Are we too old to get a dog

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

I love dogs woof woof

An alternative to getting a dog from a shelter is, if you have a specific breed in mind, to contact breeders or breed clubs and see if they have or know of an older dog they wish to re-home. This may be a dog they have bred from or shown or even an older puppy that has not quite made the grade for the breeders future plans.
Rescue dogs from shelters are not always the best option for everyone in my opinion.

We got our first ever dog aged 70 and 72. We did not have any problem finding a dog and were welcomed by rescue centres. Our dog has been with us 15 months and has just turned 9. We are both fit and active. She is the most amazing companion and has transformed our lives.

Again, put plans in place for 'in case' - that should always be done, with any pet, at any age. A plan, agreed with those who would take over- and finance to go with it, if required.

Our dogs have all lived to very ripe old age- Pepper at about 18 (as a rescue, his age was estimated at 3 when we found him)- Gatsby about 17, and even Slinky the rescue dachs- in late life blind and diabetic- lived to a good 17. Our Emma is now 13.5 and she is as fit as a fiddle and I imagine has another good 5+ years in her.

Absolutely not, will do you both the world of good! My 83 yr old Mum took on a more elderly chap last year as she missed having one so much - if anything happens to her then he would go back to the charity that rehomed him in the first place if none of us could take him on ..... she is fitter than I am!

There are so many older dogs (and cats) looking for a home that you would be ideal!
If you are worried about putting them in kennels, maybe there is someone nearby that will either house sit for you or look after them in their own home.

Go for it. You sound like lovely dog parents! Enjoy.

Best of luck in your search.

Well no one has said I am too old (I think) and that was my main concern, so thank you gransnetters???? I shall post when I have news ?

All my rescues and fosters have presented less training issues than my last puppy who came from a good breeder, was properly socialised etc.
Dont be put off rescuing and do not feel you have to go for an older rescue. Older dogs do need homes and I'm not trying to put anyone off but, don't feel because of your age you must go for an older dog

Go for an older rescue dog.

And whatever your age- I think it is essential to always put a plan in place for 'just in case'. With all pets, any pet.

You're definitely not too old to get a dog! They are wonderful company and get you out of the house every day (and they're a great ice breaker. You'll always find someone to chat to, if you have a dog with you). Go for it! But remember that puppies are really hard work (and can't be walked long distances for several months), so you may want to get an adult dog. Also, research breeds carefully. Working cocker spaniels for example (which I have) - or indeed, any 'working' breed of dog, will need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, which may not be what you want. Good luck - and happy dog hunting!