Are we too old to get a dog

Think about how often you are out or go away on holiday . I would have loved to have a cat again but we go away from home so often it would not be fair on the cat and would cost a fortune in boarding it out . A dog is even more of a tie .

Definitely give a home to a rescue dog oldgirl2 Don't get a large breed which may be difficult to handle. Do your research with the rescue centre of your choice, they will be able to advise you. Don't rush into it, take time to get the right fit for you and the dog. Taking holidays is not a problem, its good for the dog to socialise and for you to have a break. I disagree with other posters who decry boarding kennels, there are some very good ones. I have three dogs and they are quite happy to stay in a local boarding kennel. They stay together, are given medication where required and have lots of playtime. Their pictures are put on FB so we can see they are ok whilst we are away. Good luck you will have so much love and pleasure from your dog. ( and hard work)

Yes, I would contact your local sanctuary or the RSPCA. There are lots of older dogs who are looking for a home. Perhaps their owners are no longer able to care for them etc. You are def. not too old although I would be wary of a puppy. Make sure that you have good plans for when you are away etc. Our dog has been to dog boarding in the past and most recently we had a dog sitter to stay. Local FB page is good for recommendations, or the vets.

I love the idea of in home boarding, I have googled already and there are some within our area, with 5 star reviews which seem genuine. We have not the experience to be sitters ourselves, in fact, dog will need to take dh and I to classes to train us to his/her needs ??. We need to go to ds in next few days for family reasons, although it is a bonus to see dgc, and then we can go ahead. It’s exciting!

Why not register as pet sitters with a reputable agency?
You can have a dog in your own home and get paid.

snap ClareAB....they work really well don't they?

There are alternatives to kennels. We use a holiday for dogs company. They match you with someone in your area who can offer your dog a home similar to your own re access to exercise/other dogs etc. Your dog then becomes a 'house guest' and can really enjoy themselves. We have made great friends with the person we use and our dog is extremely happy to go there, getting very excited when we put her bed in the car and then drop her off. The fees are quite reasonable and you have the reassurance of knowing your pet is really being looked after. Most vets can recommended a service or at least have brochures. However there is one nationwide company who run a slightly different service that we would never use. They basically match you blind with a person...you do not get to see where your dog goes but are offered photos as a reassurance. They basically take your dog away and return it later....and charge you for the privilege. Some folks are happy with this arrangement, we are not.

It doesn't necessarily have to be kennels. Our girl goes to a dog carer and stays in her home as one of the family. The dog sitter also has a dog and my girl adores going there. She has a doggie holiday whilst we get on with ours without worrying that she's lonely.
I don't like kennels, they seem like doggie prisons to me.

You sound like the ideal people to get a dog. There are so many in rescue centres, including older dogs needing a 'retirement' home. You can make arrangements for the dog to be taken care of if you die before it does.

As long as you kind a good kennels there shouldn't be an issue. My Dobermanns used to go into kennels every year when we went away and they took it in their stride obviously helped by them having each other for company. Just make sure the rehoming centre ensures you don't end up with a dog with separation anxiety or they'll struggle in kennels. As for age none of us have a crystal ball but you sound an ideal fit for a dog. Good luck

Thank you ClareAB, I may have been a bit unclear, dog would need to go into kennels when we go away. We are prepared to limit holidays abroad to 2 a year and take others in UK with the dog, possibly cottages, although ideas would be very welcome. I do worry about kennels though.

Never too old....there are always plenty of dogs at Rehoming centres of all ages. A well run one will go to quite some lengths to ensure you are well matched re breed/activity levels/age etc. Good luck and they are a great way of keeping active and meeting up with lovely like minded people!

You sound like brilliant dog parents to be. Your idea of getting an older dog is wonderful.

My husband is a healthy 72, we got a lab last year and it has transformed his life. He walks her twice a day and adores her. I walk her on my own less often as have neck problems, but love going with them. Husband has lost weight, the veins in his legs which were an issue have improved. It has also helped him transition into (semi) retirement.

It's worth the dog hair, the muddy paw prints, the holes in my lawn!

The only thing I would take into consideration is size. Our girl weighs around 30 kilos and is impossible for me to pick up. This is a problem as she refuses to jump into the car and has to be carried the whole time in the vets. But we manage.

Good luck