My elderly parents (mid 80's) live out of state from me. Their beloved little dog is days/weeks away from dying and they don't want to get a new one (too hard and overwhelming to train, etc.). They have attached themselves to my little 10 yr old Maltese that they've watched off and on for me for years ( they've recently been watching her for me the past 2 weeks.). They literally spend every minute of every day caring for her, walking her, and talking non-stop about her. Say that she (and their other little dog) is the only reason they have to live or get out of bed in the morning (which is honestly true). I feel terribly guilty taking her back away from them. They are physically and emotionally very fragile right now, and I honestly think taking her from them might put them over the edge and cause them to become very depressed and "give up". My husband and I are retired and at home during the day, and I love her to death---she is like a child to us, but we also love and care about my parents. What to do?
Dogs have long memories; and if the time comes when they can't manage her safely (for them and/or her) she'll happily come home to you. But they're too old for a new dog of their own, and it's hard to think of any companion animal you could find for them instead which could combine entertainment, manageability and temperament in the way that a Maltese does.