The Baby Boomer Renaissance: The Boomer Chronicles

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Boomer Chronicles

Why You Should Get a Dog When You Are 50+

Posted: 12 Jul 2011 12:30 PM PDT

I had a dog growing up, and loved my dog to death. Then I had no dog until I was 47. Why? Because I made a lot of excuses: I am not home enough, I don’t have time to walk him, I don’t have the money for the vet bills, my schedule is unpredictable. And, frankly, I was just afraid of the responsibility. Then, after much deep thought, I finally took the plunge. I got my Lhasa apso (that’s his baby picture up there), and have never looked back. I adore him and lavish attention and $$$ on him. He is a fabulous companion, and yes, I still travel a good deal. Having a dog has not stopped me.

There’s a new book out devoted to The 50+ Dog Owner: Complete Dog Parenting for Baby Boomers and Beyond by Mary Jane Checchi. The book is designed for lots of different folks — those with empty nests who want a great companion, those who want to feel secure at night, or if you simply forgot to get a dog earlier in life. Heck, there are studies that show dogs are great for your health. You are outside more often, have more social interactions, and, if you live alone or with just one other person, a dog can simply make you feel not so isolated. The book covers all the bases: Finding the Right Dog For Your, Sharing Your Home with a Dog, and Growing Older Together.

If you love dogs, and can afford to have one, don’t wait another day.