Elderly lady wanting to dog-sit

[Lemond1fficult]

Hello, I wonder if any of you have heard of a way to connect elderly people with those who need someone to look after their dogs while they're at work?

My DP's still very capable DGM is very keen to have the companionship of a dog, but because she's in a wheelchair, she doesn't feel she can offer one a home. It occurred to me there must be people whose dogs get lonely during the day, who would appreciate a bit of free dog sitting.

Any ideas of a safe way we could go about it? She's on the Herts/Bucks border.

[Notasperfectasallothermners]

I am sure the shelters have many little dogs who would love her!! A knee to sleep on all day!! She sounds ideal with support from you I bet she could manage.

[moreismore]

Have you tried borrow my doggy website?

[MaggieMay23]

An elderly friend of our walks dogs for people who aren't able to do it themselves because of mobility or ill health. He does it through the cinnamon trust a national organisation

[MaggieMay23]

www.cinnamon.org.uk/

[rightsaidfrederickII]

I was going to suggest Borrow My Doggy / Cinnamon Trust too

I also wonder about fostering arrangements - almost all rescue organisations have some form of fostering network where people look after dogs that aren't coping in kennels, are very elderly or very young etc etc. I wonder if she could specify that she'd foster only the ancient ones, until they pass on? I've seen some listed on centre websites that are 15/16 years old and they can't be much bother but they're hard to rehome and shouldn't really be in kennels. Typically the dog has outlived its owner. I specify fostering because it usually means that the charity will cover vets bills and there is back up in place.

[Lemond1fficult]

Thanks everyone. These are all very good ideas - especially the fostering elderly dogs. I hadn't considered Borrow My Doggy, either.

I think the biggest issue is that she can't physically leave her house, unless it's to drive somewhere, so dog walking of any variety is completely out. Ideally, she'd have a small or older dog delivered in the morning, have some cuddles, and then picked up again in the afternoon/evening.

[rightsaidfrederickII]

Is she able to open the back door and let the dog out for a wee?

[Notasperfectasallothermners]

She could borrow one of these - happy to sloth all day!

[Lemond1fficult]

Yes, she's very capable, and has a nice big garden for wees and fetch. It's more that she wouldn't be able to go on grass, or chase a dog that didn't want to come back.

@Notasperfectasallothermners I'm sure those slothful beasts would do very nicely!

[Notasperfectasallothermners]

We live near a beach in the North East if your dm is nearby?
It's a shame when some people have what other's need and never the twain meet!!