10 Reasons You Need a Pet

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I have rescued dogs for over 20 years, from those who get them from puppy mills and other horrors. They are such loves and so frightened. The trauma is inexplicable, but patience is such a gift from God. I am retired and have 3 Shelties.
If dogs bark, it is because they do not speak 'human'. But, they sure talk and let you know in their own way. The small boy (the puppy mill guy named Tiger) finally barked after 8 months of being here! I am thrilled!!!! My 5-year old girl, Shadow, helps him learn to play and the other 5 year old boy Mac) plays well, too. They get along so well.
My dogs are a lot of work and help me work toward my 10,000 steps in each day. They need to be brused a lot! But the are patient and so lovingly tolerant when my arthritis stops me from going quickly enough to suit me.
Those of us who are blessed with pets have been given another of God's gifts for whom to care.
For G Goerss of NY: Check with friends or church members or Seniors at a center who have animals. Maybe they would help you learn about pets. Start small and one step at a time. Good for you to have such courage!!!!

Sue Roling of IA 9:56PM January 13, 2010

While dogs make wonderful pets, the author neglected to mention cats. They give so much love and companionship too so I get the impression that this author never owned one. They are far more easier to take care of than a dog. Give them a clean litter box, lots of love and attention, good pet food, and a warm place to sleep, and they are happy and contented. Most cats love to be held and petted especially around the ears. They like to stay close to their owners and are very much tuned in to their owner's needs. They also can be very protective of their owners. It is better to have two so the cats are also companions to each other. I have had dogs all through my life, and I have had cats, but now being a senior, cats are far easier to take care of and provide just as much love and loyality as a dog. You can even have both if you like! Animals feel love just as we do. Open your hearts to a dog or cat if you are a senior living alone or just want company. The joys and happiness they provide will last forever.

JUDITH MCALONEY of NJ 10:01AM January 13, 2010

I never had a dog. I am afraid of most dogs. But I would like one. I'm not sure where to start. Any ideas?

G Goerss of NY 11:59PM January 12, 2010

We got Betty Boop when my son and family went to Germany. My son is in the Army there. They left in July so they couldn't take Betty a Boston Terrier, because the airlines wouldn't take her. My husband & I are 66 now. We have had Betty 1 1/2 years now and we love her so much, we would be lost without her. She was our grandchildren's pet and they loved her so much. She is very well behaved, loves people and she doesn't bark. We send photos of Betty to our grandchildren. Boston Terriers are a wonderful pets, at least Betty is.

Sharon McIntyre of MO 9:30PM January 12, 2010

After I lost my German Shepherd, Peta, to old age, I applied to rescue centers in my area & got a telephone call before I was even off the computer. They had "the dog for me". No, I said! I wasn't ready. Pete had only been gone 5 days. But, the Rescue Center woman was adamant & said, "I will be at your house in about 2 hours". Well, seems like "Masi needed me more than I needed her". You see, she was found near death in the back of a pickup with her 6 frozen dead pups and they had to cut 1/2 her ears off & the skin on her forearms as she had grown into the kennal. She was only 11 months old! I have an 8 bedroom Victorian House & I didn't see her for 3 days except when she sat at the back door to go outside in the morning & evening. Where she was the rest of the day, I had no clue. Then, I was rudely awoken on the 4th day when my earless German Shepherd Mix (20 pounds underweight) jumped on my bed, on my stomach, & kissed me all over. I said, "Hi, and how are you"? (The first words I had said to her). She is a joy & I was fortunate to get her; you see, she couldn't be in a home with a man & all the people who wanted her had a man in their homes. She is slowly coming around to my 2 sons but only if I am in the same room. She had never had a toy, a bone, & probably very little food. Masi is the light of my life. I am a young 60 & pay a college girl to walk her. She loves her christmas "cell phone"; we were snowed in that day so we took pictures of our 10" of snow which she was playing in, rollin in, she even made an igloo. Without her, I would have been alone for christmas instead of laughing all day at the best thing that ever happened to me.

Janice Fish of MN 7:27PM January 12, 2010

There is no sweeter, more well behaved, none-yippy dog than the Japanese Chin. I have a "red" named Suki, and she is my 3rd child!! She is well behaved and loved by any who interact with her. I am blessed with her companionship for almost 13 years!! And no health problems!! None!!

Dee of WI 6:55PM January 12, 2010

always had pedigree dogs but decided to rescue a dog. got a combo west highland terrier and jack russell. ate my shoes, but after that stage i would say he is the "best". Loyal, happy, great with kids, loves everybody, but is still a great watchdog and adorable.

gloria semer of DC 6:03PM January 12, 2010

Get a Shih Tzu they're the greatest. I have one can't imagine life without him.

Barbara Cooper of AL 5:56PM January 12, 2010

For the gentleman that has allergies, try a Poodle. I have sold Poodles to familes with allergic children they just have to wash their hands after handling their family pet but it is a great trade off to just have the dog. She has had heard dog nearly a year now and it is working out well. Good luck and thereis nothing better than having a pet in your life. I have four.

Linda of FL 5:00PM January 12, 2010