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Internet can’t get enough of grandpa who brought dog to furniture store
Grandpa never wanted a dog, especially one allowed inside the home, until he met Cocoa.
Kristin Danley-Greiner
10.21.19

Dogs: they’re loyal, they’re loving, they’re devoted and they’re adorable. They greet us at the door when we come home, tails wagging and eyes lit up with love.

The simplest act of serving them their food and water is met with a full-body wiggle of thanks. All they want is our attention, our affection, a warm tummy, some belly rubs and ear scratches, and maybe some quality time on the couch.

Flickr/Jeffrey Sheelan
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Flickr/Jeffrey Sheelan

Aleecia Dahl’s grandfather never wanted a dog, especially one allowed to roam his home. But then Grandpa met Cocoa.

“Coco is the dog Grandpa never wanted but cannot live without. They are the best of friends that he never knew he needed.”

The Dodo
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The Dodo

Studies show that seniors owning and loving pets enjoy an abundance of health perks.

Dogs can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and require an increase in physical activity out of a sometimes sedentary senior.

Pets also reduce depression and loneliness, explained Linda Anderson who founded the Angel Animals Network in Minnesota with her husband, Allen, to spread awareness of the benefits of pet ownership.

“Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets’ companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet.”

Flickr/Eli Christman
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Flickr/Eli Christman

Marjorie and Richard Douse would have to agree. After they retired, they adopted Bonnie, a golden retriever puppy who quickly became an important member of the family.

“We never felt alone when Bonnie was in the house. As we aged and tended to go out less, she provided us with loving companionship.”

Therapy dogs are very much welcome in nursing homes and senior living communities because of how they perk up the residents. According to Therapy Dogs International, nursing homes were one of the first types of facilities to fully embrace the concept of pet therapy more than 30 years ago.

Flickr/Eli Christman
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Flickr/Eli Christman

“It is profoundly moving to see how dogs have the ability to help calm and soothe agitated individuals while lifting the spirits of those who are sad and lonely. They provide a medium for physical touch and display affection for those who have lived isolated lives. The mere presence of a dog raises the spirits of a person and the petting and touching of the fur allows one to have a wonderful object toward which to express their affection.”

Aleecia’s grandpa fully understands what a wonderful benefit Coco brings to his life. They are virtually inseparable and Coco usually tags along everywhere Grandpa goes. He even dressed her up in a fancy dress while he donned a bow tie and hat for a special occasion.

The Dodo
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The Dodo

The pint-sized pooch especially loves to curl up next to Grandpa in his favorite chair.

So when Grandma and Grandpa moved and needed new furniture, there was one prerequisite.

“It was Grandpa’s requirement that the footrest on his lounge chair was wide enough for him and Coco to sit side by side. She’s his little best friend.”

The Dodo
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The Dodo
Just to be safe, Grandpa toted Coco to the furniture store so they could test-drive each chair like Goldilocks in the fairytale. They had to find the right-sized piece of furniture for both of them.

“He brought Coco into several stores to try out chairs until he found the perfect one. Coco was always greeted with a smile, as I am sure it’s not every day a man and his dog go furniture shopping!”

It took a bit of time, but finally, Grandpa and Coco found the best chair for them. Aleecia snapped a few photos of their test run and they are simply endearing. Grandpa and Coco are so blessed to have each other!

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