The New Citizens Press

Dear Cathy,

I need your help. I am over 70 years old and I recently lost my dog of over 10 years.  He was adopted along with the cat I had who also recently passed after 18 years with me. I have been looking to adopt now since the beginning of 2020.  I located a rescue group and after a home check was approved to adopt. At this point in my life, I do not want a puppy. I would like an older dog, something small to keep me and my husband company. A dog would also encourage us to walk more.

Roses are one the most favored flowers to give to loved ones.

Photo by RF Studio

  By Jan Bidwell

Photo by Sergey Okhrymenko

 By Kathy Valentine

By Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency

Dear Cathy,

I am a pet lover. I have two kitties and enjoy my sister's two dogs.

I work as a visiting nurse. Our policy is that when a nurse, social worker, home health aide, or physical or occupational therapist comes to your home, you must put your dog in another room, or have the dog firmly under control with a leash.

We have had a number of nurses bitten on the job. I am one of them. It's an added stressor that is so readily preventable. Many people ask, “Are you afraid of dogs?” It's not about being afraid of dogs, it's about keeping everyone safe. Some dogs feel threatened when a stranger comes in the door and starts touching their owner or draws their blood.

Some people are offended when we ask them to secure their dog. “Why Fifi wouldn't hurt a fly!!” Fifi might feel exceedingly stressed and threatened at my presence though.

Could you talk about dog policies for those who visit homes, and why it's important for people to simply follow the rules?

-Grace, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Turundus Luckett III is 4-years-old and Nevaeh Denise Luckett is 2-years-old.