You cannot go for a walk around South Philly without seeing someone walking their dog.
I challenge you.
Dogs make wonderful companions, no matter your age. (And yes, cats do, too.) But when you have a large breed such as a Mastiff, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd or Great Dane, you get what is affectionately known as “big dog privilege.”
It is an unspoken safety measure. People tend to give you a little more space when they see a 100-pound dog walking beside you. They may cross the street, give you a wider berth on the sidewalk or think twice before approaching you. It does not necessarily matter that your big dog is actually a sweet marshmallow who would happily accept a belly rub from a stranger.
The stranger doesn’t know that.
And that’s the privilege.
Patricia, 79, lives in the Whitman neighborhood of South Philly. She believes a household is not truly a home without a loving animal to share it with. You can often find Patricia on long walks with her trusted German Shepherd, Nico, by her side.
“Nico is my fourth German Shepherd,” Patricia says. “They are devoted, intelligent, a great companion, have a protective nature and are very huggable.”
You’ll probably want to ask Nico if you can be friends first.
She is very protective of her mom, but once she trusts you, she gives the best kisses and happily shows off her playful nature. There is a difference between a dog who is simply walking beside you and a dog who seems to understand that you are her person.
Nico came into Patricia’s life when she was 7 months old. This October, Nico will turn 7. Her parents came from Germany, and Patricia cannot imagine life without her.
Like many dogs, Nico has a personality all her own. She loves jumping for bubbles when she plays in her backyard, and she has discovered plenty of ways to entertain herself inside the house.
When Nico chooses a ball from her toy box, she runs upstairs to the top step and drops it down. Then, with lightning speed, she chases it down the stairs to retrieve it and start the game all over again.
It is a small ritual, but those are often the things that make a house feel like home.
According to the University of Michigan’s 2025 National Poll on Healthy Aging, 55 percent of adults age 50 and older have at least one pet. The poll also found that pet owners commonly describe their animals as providing companionship and a sense of purpose, while previous research has linked pet ownership with benefits such as lower blood pressure and reduced stress and anxiety.
For Patricia, the benefits of having Nico around are not theoretical. They are part of her everyday life.
Nico grants Patricia “big dog privilege.” Patricia knows no harm will ever come to her while Nico is at her side. And if Nico is unsure about you, she will let you know in a series of barks.
Not snarls. Not growls.
Just a few firm barks encouraging you to continue on your way.
There is something comforting about knowing that someone — or, in Nico’s case, something — is always looking out for you.
As we age, a dog provides more than unconditional love and entertainment. They can give us routine, companionship and a reason to get out of the house. For older adults especially, that daily routine can become an important part of life.
“Once we retire, we still need a reason to wake up,” Patricia says. “Nico keeps me energized, and I look forward to our daily walks.”
That may be one of the most important things a dog can provide: a reason to get up and go.
The leash needs to be clipped on. The shoes need to go on. Someone is waiting at the door.
And when you step outside, the neighborhood is waiting, too.
Patricia reminds us that companionship is a two-way street. To receive love from a canine family member, you have to give love in return.
For Patricia, that love even includes brushing Nico’s teeth every night.
She tells Nico to go upstairs, and Nico heads toward the bedroom. All Patricia has to say is “bathroom,” and Nico calmly makes her way over for her nightly teeth brushing.
There is something almost comical about imagining a nearly 7-year-old German Shepherd obediently reporting for her dental hygiene appointment. But it is also a beautiful example of the relationship Patricia and Nico have built together.
They know each other’s routines.
They understand each other’s cues.
They depend on each other.
From head tilts to nuzzles, backyard bubble chasing to nightly tooth brushing, Nico gives Patricia joy, peace of mind and continued purpose.
And perhaps that is the greatest privilege of all — not simply having a big dog by your side, but having a companion who reminds you that you are needed.
Every single day. ••
