Upated May 4, 2008
A while back I wrote a post about the difficulty in finding a companion dog for my elderly mother. She has been wanting a dog ever since her 12 year old sheltie died last November. My sister and I had been searching and running into a lot of roadblocks, including losing the first dog I found for her as related below.
Now, under the category of "no good deed goes unpunished", I found a breeder who had a 10 year old that had been used for breeding but that she was willing to place. I took mom out to the breeder and we got the dog. Here's where things turn bad. We got her back to Mom's house and I walked her to the dog run, then we went to the door of the building. As soon as the door opened, the dog got spooked, pulled out of the collar and ran off. I felt terrible and looked for the dog for hours, to no avail. The breeder came over and helped to look, we put up fliers, informed the police and neighbors and nothing happened. I can blame myself for not realizing the dog could get away or the breeder for putting the collar on too loosely, but it was an unfortunate incident.
I now have some good news. I contacted a Papillon breeder who did not have any dogs available, but referred me to another breeder. This one had a six year old female Papillon looking for a home. She is housebroken and used to being with people all day.
The other good news is that someone found the sheltie and returned her to the breeder. She would not have been right for my mom.
I went to pick up "Fifi" Thursday and deliver her to my mom. After some initial nervousness and howling, Fifi settled in, sleeping on my mom's lap most of the evening then on her bed all night. Mom and Fifi seem very well suited. I checked in this morning and all is well, with Fifi following Mom around the house and sitting next to her on the couch. Now, a few days later, it seems that the two are inseparable. Mom says that Fifi follows her all day and jumps onto her lap as soon as she sits down. She has adopted my mom as her person and, although friendly with everyone, prefers to stay by my mother. 
The loss of a beloved pet is difficult for anyone, but is devastating for an elderly person who lives alone and wants to remain independent. My mom was quite upset by the loss of her sheltie and was unhappy until the Papillon entered her home and her heart this week. A loving companion animal can be of great comfort to a senior.
The additional benefit of all this searching was finding out more about the Papillon breed. I would recommend this breed to anyone looking for a small, easy to care for, yet alert, intelligent and affectionate dog.
Last, but not least, thanks to all of the Active Rain people who responded to my post with such heartfelt concern. I really appreciate it.
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I'm so sorry to hear about the dog that ran away! And about your mother's grief - over this dog and the one she had for 12 years.
It seems that since you are willing to take the dog when need be, there is no reason your mother shouldn't have a dog. How fortunate that you have the situation where your mother can live somewhat independently at 94. She deserves a pet companion!
I agree that a small, older dog would be the best choice. While shelties are such wonderful dogs, they really are very active dogs right to the end. Why don't you work with the volunteers at the shelter to help you identify a good fit? They often take in dogs because their owners have moved to a nursing home or passed away. There is bound to be a dog out there with your mother's name on it!