Hi Mojofilter,
Just thought I'd add my opinion (&photos!) I would advise you against a puppy but advise you towards an older dog (as someone has already done). About 4/5 years ago I had been in hospital for a very long time and when I got out at christmas, my Mum allowed me to go to our local dog rescue place and get a dog, I got a little cross-breed, she has never left my side since and got me through my illness. Like a guardian angel! Anyway, it transpired that the young dog we thought we had bought was actually quite old - at least 10 years old according to the vet!! But she is still going strong. The point of the story is, my Granny adores the dog (Tiny), she sits up on my Granny's knee and my granny strokes her saying "Haven't you got lovely silky ears"!! It really contents her. And because Tiny is quite old, she's happy to just sit about and be petted!
On the other hand, we also got a Yorkshire terrier puppy 2 years ago, and although my granny thinks it's lovely, she doesn't like her as much as Tiny, mainly because she's hyper!! She also gets under everyones feet so is a real health hazard! Therefore, I would advise you to go for an older dog as it would be better for both your mum and you, it will do you the power of good to have a doggy companion about!
Sorry, this has went on a bit! Good luck with the dog-hunt!
Love
Sonia
xx
P.S - DSCF0125 is Hollie (the yorkie 20months old) and DSCF0541 is Tiny (the crossbreed of undisclosed age!!)