Pets

My husband and I moved to a retirement apartment in August- we knew they allowed pets which suited us as we have a 9 year old indoor cat. We had to get permission and fill in a form stating who would look after her if anything happened to us. She is not allowed to go out of the apartment but as she has always been an indoor cat that was not a problem

Any pet can be great company provided you give them the love and attention they deserve. I think you should go for a rescue pet - they are usually very loyal as they have lost their first love and need someone else to love,

I'd also suggest a cat..I have several Rottweilers and a little Jack Russell, while the big one's are happy with a Potter and then the sofa, my little one has a LOT of energy and she's not young.

I think an older, house cat might be best for you. You would not need to take it out for walks as you would with a dog. Rescue organisations are always especially glad to get their older animals rehomed as most people want younger animals. Cats Protection branches throughout the country usually have cats for rehoming.

Cats are lovely company and relatively easy to care for. My old boy is around 18 - a rescue cat who I have had for 14 years. Often animal shelters find the older cats harder to rehome as people often want a kitten. But an older cat would be much calmer and probably a good choice for you ? x

Some dog rescue centres offer to cover any vets bills in return for someone giving an old dog a home for the rest of its life. It’s cheaper and better than keeping them in kennels An elderly neighbour of ours has given a home to a whole range of older dogs; she likes the company and a gentle walk every day, and the dogs enjoy a peaceful retirement with all home comforts, so everyone’s a winner!

I think it will be great for you to own a pet Mickeyboy67 I would say a cat would be much easier than a dog, as dogs obviously need to go for a walk few times a day, even the smallest of breeds need exercise, have you got a garden.? Just weigh up the pros n cons between cat n dog, if it’s raining snowy etc would you want to go out in all weathers,also if you are going to have a pet are they going to be insured, lots to think about , wish you luck and hope whatever you decide to do is the best choice for you, owning a pet is wonderful

I think a cat would be the better idea . Being if your poorly you don't have to walk them . They are just as loving but need just a little less care than a dog .

This might sound like I am being insensitive, but if you're going to have a pet, and you also have health issues that could suddenly cause you to become incapacitated, do make sure someone is going to check on you at least daily, because you do sometimes hear about pets left to fend for themselves when their owner suddenly becomes sick.

I've also had 3 strokes and I'm quite disabled with arthritis, in as much as I use a wheelchair outside the home but inside prefer to stand even though it's extremely painful. I have 4 dogs a staffie who's 15 but been here since a pup and 3 Pugs the eldest is 7. They are all far more active than me but these days seem happy enough with the house and garden. Which is just as well because I can't walk them. You haven't said how affected you are by your strokes which is the relevant bit. I have very little lingering after effects of my strokes, it's the arthritis making my life difficult.
Lots of flats these days have no pets policy so you would need to check that. Some will allow cats but not dogs. Would you be able to change the liter tray, I know I could. In fact the only thing I can't do for my dogs is walk them but I can get help with that from my two sons.
I'd be lost with out my dogs, they keep me company and make me laugh every day, so I would highly recommend it. It needn't be an elderly dog just one past middle age, that's when most of them slow down and become happy couch potato's although some are like that as soon as the puppy phase is over. I wouldn't go for a vocal breed though as that might upset the neighbours.

Good advice from JURA2. If you go to a rescue centre they can usually tell you about the character of the animal such as if they are used to having free access to a garden and how active they are.
You also need to be aware that the constant cleaning of litter trays involves a lot of lifting and bending.

Personally I'd say choose with careful advice- a small dog is not necessarily a dog that does not need regular walking. I would advise an older dog and not a puppy. And check your apartment rules. We bought and apartment from new, then the owners' association was formed and they decided 'NO pets' - and this has caused many difficulties.

But mainly - enjoy- and make absolutely sure you have a proper will and arrangements in place, with friends, family or rescue- just 'in case'. In fact, I feel every pet owner, at any age- should ensure they have a 'just in case' plan- approved by family and friends.