Can we herd pets into this conversation? A while back, someone was lamenting their geri-parents’ decision to home a new dog and how seemingly short-sighted that choice had been. There were no bones about the hound’s hereafter — that dog’s destiny was to be on some unsuspecting but charitable human’s dole, like it or not. Pets can be a real anchor point! And they can live a long, long time. (Here’s a picture of our geri-dog Dot, she is turning 15 soon) A couple I helped had half-moved into an assisted living facility when they were told the dog wasn’t invited. The wife flat out refused to go and stayed in her bed in her home while her husband floundered and boozed over the decision. In the end, they never moved in — because of the damn DOG. On the flipside, it’s facts pets make humans’ quality of life so much better. They help emotionally, intellectually and spiritually and some pets are even trained to provide service or render aid. Tough situation. I think at the very least, getting a pet later in life necessitates a frank conversation with the people who will be caring for us. What do you think? #GrandPlans