Can I have a private post!!!
Should disabled people have a pet?
I’m not talking mild disability or mental health etc I’m talking about a bed bound person who has carers 4 times a day (double ups as well) and I care for him in between and receive carers allowance.
My father lives in a converted maisonette which I share with him and really wants a dog as a companion, he’s asked me to source one but I’m not prepared to look after this dog when he can’t even look after himself! Am I being selfish for not wanting the burden of a dog and him
Source
I am disabled and can care for myself and a cat, but stopped fostering dogs due to the fact I couldn’t walk them and that’s cruel in my eyes, if they cant care or willing to pay someone to do caring side then no I dont believe it would be fair on anyone, if they can afford extra care then I dont see why not, animals are great help emotionally.
My brother is disabled and fully dependant on us and care team. We’ve always had animals and always will. Cleaning up and taking care of them is a small price to pay when the person receives a companion. It’s lonely being by yourself
Maybe Therapy Dogs could help? I know they go into homes and hospitals etc. Just a thought, owning a dog is hard work. I often feel animals help heal a person but if bed bound owning a dog would be really hard especially as nobody to care for it.
I rescued my dog off a woman that was bed bound and she has struggled with normal life because of it! So no
If they can’t look after turns elves they can’t look after a pet. That sounds harsh but it’s true h x
Get him a kitten companion.
Caring for a bed bound person is enough however you might find some peace of mind from a dog too. But you are not being selfish at all. What you are doing is hard hard work and emotionally draining. If he was transferred to a care home, he would not be allowed a pet if any kind. Only do it if it works for you too.
My friend had 4 dogs. Tetraplegic full time careers and lived for her dogs. Pets are natural healers so yes.
Lots of little senior dogs looking for a couch/ comfort to settle on that would be maybe be ideal, a dog walker could help few times a week to take the dog out for a walk. Depends on whether the carers would be OK about letting the dog out to the toilet. A dog can provide massive comfort
There is no reason why a disabled person shouldn’t have a dog. However, you and his carers are not selfish if you dont want to take on the additional responsibility. If a dog comes in to your home its got to be wanted and for life. There are people who visit homes with their service animals. Maybe contact them and see if they can arrange visits.