Ceclia, I agree with @sprout50, don't' undervalue yourself. Your pets need you, they are your family. I am 54 married, but divorced, no kids, and no one but my cat. Now how's that sound for pathetic? 54 year old guy with a a cat! lol
What I'm saying it, you can do it. You can do it for you, and you can do it for your dog!. You can do it for any number of reasons. You have plenty to contribute, we all do.