losing a pet

Awwww. So sorry to hear that. Pets matter so much and, the bottom line is that we love them and love hurts. Not sure how old is too old for having a new dog. Maybe it depends on the type of dog? Collies are such active ones. I've heard that retired greyhounds are good pets as they aren't too active? Maybe others have suggestions?

Sorry to hear your sad news, middleage. I think if you have a dog that might outlive you, you need to make arrangements for where they'll live afterwards, but there is no reaon to deprive yourself of their companionship and a dog from having a loving home, as long as you can care for them. Some dogs are ideal for older people who can't charge round the same. A friend's elderly golden retriever has slowed down with her and is very heloful in fetching things for her, but he was very bouncy for the first two or three years of his life - worth considering an older dog.

I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful dog middleage - I know how terribly upsetting it is to lose a much loved pet.

If you are still able to look after a dog and exercise it (or have someone who is willing to take it out) I'm sure it would be OK to consider getting another one when you feel the time is right. You would presumably check out which breed might now be most appropriate - amount of walks/food/grooming required, etc.

I believe there is a scheme that you can pay into (or it might be leaving a sum of money in your Will) which guarantees a home for your pet should you no longer be available to care for it.

so sorry middleage,they are part of your family you must be feeling very sad,perhaps a rehomed dog that has out lived its owner may be ideal for youxx

You have my every sympathy, middleagespread, never underestimate the way you/we feel about them, they are part of our lives and we miss them terribly when we lose them, even if we know that we are making the right decision when it comes to that awful moment.

I knew straight away that I wouldn't be happy without a pet (cats, in this case, although I used to have both, as in cats and dogs) and although no cats will ever replace my last three (we moved into this house with the 3 of them, all now resting in the garden ) I now have 2 lovely boys from Cat's Protection that bring me so much pleasure.

I think that both the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust have schemes for what they call their "golden oldies" (may not be quite the right thing, but I'm sure that if you Google it you will find something!) They are keen to look for homes for older dogs that many people overlook because they want puppies or younger dogs. I think with this scheme they will pay (or make some allowance for) vet bills.

Give it some thought, it might be the ideal thing for you, but of course in the end it is only you that will know.

PS What a handsome, dignified chap he looks in his photo!

I had various breeds over the years, but have a soft spot for collies! My dear old Poppy, (collie x spaniel) was possibly my best dog ever, a rescue job, took 3 months to house train but picked up everything else immediately! Would always trot a little way ahead on walks, but then come back and gently round us up into a neat bunch! Still miss her after more than 14 years.

That's so sad, what a handsome chappie.
We made the decision when our last dog died 5 years ago, that we wouldn't have any more pets.
This was partly because of us both working full time but also because I couldn't face losing another dog (I'm not a cat person).

Yes, initially we missed everything about having a dog, but apart from occasionally dog sitting for a friend, we're sure that for us it is the right decision.

Middleagespread Sorry to hear that It must have left a big hole in your life.
I also have heard that retired greyhounds are good pets and not too demanding of excercise. I don't know how old or fit you are but if you can still manage a dog see if any rescue centers have an older dog.

A friend of mine had to have their little rescue dog put down and weren't really sure about replacing her but after a couple of months she discovered her husband had been nosing about on the local dogs home website and seen a very pretty little Jack Russell puppy. She has been with them for a year now.

You are never too old- but only if you make solid arrangements with friends or family for someone to take over FOR SURE, should you no longer be able to care for him/her- with financial backing if necessary.

So sorry to hear your news- we lost our Gatsby a couple of months ago, and we know little Slinky hasn't got long, at 16 with diabetes, and our Pudding is also getting very old, our cat aged about 18... just can't imagine not having a pet. Would a cat be easier to care for mas?

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful collie, middleage - it really hurts, I know, I've been there three times .
If you feel fit and able to care for and walk another dog, then go for it. Perhaps consider a smaller dog, one that would be easier for you to control as you get older - my DD's lab still pulls at age 7, despite all her hard work trying to train her out of it. We find it quite difficult to cope with this sometimes, so a smaller dog could be the answer.
In the meantime, ((((hugs)))) and for you x

Sorry about your loss .Difficult to replace a collie as they're such intelligent dogs. But, I was at a county show a few weeks ago and was chatting to a couple of people who bred Papillons, and they said a lot of people that had had dogs such as German Shepherds and other breeds that were very intelligent switched to Papillons when they got older as they were very clever dogs that will take as much exercise as you want them to, at the same time not needing a lot if it wasn't possible. I know they were biased but other people have told me the same. We thought recently that we were going to lose our dog[she was ok in the end] and agonised over what to do, but had decided to get a puppy if we lost her [we have whippets].

Commiserations from me, middle age, the loss of a pet leaves such a hole doesn't it. Our old rescue dog died 3 years ago and is still missed, despite the fact we still have 2 dogs. My heart goes out to you.

Would you consider rescuing an older dog? Many of the charities that support specific breeds will help with medical costs if adopters/foster carers are willing to care for an elderly dog.

Great ot adopt an older pet- especially one that is well trained and not a 'puller'. We intend to find another couple who likes travelling, and adopt a pair of dogs, and right from the start- look after each other's for week-ends then longer periods.

I have an elderly dog (13) and I know it's only a matter of a year or two until we lose him. I'm dreading it and I really feel for the loss of your beautiful furry friend (((hugs)))

I will get another dog after him, I couldn't be without a dog, but if anything happens to me I have the word of my children they would take on my dog, or I'll come back and haunt them.

We (as in Mr P & I) have an understanding and a promise that we will take on the pet of another GN member if need be.

It is difficult to express our promise in the right way! The cat in question is a lovely and much loved girl, saying that we will be happy to take her on (which we would) would mean that the GN member in question has either popped her clogs or become unable to look after the pet! If we say that we hope it will never come to this, would mean that the dear pet ceased to be! (perhaps not very well explained, but hopefully you will know what we mean!)

Our own two boys will be gathered into the extended cat family of our neighbour, as she has currently 7 cats, she may hardly notice the difference! (Especially as Oliver Sprout seems to be very chummy with young Marvin, or it might be Gerald )

I'm sorry you've lost your lovely boy, middle.
I downsized from retrievers and collies to Cavaliers when I retired. My latest one is a rescue, middle aged and so so loving and good. But any dog is a tie and I can't go away at all because my new girl barks at night when I'm away and a family member stays here. I think my present two will be my last dogs. I'm 70 and foresee an old age with a moggy but dogs need so much more care and cost so much more to keep.

Great Phoenix- every pet owner should make advanced directives to ensure all of them are cared for 'just in case' - but it has to be by someone who will look afther them well and wants them. One of our neighbours had to adopt their father's dog on his demise, and he was tied outside in all weathers and never taken out for a walk or petted, etc. This was before we moved here, and my dad went to visit him every day with some treats- and was desperate to take him for a walk- but never dared to ask in case it was seen as a criticism. His hair got all matted and his claws too long, diforming his feet- it was horrible. I think if I had lived here I would have had a word with them or called the SPA- such a shame.

dog sitting sounds like a great option. Thank you.

sounds like an option in due course. Early days yet.Still hurting too much.

good thinking.

Every day gets a little easier, though he is never far from my thoughts. Keeping busy, distracted. Reading all the comments has helped so much, thank you everyone.

The kind replies from strangers have helped so much. My OH finds not mentioning Rig his way of coping whilst I find comfort in sharing my memories of him. Thank all Gransnetters who have responded.

My old boy (he of 'dragged under trampoline by wanton hussy' fame) has just suddenly gone stone deaf.

I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of your new love soon middle if you decide that's the right decision for you

so cute.