Did anyone watch this TV show on BBC1 this evening?  If you didn't, in essence, it's about growing older and giving up on responsibility. There was a very special moment when a gentleman who had alway owned dogs was given two dogs (dachshunds) to look after.  The dogs were absolutely  brilliant (being put into that position) and the immediate positive response in the 'older' people was obvious.  Really lovely. 

Yes I watched and had a tear in my eye at that part it was so moving - old softie as I am lol

me too.

The sad thing was, the gentleman fully realised the responsibilities of dog ownership and was acting cautiously - which is sensible, but not appreciating how he might equally enhance a dogs life whilst preserving his own.  Very interesting.

my mum lost her rescue dog to old age 18 months ago.unfortunately,during this time we were waiting confirmation of her having alzheimers,of which the symptoms had been going on for a while (the mountain of dog food in the dogs bowl had to be seen to be believed).since we got the diagnosis and medication it has slowed progress of the disease down,she still acts as if the dog is there and regularly puts food down for him which he never eats of course (as hes dead).its a bit like groundhog day every day. i got a phone call last night from her saying she thought ,after seeing the programme that getting a dog would "make her better".one of the symptoms of the disease is they feel very lonely because of course they dont remember last time someone spoke to them or visited.we have been making excuses to her for the past 18 months about holding off getting another dog,as, whilst it may make her have a daily routine,company,etc,my fear is what if she forgets to feed/feeds too much, leaves door open,doesnt recognise said dog and shoos it out,the list of things going wrong could be endless.occupational health suggested getting adog would be good for her,but unless you know what that persons like imtimately,i feel it would be wrong to take on a dog that may be returned to rescue,lost or at worst involved in an accident.i'd like to know what others think? she lives alone,at the moment as she wont accept any help from outside, is not aware how bad her memory is and we regularly get umpteen reasons why shes "been ill,but is better now..".

I wonder if she would be eligible for a PAT dog visit??

A dog coming to visit in the day while owners are at work might work for someone like this, and a cat for evenings, the overfeeding is a real issue so a cat really might be best option as most self regulate, but it would need to be unobtrusively supervised, someoen to feed and deal with litter tray.

Certainly care home environments could be enhanced with the presence of a cat or couple of cats on the premises.

Marvelous that Kenneth Kendal (the chap in question) is now going to have another dog, unfortunate that he's getting a Lakeland Terrier/Patterdale Terrier cross!  Both working dogs (not KC recognised) which will be way more active and demanding than the min daschunds that he's used to!  It'll certainly keep him on his toes, perhaps he'll get fit enough to take it to agility!   Otherwise, great news that he's more active and wanting a dog again.

I watched the Great North Run today and one older person who certainly didn't need the help the Young Ones offered is Chris Brasher who ran the half marathon with the aim of beating 80% of the runners...and was successful!  Not bad for a 79 year old!  He says that he's finished 'competing' now but will still run.  (For those who don't recall or who haven't watched Chariots of Fire, he was one of the supporting athletes when the 4minute mile was broken).

Penny