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Retirement Pets by Ken Cutler

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AUTHOR: Nuke Ken on 10/21/2024

I have a decision to make over the next year or two. Money is certainly involved, but it’s not primarily a financial decision.

Currently, our daughter is living with us while she saves up money to buy her own townhouse or condo. She’s a huge lover of cats (understatement of the year). A few years ago, I noticed the jet-black feral cat that hung out across the street at our neighbors’ home was carrying a kitten around by the neck. I told my daughter; she was able to hold the kitten and of course, she fell in love.

Several days later, we separated the tiny tuxedo kitten from her mom and made a trip to the vet. Poor kitty had a nasty cough, had been covered with fertilizer, and was sporting some serious discharge in one of her eyes. Following the vet visit, none of us could bear to again expose the kitten to the perils of living outside with her mom (there were no other kittens in the litter).

My daughter adopted the kitten and named her Blossom Theodosia. It turns out she was probably no more than four weeks old, a little young to be separated from her mom. Fortunately, we had an older tuxedo cat named Sam at home. At one time, we had three cats, and of the three, Sam could be a bit of a bully. Still, the kitten seemed to arouse Sam’s paternal instincts. He was patient with Blossom even though her kittenish badgering was relentless. Sam was never nasty with Blossom but did teach her the limits of acceptable behavior. When she came into the same room as Sam, he would often greet her with a happy chirp. Sam was protective of Blossom when our overly curious Sheltie, Cleo, got a little too close. Blossom loved to sleep next to Sam in the laundry basket, where Sam would attempt to take refuge after he’d had enough activity. In short, Sam taught Blossom how to be a cat in the absence of her mother.

Sadly, Sam died about a year after we got Blossom. A couple months after that, Cleo also went over the rainbow bridge, leaving Blossom as the only pet left in an animal-loving household. Yes, she’s very spoiled by all of us. When my daughter eventually moves out, she will of course take Blossom with her, leaving us without a pet.

I miss having a dog around. Cleo was my third sheltie and it would be hard to accept that she was the last one. She was an intelligent, happy dog with just a streak of independence. My wife Lisa has given me permission to get another Sheltie or small dog though her preference would be to just have a cat or two.

Dogs are considerably more work than cats. Still, their affection is more predictable and they definitely give better greetings when you come home. Cats amuse me to no end. I’m the kind of guy who helps make funny cat videos go viral. But in our mid-sixties, do we really want to add a cat or two and a dog to our household?

In terms of a happiness-to-dollar ratio, it’s hard to beat a cat or a dog for me. I’m getting to the point in life where there’s a reasonable possibility a new dog or especially a cat may outlive me. I’m confident my kids would make sure any surviving pets are well taken care of if Lisa and I were both to pass away. Adding a cat or two after Blossom moves out wouldn’t cramp our lifestyle much. Bringing up a pup would definitely require more patience and effort, as well as potentially complicating future travel plans. For now, I will content myself with Blossom’s companionship. But next spring, I know my longing for a new pet will resurface.

Postscript: Inky, the young feral cat who gave birth to Blossom, was adopted by our neighbors after she had another litter of kittens. She’s now living her best life as a domesticated indoor cat, along with two of her offspring.

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CJ
12 days ago

I adore animals: always had pets. Each has had different health issues or mishaps that required periodic vet care. But costs are crazy high now! Private equity firms swallowed up almost every vet in my area.

Just like dental & medical – prices skyrocketed for even basic care – let alone anything complex like surgery or disease treatment/mgmt.

I experienced a huge price runup before losing my last baby. Can’t risk the financial hits to adopt another companion. Couldn’t bear the heart-rending decision to choose between a $10-20k+ operation that cuts into retirement security or putting a beloved pet down too soon.

(And lest anyone here thinks I’m exaggerating, I know many that have paid fees running multiple thousands for every mishap or issue now.)

I considered pet insurance, but not seeing the value, given all the troubling “gotchya” fine print exclusions I’m reading.

Last edited 12 days ago by CJ
DrLefty
13 days ago

Over our family life we’ve had two dogs and a cat, all of whom lived full lives and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Our last dog passed in 2018, and we moved to our condo in 2019. We’re allowed pets, of course, and some neighbors do have dogs, but we’ve been hesitant to jump back into dog-owning both because of the lack of a yard and because of our travel goals.

BUT. I desperately miss having a dog. I want one very, very badly. And with retirement just months away for me, I’ll have all the time I need to devote to one.

I’m wearing my husband down. We might end up moving back to a house with a yard, not just because of my dog wishes, but that’s one of the reasons. Even if we don’t, I may still get a dog.

Richard Layfield
13 days ago

My pets are a big part of my retirement lifestyle. They have their ups and downs like most other things we get into at retirement I guess. I have two Shiba Inu’s (very stubborn dogs) and a very devious pound cat They all get together fairly well and they certainly bring a lot of joy to my wife and me. The dogs provide me with the necessity as well as the ability to take two long walks a day – I am not sure I would do that without them. Having them does come with a cost. I do budget my life fairly detailed and we spend right at $350 per month for pets. In addition, when we want to travel I seem to spend another $200 per day while gone for Pet care at a luxury pet spa and resort. I add that to my vacation costs when budgeting. I must say that these pets of mine do entertain me for about 4 hours per day and I have the time to devote to them so all in all a great way to spend retirement.

Rick Connor
16 days ago

Ken, I was thinking of your dilemma a few days ago. We met some newer neighbors on the beach. They had 3 young daughters, and a full size, 5-year old St. Bernard. The dog had to weigh 200 lbs. He was quite friendly and I enjoyed tough-housing with him. When he rubbed up against me it felt like being boxed-out by Shaquille O’Neal. That’s the kind of pet you need to keep you young!

Nick Politakis
16 days ago

We adopted a wonderful stray, one of many in Greece, 8 years ago. We took her cross country in the US and to 19 Greek islands and to North Macedonia. Unfortunately since we returned to the US a month ago has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is undergoing chemo. Today was her first treatment. If you can, say a prayer for her.

Andrew Forsythe
16 days ago
Reply to  Nick Politakis

Nick, good luck to your pup with her treatment. And good on you for rescuing her in Greece. Fingers crossed for you both.

Andrew Forsythe
17 days ago

Ken,

I enjoyed this and understand the hard thinking that goes into when and whether to get another pet during the retirement years. Not too long ago we had our own original rescue dog as well as 3 other dogs we inherited from family members who had passed away.

We’re now down to one, who just turned 16. When he ultimately leaves this earth we’ll be “dog-less” for the first time ever. We might take advantage of that with a trip or two, but I just can’t imagine going for long without another canine companion. Rather than a pup, we would probably go with another adult rescue. It’s an awfully good feeling to give one of those doggies a second chance at a good life.

Andrea Gibbs
16 days ago
Reply to  Nuke Ken

You are right there are not many shelties available from shelters. There are sheltie rescues that have adult and pups available. In Pennsylvania if you are looking for a sheltie there is Heart’s Promise Sheltie Rescue http://www.pasheltierescue.org/. This is a very good rescue.

Andrea Gibbs
15 days ago
Reply to  Nuke Ken

Ken, rescues unfortunately have that fence requirement but maybe there are exceptions depending on the individual circumstance. Heart’s Promise Sheltie Rescue, Inc. Facebook page is more current and complete compared to their website. They do have dogs coming in now. You also might try on Facebook a group Shetland Sheepdog Connection. Another option is getting an older pup or adult from an ASSA reputable breeder. Sometimes they have available retired show dogs and pups that they are growing out for show that don’t make the cut as show dogs. https://www.americanshetlandsheepdogassociation.org/breeder-locator/

Marilyn Lavin
18 days ago

Our 3rd Norfolk Terrier died in May. I was sure she be our last dog, since I’m 81 and my husband is 82. But the whole rhythm of our lives changed without the dog. Just two examples: My husband didn’t do his regular walks; I hated cooking without the dog being nearby to catch scraps that might fall from the counter. In July, daughter assured us that our dog -loving kids would always guarantee a new dog a good home. We started looking for another Norfolk. (We didn’t want to visit shelters because my online search indicated they had no small dogs.)

On our way back from NY to WI in early October, we detoured to southern Indiana to pick up Andy, an 8 month Norfolk. It was a great decision. We have no regrets.

We do travel quite a bit. In the past, our dog has gone with us—and I expect Andy will too. He was perfectly fine during the motel stay in Indiana after we picked him up—we limited his wandering outside his crate to the tiled area of our room. Likewise, he was great during the 300 mile drive. In November, we will be flying to NC for Thanksgiving. I’ve booked a pet in cabin reservation for Andy and am training him to be calm in the necessary pet carrier. My neighbor reported she has an excellent pet sitter that she’ll share with me if we need

When I googled whether an 80 year old should get a dog, I found the answer was yes. There are important psychological and health benefits. Is a pet cheap? No! Andy’s initial vet visit and some shots cost pretty close to $300. But his presence has been well worth that cost.

My advice is definitely get the dog!! If you’re planning a lot of plane travel, consider one smaller than a Sheltie or find a good kennel. People with pets CAN AND DO travel!!

1PF
18 days ago

A small, older dog from a rescue organization might be less work, and you’d be getting not only affection but the dog equivalent of gratitude. Or an older cat. Or both.

Mike Gaynes
17 days ago
Reply to  1PF

That’s exactly the way we went. Literally as I was reading your comment, Danny came sprinting into the room to have his ears rubbed. That’s all he thinks I’m good for, that and feeding — his universe revolves around my wife. The minute she comes out of the bathroom, he’ll… yep, there he goes.

Anyway, this highly personable 7-pound longhaired Chihuahua/Papillon mix came into our lives almost three years ago, having been found on the streets of a Third World country called Fresno. The rescue group told us he was a year old. Turned out he was at least five. That turned out to be a good thing, since somewhere in his history he had been housebroken, and we had minimal accidents to deal with.

Danny has been the best possible health benefit we could imagine. He wants to walk every day it’s not pouring rain, so he gets us out. That’s been great for my wife, who tends toward laziness, and fantastic for Mama, for whom every walk is vital. Danny is also a conversational outlet for Mama when my wife’s not home and I’m working — they hang out on the back patio and she lectures him in Chinese.

Little dogs can live a long time, and we’re hoping for another decade with Danny as a focus of our lives. My wife says he will be our last dog. She’s wrong. I plan to live into my 80s and I won’t do it without a little guy (or gal) around.

Last edited 17 days ago by Mike Gaynes
R Quinn
18 days ago

Talking about cats, here is a HD article I wrote five years ago -cats, pets and money https://humbledollar.com/2019/12/getting-catty/

Edmund Marsh
17 days ago
Reply to  R Quinn

I’m hesitant to admit it on a pet lover’s thread, but that is one of my favorite articles of yours. I’ve shared it many times.

Dan Smith
18 days ago
Reply to  R Quinn

Cost should be a consideration in owning pets. A tax client lost their business and was in a precarious financial situation. They couldn’t afford to pay my fee without installments. But they shared pictures of their dogs, three of them, one of which was a Newfoundland weighing in at 140 pounds.
It’s a difficult situation and I wondered what I would do. It would be hard to give up a loved pet, but if I could find suitable home I might consider it. 

CJ
12 days ago
Reply to  Dan Smith

Since 2020, I’ve seen pet food and litter more than double in cost and independent veterinarians are selling to private equity firms, driving care costs out of control. It’s sad…I’m reading articles about how many seniors and families are forced to give up their pets because they just can’t afford to care for them anymore. Shelters are packed.

Last edited 12 days ago by CJ
Rick Connor
18 days ago

Ken, thanks for a nice story. Your family sounds like really nice, caring people. You should be proud. Having a pet in retirement is completely your choice. Your article demonstrates you understand the commitment and tradeoffs. We now live a block form our youngest son and family and we watch his Boston Terrier frequently. Any time I want I can walk up and take Tank for a walk. There are many dogs in our neighborhood, and not a day gos by that we don’t get to interact with one or more of them. My wife keeps a bag of treats in the kitchen, and the local dogs have figured out she’s an easy touch. This satisfies our pet needs, and has also provided a nice way to meet new neighbors. Amusingly, I can remember dog’s names much better than people’s names. Good luck with your decision.

OldITGuy
18 days ago

Nice morning read Ken; thanks. Traveling is another challenge with pets, so when my wife’s last 2 cats passed some years back she’s held off replacing them while we’re in our go go years. To partially compensate for not having any pets, we have a friend whose 2 cats we’ve been watching for years when she travels. This gives my wife a cat “fix” several times a year. Now down to 1 feline, Phoebe is perched on a chair next to me as I write this demanding her morning massage. Phoebe dropped in 2 days ago and will be visiting for another 3 weeks. The house sure seems empty when she leaves. We plan our trips around Phoebe’s visits. Gene

Dan Smith
18 days ago

Pets can contribute to a fulfilling retirement lifestyle for many people, Chris and I included. I was designated at birth to be a dog person, but made the transition to cat person after meeting Chris. Thankfully it didn’t require any surgeries. You correctly point out that cats make travel plans much easier than do dogs.
Our only challenge to having a cat are my daughter’s rather severe allergies. After going without a cat for several years after Cups died, Chris was missing having a cat. Behind her back, I researched hypoallergenic breeds. I contacted a breeder of Siberian forest cats and procured some of their hair. My daughters lovingly volunteered to be guinea pigs by exposing themselves. Understand that no cats are totally free of the protein that causes reactions in humans, but the results were very good, and the kids gave me their blessing.
I surprised Chris near her birthday with a trip to the breeder to pick out a kitten. We gave the kitty a good Russian name; Tasha was a wonderful addition to the family.
I am a strong believer in animal rescue, and contribute to the local humane society. Recently we were able to adopt a Balinese cat, also hypoallergenic, from the St. Sophia’s Cat Rescue near Chicago. Rescuing Sophia (we named her after the organization) required a 8 hour round trip from our home in Ohio, but it was worth the cost and effort. 

baldscreen
18 days ago

Good article, Ken. We are cat people, with one cat who has issues that our vet said she needs to be an only. She is 11. We are starting to have the same discussions you and your wife are for after she passes. My spouse’s parents, in their late 80s, still have cats. We couldn’t take the cats if something happened to them, but hopefully other family members could. Chris

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