Dear LPG,

I am hoping that you will post this message as advent comes round again.  I got a dog last year.  it was a Christmas present from my children but, while I love my pet, perhaps I made the wrong choice when they asked me which I should choose with hindsight.   I read this on your website and thought the information might be worth repeating at this time of year. 

PD, New Cross

When people retire, they suddenly feel that they have a lot of spare time. There is a void that needs to be filled in order to keep mentally healthy. Getting a pet can be a perfect solution.

If you decide to adopt a pet, you’ll probably have to answer this question: dog or cat? Well, it depends. There are a few things that you should consider before answering that question.

Dogs are very popular, but they are also very demanding. They need a lot of exercise and can’t be left alone at home for too long. So if you are not a very active person or you have some mobility problems, maybe adopting a dog is not a very good idea. Also, if you live on your own and spend a lot of time out of your house, you should weigh up other possibilities. However, dogs provide companionship and protection, so adopting one can be an excellent choice if you have the time and energy to look after it.

On the other hand, cats are much more independent than dogs and you don’t have to exercise them (so they are perfect for people with mobility issues). Still they provide company, which is great for people who live on their own and feel lonely.

Whether you choose a cat or a dog, keep in mind that both have a long life expectancy and kittens and puppies require a lot of attention, so maybe you should consider getting an adult one. Your pet will become your best friend and getting an older cat or dog won’t be a problem at all