My last dog or cat?

I'm in the same dilemma. Lost our amazing dog almost this time last year. Miss him so much. Adult children, their girlfriends etc want me to get another but they don't live at home. And so just me to do all and be tied. And you have to realise it's a possibly 15-year commitment, hard to decide,

When our last pet died 3 years ago, I assumed that after a while we would get another one,DH didn't want any more really, but we had always had one or two ever since we were married.
The longer we go on without one though, the less I want to get another one.
As others have said, the house stays cleaner, no food smell, no hairs, no letting animals in and out etc.We can go away for the day or even stay the night somewhere with no planning.The money we must save in a year too!

Two years since we had our beloved Abby PTS. I said then that I thought she would be our last dog. However, although the house is cleaner and we are not so tied I still miss the loving presence of an animal. If we did get another it would definitely be another rescue, the last two were both rescues and were both wonderful dogs.

Our last cat died almost seven years ago, at the age of almost 21, and that was the first time in my life that I'd lived in a 'petless' home!
I've lived with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, goldfish, tropical fish, both fresh and salt water, and at one point, we even had two geese, named Daphne and Diane!
The thought of living without a pet was unbearable, but DH made me promise to do twelve months before getting another animal, just to give me time to see what life was like without the ties and responsibility.
We're still a 'petless' household, but I'm never going to say 'never'! At the moment it's easier for us to not have a pet, but in the future.....maybe!
So, MawBroon, my advice is to wait a while, Grace was such a big part of your life that you need time to grieve for her. Then give yourself a few months to see how you feel, it's far too soon to be considering another dog yet.

Maw I feel for you. I have been a year without my dog, a beautiful Irish Setter I'd had for 12 years. If my DH had not died in 2013 I would probably have gone for a new Setter puppy. But I am afraid that at 68 and on my own I couldn't manage though I am very fit. You do need someone to help with a dog and it is a tie. But they are such loving companions. I do wish you all the best whatever you decide x

MawBroon, it seems to me that you're actively thinking over the pros/cons of replacing your dog.

You may have 'always' had a dog, over many years it was something you expected to carry on with. But it's true, there are many disadvantages.

We no longer have a pet of any kind. Our last cat died a few years ago and we took the decision not to replace her. We've also been offered a little dog, someone died and left about 3 dogs behind. 'Oh they're ideal for your age, they don't need a lot of exercise...' No, but the responsibility is still there, and the tie, the commitment. Not to speak of the expense - insurance etc!

Nowadays, never mind the age, we like being able to drop everything and go, without a lot of complicated arrangements to be made. And we prefer watching the wildlife.

Assistance dog - puppy parent or foster parent (for when the puppy parent is on holiday etc). You get all the pleasure of a dogs company and meet lots of other doggy people at the weekly training classes. No food to buy or vets bills and the dog is looked after when you are away.
The downside is having to say goodbye to them when it's time for their advanced training.

Difficult one ...we always had cats ...when the last of 'our' cats passed away from old age (he was 24 ) we decided no more ....then a little stray cat arrived from the neighbour who moved .....then one morning another stray cat was asleep in a chair in the conservatory, having come in through the cat flap ......now we have been joined by another stray cat from another neighbour who left (they tend to do that a lot here in France ...just leave them poor things !) SO ? what to do now ,,, husband just been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, has bad eyesight, is very very unsteady on his feet (has rollator, won't use it !) ...trips over cat many times ...just this weekend he has fallen over 5 times trying to avoid the cat

Cats have scratched and bitten me, doctor sent me to Urgence for antibiotic drip, injections, creams, etc ..and advised us to remove the cats !

Husband will not hear of trying to re home them ....all have been neutered at vast expense, de fleed, wormed, et et and cost a fortune in cat food which I usually end up throwing away .......dilemma ? what to do ?

I think dogs should be prescribed on the NHS it is proved nothing keeps you healthier. What else would get you walking out in the trees twice a day and make your oxytocin soar with the cuddles?

I lost a very precious' special needs' cat last week & am still grieving for him. He was only 11 & as I have had cats live to 24 it seemed so young but he had a lot of neurological problems. I have 2 other ' not quite normal' cats too- we seem to collect 'special animals'. Our beautiful dog died 2 years ago aged 18.
I am only 66 so I hope I have a way to go but I must be honest & say although I miss the dog so much at this stage of life (6 young grandchildren & a good social life) we have decided that we are better without another dog. I was always rushing home from children to make sure dog was OK- she had a dog flap into large secure garden but you can't leave a dog alone too long. Cats don't really care as long as there is food down & they get a cuddle when you come home.
I can't get another cat as the 2 we still have would be horrified & one of them would probably leave home- she has 'previous', They adored the one we lost- but a dog - no not now. I do miss the walks though- but not on icy mornings or when the rain is tipping down.

DH is 69 and I am 62 and we lost our 15 year old dog in December and were always going to getter another dog. We did think about re homing one as there are cocker spaniels (our breed) available quite regularly. After much thought we decided to get another puppy as we have six young grandchildren so we wanted the dog to be used to them from the start. We now have a lovely 15 week old cocker pup who is as good and as calm as we can expect from a pup but there is no doubt she is hard work just like a toddler,always looking for mischief. I am sure she will be our last puppy but we would certainly consider re homing an older dog in the future.

After losing my old cat 18 months ago its taken a lot of "Shall I, sharnt I " much the same as you, but my house seems too quiet. So 3 weeks ago I was bought a late birthday present of an 8 week old Shih tzu. I was 60 at Christmas and im struggling, but thats because I have health problems, I chose this breed because they need little exercise. Shes very cute, very intelligent and hard work, but im sure she will make me a great companion. Dog crates keep them safe when you're out, and they usually do not foul in them, also stops chewing things when you're not there. They feel safe in the crate, and mine has a lovely mattress and lots of toys, its left open when im home and she goes in and out. However she hates being left even for short spells and yaps constantly. Neighbours say they can't hear her. Ive spent a fortune on stuff for her and securing the garden. Puppy pads for toileting can also be useful. As you know they are tieing, but my instinct tells me you want one. Be prepared for about a year of hard work, and then hopefully enjoyment...at least thats what im hoping. Good luck xx

My relative (mid 60s) lost her cat 10 years ago, and since then has lived alone. She didn't feel any other cat could replace her beloved boy, and also she likes to go away quite a bit, so saved on the cattery bills etc.

However, this year by some chance remark, she heard about a kitten that needed a home. She went to see him on impulse, and fell in love. Her home is now a lot more messy, he costs her money, she is more disorganised. But very very happy. She now feels her house is a home again.

I think you're right to give it a bit of time. You will know when and if the time is right for you. Often there are animals of middle age desperate for a new home.

Oh it's a difficult decision, I know, but we can't make it for you. We lost our Woody after 17 years of devotion and we said 'no more dogs' as the heartbreak was awful. I enjoyed the hairless sofas and the extra time I had with no walkies to do. But DH missed him so much because since his stroke[now has mobility issues) the dog kept him company, constantly on his lap. So six weeks later he started searching rescue websites and found our new little chap Timmy. DH was very depressed and made me feel guilty for not seeing how badly he needed a replacement, so of course I gave in. Timmy is a lovely little chap with a few issues but two years on is part of the family. We take him everywhere, on days out, for pub meals etc. Yes it's a tie, and I yearn for holidays abroad, but that won't happen due to DHs health so I've come to accept it. I would miss the warm welcome I get each morning and the cuddles when I sit down, but my two dodgy 66yr old knees complain on long walks, so I worry how long I'll be able to do it.

Oh Maw, I hadn't realised you'd lost Grace - how did I miss that? I'm so sorry. We lost ours a few months ago but had decided beforehand that she would be the last. She was a rescue dog and quite unwell all the time we had her but I think she was happy with us. DH is nearly 69 and didn't want the responsibility of another dog. We now have a rescue cat and he's just been a delight. But we're "cat people" and I realise that this isn't the answer for everyone. Things have a way of working out ...

We lost our Bernese at Xmas. I think if I had had my way, we wouldn't have had another dog. I am 65, he is 68. However,he was adamant he wanted another dog, so a 2.5 year old Bernese came to live with us in February. I have to say I'm waking a lot more now, and I know it's good for me, and I love her to bits. However, I still resent sometimes not being able to do what we want to do when we want to do it. A very tough decision to make. Take your time, and if it's meant to be, that new dog will come to you.

Maw I'm so sorry you've lost Grace. It is one of the hardest things, losing a pet and we know, don't we, that we'll likely outlive them, but still let them steal their way into our hearts .
We lost our last dog in 2000 and spent a couple of years in the wilderness, with no pets in the family. And then our DS adopted a lovely golden lab, who we not only saw regularly, but had him to stay every time they went on holiday (which was frequent!). Then 9 years ago our DD adopted a black lab and we see her several times a week. DS lost his dog 3 years ago, but bought another shortly after - DH walks him daily and he is currently with us while DS is away.
So we are lucky. It is almost as if we have a dog - we certainly have all the hair clogging up the vacuum, and poo in the garden! But none of the costs of food, insurance, kennels, vets etc.
But you are probably not in that position and my advice would be to give it a little while and see how you feel. Having no dogs in your life after a lifetime of dog ownership is really hard to deal with, so never say never.
I am so sad for the pain you are in, but in a while that will ease and you'll be able to smile with the memories you have of your beloved Grace

I rehomed a dog about 18 months ago, i was 72, shes lovely, wouldnt be without her, and if anything happens to me,while shes still here my daughter and partner would have her,, shes only about 5 now, she was oiriginally a rescue by the people i got her from, they decided to rehome her when they had a baby , because she was quite jealous,
They brought her to me, as of course wanted them to see where she would live,plus i had 5 cats,so needed to know she would be fine with them,
I asked if i could have her on a weeks trial, which wouldnt be too long for her
I decided before the week was up that i would keep her
I have lost 2 of the cats since to illness,
I love her to bits, and although doesnt interact with my now 3 cats, they are all fine with each other, and i love taking her for walks,

I waited about 6weeks after my last cat passed away after an acute illness. I was ready to welcome a new friend into my life and wouldn't be without her now! Obviously you need to choose wisely thinking about everything first,pets age,needs etc. Good luck and hope you find a new pet soon if you think it's the right decision. If you think a dog is too much now how about a more independent pet,a cat?

DS's cat has just died. Monkey (don't ask!) was aged 24.....

Meant to send flowers but that happened, why ???

I lost my two boy cats within 5 months of each other. They were rescued kittens who were never apart in nearly 15 years. It broke my heart that both went to the Rainbow Bridge almost together leaving me alone.
BUT had a picture creeping in my mind of a small black cat, so rang Cats Protection who had a black mum & her black & white daughter. I went to see them & Mum just cuddled close & I had been adopted by her straight away. Her daughter was the icing on the cake!
3+ years on & tho I thought I would not love them as much as I loved my Boys, I do love them as much just in a different way.
So give yourself time & there will be someone somewhere who needs a home with you for however long you can give. Do not be afraid to love another animal as we all need the company & the love that they bring! Good luck! flowers

I think you want us to say don't but I must say that since taking on new puppy last year (70) I couldn't be happier. She joined the six year old who was going through some kind of depression. I am just glad that the shoe chewing is over.!! There is not a day she doesn't make me and loads of people laugh. I do have dog support on standby for trips away etc. it didn't occur to me about my age ...we are a long lived family and I will put dogs care in Will. My mum died after an accident at 95. Basically if you have a husband and trips and you don't feel the big canine gap then don't. Only you will know. Mind you I otherwise live alone and near some great parks and woods and countryside. They add massively to the quality of my life. I love them so much.

if your active then why not volunteer with a dog charity if one near you , they always need help i do this as unable to have a dog where i live and enjoy two days a week walking dogs with the dogs trust

I bought a dog six years ago when I was 65, and another two years later. My DH was dead against the whole idea. But they filled a gap in my life which retirement had caused. DH absolutely adores them.now, and they go everywhere with us.....I find the essential walking a super discipline for me, and just love their company, dependence and devotion.