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Getting a dog in retirement

(80 Posts)
spyder08 Sat 06-Feb-16 21:07:32

Totally agree with GrannieBumble...getting a dog, in my opinion, is one of the best things you could do. A loyal friend to share your retirement! We have 2 smallish dogs, both rescues and I wouldn't be without them.
Both my husband and myself are well into our sixties.
You could of course consider taking an older dog who is looking for a home.
I hope you decide to take the plunge, I am sure you won't regret it!?

Regalo Sat 06-Feb-16 20:56:49

Absolutely go for it. We have never been without a dog. If you didn't want the total commitment , rescue centres are always looking for volunteers to walk the dogs. Or you could be a boarder for such organisations as Guide dogs. We have just taken on a guide dog puppy who will be with us for 12-14 months until he goes to advanced training. Hard work but absolutely gorgeous and very rewarding. Not sure our 13 year old dog thinks quite the same as us though! Keep us posted!

GrannieBumble Sat 06-Feb-16 20:52:48

Go for it Retrolady, you will both love having a loyal companion and you will get extra brownie points if you get a rescue dog, good for you for thinking about it !

Jane10 Sat 06-Feb-16 20:52:31

Don't know where all the doggy GNers are. I'm a cat person but did contemplate a dog but a move to a 4th floor flat saw that idea off. Good luck getting some sensible advice. Sorry I can't help!

Retrolady Sat 06-Feb-16 19:59:27

Hi everyone, wonder if anyone has any thoughts ... I have recently sort-of retired - doing voluntary work and not claiming pension yet. The OH is nearly retirement age. He is wondering how he is going to fill his time when he does take the plunge and I wondered if anyone else has got a dog when they retired. He always had dogs until we married so has experience, albeit not recently. I don't have any experience and I was wary of dogs as a child - not a problem now. We both love walking and being outdoors and have often commented that a dog would be lovely on our walks. Of course, I realise there is a whole lot more to it than that - training etc.... and what about getting a rescue dog. We have a lovely RSPCA centre near us, so could visit and chat to the workers there. Over to Gransnetters - especially anyone who has rehomed a dog when they (the humans, I mean) are 60+ and active. Thanks.