Anxiety Aunt: I am widow and keen to find a pet that will offer companionship and fill up my quiet empty house

Dear Aunty, My husband passed away one year ago and I have been finding it hard adjusting to a quiet, empty house. Previously we’ve always owned dogs – I’m allergic to cats – and I would love another dog but I am not sure I could keep up with the walks required now that I am older. You’ve mentioned that you have birds, so would you recommend them as a good option for someone looking for a bit of company and a bit of noise in the house? Let me know your thoughts. Yours, Lonely Dear Lonely, A bit of noise? That’s the understatement of the century, my dear. One’s parakeets, moody Meghan and henpecked Harry, squawk and squabble from sun up until sun down. Sometimes, after dinner, one pretends it is later than it is in order to put the blanket over their cage and sneak off to watch television in One’s bedroom. One has learned there is nothing worse than trying to work out whodunit in Law & Order only to miss important clues because Meghan has taken a wild turn and is shrieking and flapping around her cage like a rabid Boxing Day bargain hunter. One has had birds before and they were never like these two. They are high maintenance, well one is at least. Meghan cannot leave poor Harry alone. She is forever at him, picking a fight or trying to preen him when he just wants to eat his seed undisturbed. The only time poor Harry gets any respite is when Meghan catches sight of herself in the little mirror in their cage and cannot tear herself away. You could say One brought it on Oneself with their names but One did acquire them in early 2018 and had no way of knowing what was to come. You could say Her Majesty and your Aunt were both blindsided by all that has passed. One supposes One should probably be grateful they don’t air One’s dirty laundry every time a guest is over. But still they are harder work than One ever imagined. Indeed One has had dogs that were much easier to look after. So One’s suggestion would be to find a pet that suits you. If it’s noise and liveliness you are after then perhaps a bird is the right choice. If you would rather an animal that provides more in the way of affection and companionship then maybe you should consider another dog. The trick is to make the correct choice. An exuberant golden retriever puppy clearly isn’t the right pet for you but our animal shelters are brimming with dogs that need to find a forever home and perhaps there is little pooch out there that would be ideal. A middle-aged small dog that doesn’t require too much exercise could be perfect for your circumstances. If you can’t find the right dog, sit it out. Dogs get surrendered for a whole host of reasons – an owner might pass away, suffer financial hardship or be required to move overseas or to a home where they cannot keep a dog – and these things can happen at any time. Stay in touch with the shelters or leave your details so they can get in touch with you if a suitable dog arrives. The other good thing about dogs is they get you out of the house. Walks around the block or a quick trip to a nearby park will ensure you both get some fresh air and exercise. Oftentimes you will meet dog owners on a similar schedule and get chatting. Loneliness comes in various forms and while a pet might help fill that hole, human contact is important too. So One can really see the benefits for you choosing dog. All the best, Lonely. One hopes your perfect match is out there waiting for you.