DR. WALLACE: My grandfather has a hard time getting his clothes on in the morning. He lives with us, and as he's aged the last couple of years, I've noticed he really struggles to get dressed in the morning.

As a teenager, I try to help my grandpa, but he usually waves me off. Do you think I should continue to try to help him get dressed in the morning, or just let him do his best even if it takes a long time? I'm always worried that he might lose his balance. — His Concerned Grandson, via email

HIS CONCERNED GRANDSON: Sometimes just being available nearby could be enough so that if he were to lose his balance, you might be there to assist him. He can still be as independent as possible for as long as he can, but this would provide a safeguard since slipping and falling is one of the biggest dangers elderly citizens regularly face.

I also have another suggestion. I recall seeing some shirts that are made with magnets instead of buttons, and this may help him quite a bit. If you go online and take a look around, I'm sure you'll find a few companies that offer them. It might make a great birthday, Father's Day or holiday gift for your beloved grandfather.

A PUPPY IS MY NUMBER ONE GOAL

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 years old, and my goal in life has been to get my own puppy. I promised my parents I would be responsible and take care of my dog, including giving it a walk for bathroom breaks and being responsible for it around our home.

My parents didn't promise me they would allow me to get a dog, but at one point about a month ago, my mom commented, "Well, I don't see any reason why you can't get a dog. Let's speak to your father and see what he says."

However, the next day when we got around to having a family discussion about it, my father told me that they are too expensive. Not only do they need to get their shots and be potentially neutered at some point, but their food costs more than ever these days. What really worried him was potential veterinarian bills down the road.

I guess the bottom line at this point is my father is holding off on getting a pet because he feels it's too expensive. Do you feel this is fair? My mom and dad spend money on various things they like to do to relax or socialize with their friends. I feel if they would cut back a little bit on this, we would have more than enough money to cover for my new dog. — I Really Want a Puppy, via email

I REALLY WANT A PUPPY: Your parents obviously work hard and provide for your home, clothing, food and education. They deserve some discretionary time and spending as the adults in your family. I feel your best bet is not to try to ask your parents to cut back on their spending to fund your new puppy, but rather for you to approach them and ask if you can start doing some babysitting or other jobs within your neighborhood. There might even be a few extra chores around your family home that your parents might pay you to do as well.

You also could consider doing some fundraising in your neighborhood by selling products or services and explaining to potential customers that you're fundraising for a new puppy.

If you can raise some money, I feel your parents should help you set up a bank account. You should figure out exactly how much a new puppy would cost you. Find out what fees there are from your local animal shelter to acquire a new dog and what expenses exist for the vaccinations your puppy may need. Study how much you feel your dog will eat per day and check prices online or at your local grocery stores and pet stores.

Finally, you're coming along at a very good time as a youthful pet owner. Some excellent pet insurance policies are more affordable and can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain eligible veterinarian bills.

I would highly recommend that you investigate such a policy and have your parents study it with you so they can see exactly what your insurance would cover for your potential new pet.

If you can raise enough money on your own, you may be able to afford your pet by yourself. Your parents may also be so impressed with your drive and proactivity that they might just be willing to meet you halfway on those expenses. Good luck!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025CREATORS.COM

Photo credit: Johan Mouchet at Unsplash