Adopting older dog might be right move

The following column was originally published in 2015.

Dear Annie: My wife and I are in our mid-70s and have no children. However, we have had pets, mostly cats, for all of our 50 years together.

About 13 years ago, we bought a female Boston terrier puppy. A few months later a friend called us about a female Boston terrier that he could not keep and offered it to us. Since it got along well with our dog (and our two cats), we kept it.

We loved them both like they were our children. They were the best pets we ever had.

About a month ago, Spunky died in her sleep. Two weeks later, Petunia died. We are heartbroken.

I want to get another puppy as soon as possible. My wife misses these dogs as much as I do, but feels we are too old to get another dog. What do you think we should do?

— Grieving for Our Pets

Dear Grieving: Our condolences on the loss of your beloved animals. Multiple studies have shown that seniors greatly benefit from having pets to love and care for. But do keep in mind that puppies are generally more work than older dogs.

Please consider the possibility of adopting an older dog. You might also take into account the likelihood of your someday moving into a senior facility that does not allow animals. Some seniors handle this by having a friend or relative agree to take the animals when they can no longer do so.

Dear Annie: Last month, a dear friend died. His family had once been a large part of our community, but none of them has lived in our town for 30 years.

His widow spent a great deal of money on funeral arrangements and meals for the crowd that she expected to attend. I told her that only a few people would remember her husband, but she didn't listen. In fact, only a handful showed up for the service, including the pallbearers and the women who helped serve the meal afterward.

The widow could not believe relatives from out of state did not pay their last respects.

I reminded her that they, too, were in their 80s and would find it difficult to travel. I feel terribly guilty that I couldn't do more to curb the widow's expectations of a grand sendoff for her husband and prevent her heartbreak. Maybe this letter will remind others to listen to the people who reside in their former hometowns before they make plans.

— An Avid Reader

Dear Reader: You did your best to dissuade this woman, but she was in denial. We hope your warning helps others.