Are we too old to get a dog

I love dogs woof woof

I'm not that happy that DH will be retiring at 64 this year but as this means we can have a dog (almost certainly a rescue staffie) again I'm not entirely despondent. I work in care and we support a number of people in their 80s who still have dogs and care for them very well. The carers are always happy to take them for a quick walk around the block if the owners are not up to it. I'm getting fit this year with a view to getting a horse again in my retirement - plenty of people in their seventies in the classes I go to at the stables.

Why not happy about DH retiring? LIfe can get so much more interesting when you have more time together. Many folks start on a whole new adventure. I have two sets of friends who have recently invested in smart little camper vans....they are raring to go (plus dogs of course).

Go ahead and get a dog they give you a lot of pleasure, I’m sure you’ll find a lovely doggie sitter for your holidays abroad there’s plenty about

Hilda, I am younger and don't have the luxury of a public sector pension, so I have to work at least another two years, possibly three. Once we get to state pension age we will be fine but for those of us who were not contracted out we have to wait until we are 66 (now) to get our SERPS/second state pension payments.

Don’t despair Pernilla, its surprising how much it costs to go to work. Fewer ‘quick’ meals and take aways when you’re too tired or short of time to cook, less work gear, fares, car parks, fuel. It’s amazing how all those little things add up. You may find you’re better off than you think you’ll be.

I had an ex-breeding bitch from Many Tears and we just adored each other. She had never lived indoors or been taken for walks. She didn’t ever play or see the point of walks.
After 3 tranquil and happy years she died and her successor was an 8 week old puppy who has been hard work. Fun but exhausting.
Choose your dog with care, knowing that you don’t have the energy or agility of a young person and may develop health problems during the dog’s lifetime.

I've had many dogs and great regret about two of them who had to go to kennels. I'll never forgive myself for leaving the Sheltie in kennels to go on holiday.

The GSDs had to go to kennels as I had to have a major operation. The GSD bitch never recovered psychologically, but the boy GSD thrived in the kennel. My point is that whatever dog you choose it should be one that is well able to be left alone without you for a long time.

Have you thought about Petstay, home checked carers will board your dog at their home, or you could register yourself and get your dog fix that way

I'd do that in future, Yorksherlass, if I have to leave my dog with strangers.

You sound wonderful doggy parents.

If you want to try before committing to one have a look at this website....

www.borrowmydoggy.com

I know people who do this and they think it is brilliant.

It may be best of both worlds.

It must be lovely to be able to put your dog into a home environment when you are away. We recently adopted a rescue cat, and are now casting around for the best way to care for her when we are away, even for a couple of nighjts. Although feeding/watering are straightforward, the problem is that she loves human company, and I hate the thought of her being alone for hours on end.

You would potentially be brilliant hosts for your local Barking Mad branch. They are always looking for dedicated dog lovers to care for their customers' dogs when the owners go on holiday. You fit it around your own lifestyle, so no problems with booking your own holidays, no paperwork for you to do except follow the Pet Schedule for each dog and write a postcard! Most hosts are retired folk who do not want to commit to having their own dog but who really need a 'doggy fix' now and again! See barkingmad.uk.com and pop in your postcode.

Go for it!
We have friends to stay who look after our dog and cat( until recently) when we are away. Works well - pets in own home and I can relax and friends free holiday in Lake District.