues that prevent them from having normal lives. Learn more about the horror of puppy mills here.

Living with your dog. Want to live happily ever after with your dog? Teach her house manners. Let me tell you a story about an owner who got off to a bumpy start with her Lab puppy.

I met Susan and her five-month-old Lab, Townley last fall. Susan was concerned about her puppy’s tendency to jump on people, especially her grandchildren. She also need help walking her pup on leash.

The first thing I recommended was that she stop using a retractable leash. Here’s why. We spent about 90 minutes together on our first visit. I left Susan with training recommendations and we got together again two weeks later. The changes in the relationship between the two were obvious: less chaos, more harmony.

Two more training sessions to practice leash walking in public and Susan’s confidence had soared to the point that they don’t need me anymore. Check them out strutting their stuff at the mall.

Adding a canine companion to your life can add a surplus of riches.  Without good planning, however, it can end in frustration and heartache. My wish for you is that you have as much fun with your dog as I have with my best buddy, Murphy.