Is a dog for an 84 year old out of the question?

[stonecircle]

I know it is really but just thought I'd see what others think.

FIL died last week. MIL lives in a big bungalow with a huge amount of land. She lives 250 miles away from us and DH is currently with her. He's taken our two dogs who are providing MIL with some distraction from her sadness. She loves dogs - used to have springers but their last dog died a couple of years ago.

The thought of leaving MIL alone is horrible and I'm 99% certain she won't move.

A dog companion would be wonderful for her but she wouldn't be able to take it for long walks. As I said the garden is huge, on various levels and full of interest for dogs (so our two tell us ).

I'm wondering if there are any breeds which don't require much exercise. Obviously would need to be an older dog too. And we would be willing to take it on should MIL's circumstances change.

Grateful for any advice or suggestions.

...a few times.,,

Retired grey hounds make lovely pets , are very lazy and don't need a lot of walking.

I would also suggest a retired greyhound. They are real couch potatoes and don't need a huge amount of exercise. They have lovely, gentle temperaments and as they are tall they won't be as much of a trip hazard as a smaller dog might.

Some fantastic ideas - thank you all so much. Coincidentally DH says MIL has today mentioned getting a dog so you've given us some excellent ideas about how to go about it.

shi - tzu.

The Oldies Club would be perfect for her - lots of elderly dogs just needing a low energy home with someone home all day to look after them.

An older greyhound could also be a very good match - usually fabulous temperament, very gentle and loving, and the right height. Again, most greyhound rescues would be thrilled to have someone to foster an oldie (so could provide emergency backup and possibly help with vets bills).

The fella down the road is 86 so he tells us.He's had three elderly rescue dogs in the last ten years. He gives them a good home to see out the rest of their days. The first two were staffies and now he has a Yorkshire terrier. Being rescues they would take them back if anything happened to him but he seems to be going strong and the dogs are happy and well looked after. His current dog is 8 he said he's had her about a year now, it's lovely to see them together as he doesn't seem to have many visitors but he walks with various other walkers and chats with people on his walks which must break up his days.