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It鈥檚 a big decision. You are inviting a living creature to live with you for the next 15 years or so if you choose a puppy. Issues to consider are safety for both the family and dog, work (who will care for Fido?) and expense.

Safety? Most diseases are species-specific (we have our viruses and dogs have theirs) but dogs can transmit certain skin conditions like ringworm and scabies. Regular checkups at the veterinarian keep both dog and human safe. Choosing the right dog in terms of size and breed and training the dog to behave can prevent bites.

More work? You betcha! Someone has to buy the food, feed the dog, clean up messes, train the dog, walk the dog, take the creature to the vet, etc. The pet will definitely add items to the expense side of your budget: food, toys, collars, licenses, pet door or cat box, veterinarian bills, neutering.

But there are many special gifts a dog can bring. People get a very special type of unconditional love and affection from a dog. A canine creature makes eye contact, wags its tail, and is always ready to play. That鈥檚 what distinguishes them from wolves and why we have been feeding dogs for so many millennia!

Many dogs seem almost human in their ability to sense what a person is feeling. Years ago, I had just learned of the death of a dear one living far away and started crying. My dog came over to me, put her head on my knee, and then reached up to lick the tears off my face.

A dog is great to talk to. Some children tell their pet their sad or lonely thoughts while others 鈥渞ehearse鈥� speeches they later will make to friends. A pet dog can be a non-stressful part of a child鈥檚 life in a stressful world.

Pets can help young children deal with fears. Our dog always joined the children in crawling in our bed when a thunderstorm started. My son would tell the dog not to be scared 鈥� it was only thunder. By telling this to the dog he began to master his own fears.

Pets can help children separate reality from fantasy and can be important pretend figures. My daughter stuffed our remarkably cooperative cat into doll clothes and wheeled her around in the buggy. Pets are not inert like a doll. They tell you when you have gone too far, or they have had enough. They can help children learn about being gentle and develop respect for living creatures of another species.

Research confirms that the presence of a pet has a positive effect on children. Those who live with pets have higher morale and better health status than those without pets.

These days I am asked about the pros and cons of dogs for the elderly.

My answers are pretty similar in many respects to those above. But there are some differences.

In our age group, roughly 65 to 105, dogs can be a positive and healthful addition to our lives. They can bring us friendship, purpose, and joy. They can serve as canine 鈥渢herapists鈥� for those of us who are feeling lazy or blue.

Are they good therapists? According to Dr. Marwan Sabbagh of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Brain Health, 鈥淪imply petting an animal can decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol and boost release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, resulting in lowered blood pressure and heart rate and, possibly, in elevated mood.鈥�

We are a herd mammal. The older we get the harder it is to herd. By circumstance or by choice, we find it harder to get out and socialize. Those of us who are caregivers of a loved one can also be overwhelmed and isolated by their duties. Both can be cheered by the presence of a dog who exudes unconditional love.

Other pluses? I know from personal experience that a dog is the best 鈥渁larm clock鈥� for a grieving or lazy oldie. Walking a dog may be the best exercise of all for us. It exercises both you and Fido. It almost guarantees social interaction both from fellow dog walkers and solo neighbors. The late Mindy, my adorable King Charles Cavalier spaniel, greeted every dog and person in the neighborhood.

She even wrote a poem that I saved for posterity:

鈥淚鈥檓 the king of the castle, and at the top of the hill, I drop my royal pooplets to give my subjects a thrill.

The lady I live with who walks me, always pick them up, lest the people think I鈥檓 just a common pup.

But I feel like a Royal Canine, and always look the part, and love keeps overflowing from my royal heart!鈥�

As the Cleveland Clinic suggests, 鈥淕et your six legs out there!鈥� Walking a dog not only provides you with exercise but can even help your brain keep healthy.

Therapy and Service dogs can also be of great help those of us in Geriatrica with specific needs.

It is essential that you pick your dog carefully. An orthopedic surgeon I know points out that big dogs and exuberant poorly leash-trained small dogs can cause us to fall and fracture a bone. Bad for the elderly. Getting an older dog with a good temperament from an animal shelter can be perfect. It benefits two species, human and canine, at the same time!

Thinking realistically, it is important to protect your dog from ending up in an animal shelter when you are no longer able to care for it or not around anymore. I arranged with my daughter, also my executor and a dog owner and dog lover, to care for Mindy if it became necessary.

For spouses and children of an elderly person, beware. My veterinarian husband pointed out that using a dog as a Christmas present is not always a good idea. It鈥檚 like an arranged marriage in a tribe of humans that picks their own mates. Be sure your gift will be appropriate and appreciated.

My late husband had made it clear that he did not want another dog after his beloved Brittany spaniel died. As he became sicker, I felt I needed a dog. My niece arranged for Mindy to be shipped to me from Texas as Mindy was perfect for me. She had been living with the breeder who had hoped to show her but she did not weigh enough to be shown. She was 6 months old and trained.

I had concocted a fib that the dog was for my niece if objections were raised. When I brought Mindy into the house, my husband asked, 鈥淲hose dog is this?鈥� as Mindy gently jumped into his lap and kissed him. 鈥淥urs if you like her.鈥� 鈥淟ike her? I love her!鈥�

The feeling was mutual. When my husband was on home hospice care and became bedridden, she jumped onto his bed and kept a canine vigil. When he died, she licked my tears. I whispered RIP to each one when they left me.