losing a pet

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?