Linda is considering getting a new dog, but at age 82, she isn't sure if it's a good idea. Mary offers her some alternative ideas that may be a bit easier than a new puppy.
One of the times that I picked up a dog that had been dumped on the road and took it to the local shelter, someone had just left their elderly dachshund at the shelter because she was old. She looked old and gray and sad and confused. There are thousands of old dogs in shelters that would make such good and loving companions for the elderly, and a lot easier to train than a new husband!
I adopted an old cat after her owner moved into a home, then died. She's been worth it. Expensive, because the previous owner didn't care for her medically. But now she's healthy, happy and deserves a golden retirement!
Get an older pet. Be sure to arrange care for the pet it case it outlives you. Elderly pets are wonderful and they are grateful to be adopted when they are dumped for being “old”.
I love this woman. She's so funny. I lost my husband three years ago, live alone and have been diagnosed with duabetes and lung disease. Not much enjoyment in my life anymore, evrn though I'm only 63. Thank God for Mary for brightening my otherwise dreary and lonely days.
Adopt an older dog. ..your old enough to make up your own mind...a dog is wanting your love and will fill your life with love. ..never hesitant to find love...💝💝🍁
I think she should get a cat, they make a great companion and you don't have to worry about walking it or picking up its poop, its goes to the litter box and that is the only thing you got to do besides feed it and give it love......
Sharp, hilarious, no nonsense - what a wonderful woman. We want to see more of Mary Maxwell. We want to hear from all the older, smarter, funnier people - why don't we see them on television? They've lived longer than us: they know more! We can't afford not to listen to them.
Here's another idea, Linda. Today, at age 79, I went to a shelter and adopted a dog. But not just any dog. He's a little Maltese who's 14-years-old! He desperately needed to get out of that shelter, and I can take care of him, walk him, cuddle him, play with him, and make him happy. He may not live too long, but with me, his last years will be happy. There's nothing as nice as coming home from the grocery store or from an appointment, or whatever, and having an adorable dog waiting eagerly for your return. There's nothing like taking a walk with a live dog. And there's certainly nothing like cuddling up to a warm body when you are cold or sad or lonely! A stuffed animal? Not for me! Any dog that's middle-aged or older really needs a home, especially if it's scared, or sad, or lonely and confused. Find one whose needs match your needs, and it can be a win-win for both of you! I say, get a dog, Linda!
I don't appreciate her "lack of a sense of humor re animals" she's just been around too long and has become very cynical. SHE IS NOT FUNNY & BASED ON HER COMMENT ON ANIMALS I HOPE I NEVER BECOME THIS UNCARING.
Mary can go to a local dog and animal shelter, help out and bring some human contact and warmth to the animals. The staff are busy doing the maintenance. This would be such valuable and heart warming time for all concerned.
Rescue comments are so RIGHT. Lots of shelters have dogs from seniors who passed away , lots of families just dump the seniors dogs On the streets too. Rescue, rescue, rescue
I disagree with getting another husband at 82! Too much baggage! How about fostering an older dog? That way, the shelter usually picks up medical and food costs.
When you are single, a dog is a great companion, they do not care if you look like something the cat drug in overnight. They, do not care if you call a friend and talk for an hour. They do not care if you wear the blue outfit or the red. They are loyal, they love you just the way you are !! A dog or a cat ! Yes !!
Arguably, l 'm 86,,,, Jack Russell Terrier, owns me... kepts me moving. Why allow anyone to make that decision, for our life... Each case is personal opinion.
I have a 15 yr old chihuahua and can't imagine a future w/o another heartbeat in the house. Just be sure to secure permanent, continuing care for your new baby, should you pass away before (s)he does. ❤
Get an older dog. Get a small dog where running in a house is enough exercise. There is a dog adoption program called Seniors for Seniors. You adopt a 'senior' dog and the program pays all the costs. Win win.
Wow, that’s the first I have heard of Seniors for Seniors club. It sounds great to me. I’ve got a house full right now as my female Wennie dog just had 4 pups a week ago. I don’t ever have any trouble give them away I just have trouble LETTING THEM GO. Lol
My husband passed 3 years ago. We had always had dogs but our oldest dog passed just before husband was diagnosed with cancer. He helped me pick out an older shelter dog. She's 10 now and I just got her a 2 yr old rescue dog. Lots of fun and comfort.
Mary's correspondent would now be nearly ninety, give or take. I have a ways to go to catch up, but I'm with the lady asking the advice. I can't remember not having a dog, and I prefer their company to that of most humans. When my Mom's 15-year-old Norwegian Elkhound passed, it was just too quiet around the house. I spoke with a breeder, and the breeder placed a seven-year-old dog, a retired show dog who had had one litter of puppies, several of the descendants of which have also become champions. The new dog went directly to my Mom and cuddled; Mom called the dog by the name of the previous dog, and that settled it. Mom passed about two years later; after another year, I brought a four-month-old Elkhound puppy home, great-grandson of the champion, and he is a delight. Three years old now, and he is fifty pounds of charisma wrapped in a fur coat. In short, find an adult dog, maybe even a senior pet, as much like your departed pal as you can find, or even a shelter dog with a frosted face. Any dog would be lucky to have you for his person, and vice-versa. Good luck!
I could not live without a dog in my life. I've had 11 in my 74 years and they have all been great companions, I think they help keep you going especially when you are feeling down. All were different. I've had a few little mixes, 2 Pomeranians, a Cairn Terrier, 2 Corgis, (currently a Corgi) and a Lhasa-Poo. All were cute, funny and smart. Well I take that back- a couple were not the brightest bulbs in the room but they were sweet. Dogs are truly a human's best friends. Some people are missing out on a great experience in life!
Dear Mary, I saw the youtube video of you giving the prayer for the "Home Instead" organization, and I've since shared it on FB. I laughed so hard, and I have written down the poem you found in the retirement newsletter. You are wonderful, and your humor has touched so many......thank you. I am 64, and I think there's a song for that.
Mary,there are plenty of lovable older dogs that would be as happy to come home with this lady.I am just 67,but will aways have a pet.I have told my children that if the pet happens to out live me they will take it in to their home.
I’ll take the dog thank you very much. I’ve had 2 husbands & been a caretaker for 15 yrs. I’ll scoop up after dog rather than a husband any day of the sl.
I adopted a forsaken abused rescue chihuahua when I was 82. My two old dogs had recently passed and I was devastated znd lonely. I had to convince the shelter that I was the right person for this ailing animal. She goes everywhere with me. She even flew to Las Vegas with me. She will probably outive me, but all my family are dog lovers and will take her into their hearts if that happens. Occasionally we pop by the shelter to show them they made a good decision. We needed each other. It works.
What a hoot. I love Mary Maxwell.. My own mother was very funny, well into her 90's. I miss her off the wall comments, made even funnier as her dementia went on, and she became more 'frankly spoken'..luckily, I wrote many of them down...
flippant answer by a non-dog lover....i'm an old fart and i can't walk without aid .....i'm not likely to attract a woman most people are not in the market for a criple....but my pit mix loves me and is adored by my neighbors , delivery folks and my few friends...i have a fenced yard and he , at 13 yrs old , still patrols the yard at will. the poop to acreage ratio is such that the rain obviates the need of a scooper ( the yard is rustic and wooded) he's my constant wingman and attends my every move. if i lose him ( ie....he goes first ) i will be....lost
Don't get a cat. They'll train you instead of the other way around. :D My 13 year old has trained me to fetch her wet food, dry treats and tap water from the faucet in addition to getting water from her pet fountain. When we play, she bats the ball and I fetch. I think the game is called exercise the human slave.
My mother is 93…she lost her cat about a year ago. Now she has adopted a nice slightly older boy and both she and the cat are quite happy with the arrangement.
I agree with you Mary, a dog may be company but if you are very lonely as she implied you need a human being around, a senior like you, male better that assist you and makes you feel cared for. Surely he must be a funcionting 80 yr old if not he is in a home or on his way, either way both can live ther and enjoy each others company but with full time assistance at a assisted living for seniors.
That was funny but I wouldn't take her adice on that. I lost my toy poodle in Dec - same day I was t-boned in an accident. She had kidney disease and I'd been trying to get her over the holidays into the new year, but she had found the perfect successor to herself and within 4 my Ruby Rain, an 8 yr old chihauhau had fit into all the empty spaces Peaches had left. I couldn't be happier. Peaches is happy she left me in good paws. Ruby is happy, never had so much land and affection. I'm happily enjoying Ruby's company and happy to have saved little Ruby from a succession of feeble elderly owners and the last stop, a "kill" shelter. When you are bereft of a loved companion, the only thing to do is find another companion to love and beloved by ASAP. There's many out there who need you.
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment on here and I like your comment. I can tell you're a very positive person. If it's okay with you I'd love to be friends❤
Some of us are not tickled by her humor…we get that she is being facetious…honestly we understand…but we think it’s unkind to make fun of a elderly woman who is lonely without a dog. Senior citizens are not punchlines.
I adore you Mary thank you so much for this video .You just cracked me up laughing until I starting crying again. But these tears Mary was happy ones ,f or all the things you were saying about the home stand home .You are so funny ,and what me laugh even more after you tell God and the audience your joke is you don't smile or laugh through any of those wonderful jokes lines. Thank you Mary for my tears today after listening to your wonderful performance so awesome and great lines and awesome jokes. After all I was crying a lot but , it was very sad and hurting and broken heart of losing my best friend my love of my life my wonderful husband Norman, So that's why I said the years of laughter was from your video so thanks for making me laugh and enjoyed it very much. God bless you with many more years and keep up the great laughter for everyone to share. Laughter is the best medicine for body for the heart as well. Sinc. Maria . :D
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment on here and I like your comment. I can tell you're a very positive person. If it's okay with you I'd love to be friends...❤
I don't agree with Mary, and I didn't find this particularly funny (as some of her other stuff was). I think an 82 old man would be WAY more trouble than a dog and his poop would be much worse to clean up after. I think Linda should either get an older dog, or get a cat. Cats are good company and need a lot less care than dogs . . . or men.
As an 83 year old man I find your comment slightly disconcerting. While an 82 year old might be a bit gassy we probably won't poop on the floor, we can give ourselves a bath and we won't be infesting the house with fleas and ticks or other vermin as a dog or cat will . And, depending on your appearance we probably won't be humping your leg or sniffing your butt.
Animals need care and even the best animal drops hair. If a person can barely clean up after themselves an animal is not a good idea. I took care of a my friend who had a NewFi that was as big as a saint Bernard and that dog was way more work than my friend. The dog soaked the entire floor by swishing it's face in her water bowl,she smelled up the entire house,and the hair was disgusting. She was as happy to see me as he was,both were so lonely. I live an hour away and would go over every other day for 5 mounths until I started back to work.He went into a home a week after I went back to work and died a week after that. He was obese, diebetic,and my dear friend. I wouldn't let him give me has money or anything. I ended up with his dog when be died.I told him I would take care of her. She was happier at my house than I had ever seen her. We walked her twice a day,and she lost weight and could get up with ease. I thought she had a bad hip but she was actually over weight and under active. We found a friend who loved the dog and lived on a farm and didn't mind allowing her in the house. My house is for people only. So Lady now has a family and kids who run and play with her.
An 82 year old man will miss the toilet and expect to be waited on hand and foot. Will probably complain about what he eats and leave his underwear on the floor. He might bite too.
I agree with Mary, is evident this lady misses her husband more than the dog and the dog was her only companion, so a functioning live in friend or partner or husband its a better option that a dog to take care of. If it's 80 or over and not functioning surely he is in a home or moving into one. If he is ok he can keep her company, take care somewhere or even visit her or move with her to an assisted living place when both have too. You can never compare the good company of a human to a good company of a pet you fully have to take care of and could never assist you on anything.
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment on here and I like your comment. I can tell you're a very positive person. If it's okay with you I'd love to be friends
Hello I am so sorry if this sounds weirds but you wrote such a nice and wonderful comment on here and I like your comment. I can tell you're a very positive person. If it's okay with you I'd love to be friends❤
I think a dog would be easier to take care of than an invalid old man with a temper that demands to be waited on and have his butt washed.Sorry many sides to a story.
Well, at 65 I really didn't think I would get married again after my husband died. We were so close for 21 years. However, I have a suitor who has been most persistent, and has become a friend I am quite fond of. I know he wants to marry me when we know each other appropriately. I do believe I will say yes. You're never too old to have love and joy in your life.
MARY, YOU ARE SOOOO WRONG....DO NOT LISTEN TO HER. THERE ARE SOOOO MANY OLDER RESCUE DOGS THAT NEED HOMES - ANY HOME, FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. A HOME IS BETTER THAN NOT BEING RESCUED OR EUTHANASIA. MARY....GET HUMAN OR STOP GIVING ADVICE!!
I agree with Mary, almost since we have been married we have had a 'family' of stuffed rabbits and bears. They all have their own character, some are a bit cheeky, some are a bit shy, some are outright rude, but we would not be without them!! They do not eat too much, they all love chocolate and ice cream and a cup of tea in the morning. They don't need toileting or taking for walks. All you need is a bit of imagination and they will make you happy!!
Well another fine mess you got us in Mary. I snap, growl and talk back sometimes but I don't have flies which is the best selling point for my fiance. I'm scared to show her this video now.
Mary is a Scream -- I want to Grow old like her!!! Am 66 and REALLY starting to get it! In my mind, I am still 40ish. Men my age act like I'm prehistoric, when actually they are the ones with limited years ahead because of their Bad attitudes and bad diets, And, all the while the younger set Seems to "Think We All deserve to BE happy" , especially when It is the "Happy" they determine for us, the younger set that is -- like , for example, trying to match Us with "Tom" next door so as to justify their idea of "Old" people Happy -- ha-ha! When actually happy at 66 is being left the $&$@ alone and being allowed to find ones own path back to God -- because kids, Back to god, because that, is eventually where we all go. Cold Hard Truth. In the meantime, If I want a Dog or a Kitty Who Loves and appreciate me More than any Human person I know, I believe I should have them in my life and household with a legal arrangement for this next ownership care if I should go with God before they do. Is that really Sooooo unreasonable for all you youngins who just "want" Me to be "Happy."
Dogs get lonely too. People who cant take care of themselves shouldn't get a dog. My friend was obese and had a huge dog who was as lonely and depressed as he was. When he died I took the dog and couldn't believe how joyful and happy she was at my home compared to his. My home had college kids and their friends coming and going. My husband walked her in the morning and afternoon, and I walked her midday before work. She could barely get up when she came to our home. She slimmed down and got in shape with all the walking. She was a huge dog,a Newfi ,which are water rescue dogs. She was the sweetest dog.
At first I totally disagreed with the husband idea however if the husband is at least 20 years younger or more now that might be an option. You don’t want to have to take care of an invalid you want to be taken care of for a change.
Do people not realize she’s comedian? She’s giving out advice, tongue in cheek. In fact, she doesn’t say get a husband. She said you might consider getting a husband. I think she’s hilarious.
Nope, nope! Gotta disagree with Mary. I have had one husband and many dogs and cats in my 74 years. None of them were unkind or as much trouble as him. And as for marrying an old man, no way! Women nearly always turn into the caregiver and nurse for them. Much harder than cleaning a litter box or scooping poop.
