Thoughts on getting another dog at the age of 72.

I think you should get another dog, but then I would say that as my pup is now 16months and I'm just a little younger than you! I do think it's important to think about the size of the dog; I saw a mature lady being dragged along this morning, and thought how incredibly uncomfortable she looked.

Don't know if this helps but one of my neighbours who is 80 has just 'adopted' a retired greyhound. I though oh mi! surely greyhounds need a lot of exercise but apparently retired ones don't! They are happy to have gentle exercise once they are retired. She says he is amazing but just one word of caution, he doesn't like other dogs or cats!

Lovely dog all the same and non of the problems of training that come with pups x

You go for it both.
It`s lovely to give and receive puppy love.

Go on do and get another dog. You are both healthy and you know as well as I do that walking a dog will keep you fit,

Your four years older than me and it doesn't sound as if you are planning on popping your clogs any time soon. If you live to be 90 that's time and enough for another dog or two!

Rio my friend's dog is a rescue puppy and, judging by what I see of him, he is very exuberant! Great fun but very OTT. Mind you, if I'd had him I would have trained him which would take endless patience with such a lively little dog.
So perhaps your idea of an older dog is a good one, but best to make sure of his (or her) background first.

Rio So pleased that you are looking for another dog. You have a lot of love to give and there are so many sad pets who need that.

If money were no object, I would be "crazy cat woman" myself!!!

I look at the local dog adoption pages every day out of general interest. It seems the old dogs whose owners have died are very speedily adopted by people who specially want an older dog.

However the RSPCA have a scheme where you register with them and when your die or become disabled they will take your dog or cat and care for it and have it adopted if possible.

Well...what a wonderful lot of guys you are. Thank you all for your advice and support. I am constantly looking for a gsp that would suit our needs. Maybe a 5-6 year old. I have all the gear and food a dog could possibly want. And of course an extra warm place on the sofa and in our hearts! Will keep in touch on this forum and let you good people know how I get on. Thanks once again. ?

jura's point about having someone to take over the dog if you are unable to look after it for any reason is a good one. My friend took on a rescue puppy last year and since then has been ill although she still has her DH who can take the dog for walks. However, they have a young family member who will take over the dog if they can no longer care for it.

We still miss ours, they do leave a big gap in our lives.

So sorry to hear your dog has died Rio they do leave a big gap don't they.

As everyone else said there are lots of rescue dogs out there looking for homes. Especially older dogs, Cinnamon and Dogs Trust will help if things do get too difficult. We are 74 and our dogs help keep us active as well as giving us so much love and pleasure. Go for it I say.

Make contingency plans just in case you are unwell or no longer able to look after your pet. That applies to all of us, though, whatever our age or current fitness level, doesn't it?

A neighbour in her nineties here has a red setter (very high energy) and it's walked twice a day by her daughter and a dog walker.

I had a dog that I was going to grow old with. Sadly she did not grow nearly as old as she should have done. I was 65 at the time and although reasonably healthy I did have minor mobility issues caused by arthritis. I decided to get another puppy after much thought. I did have one other dog at the time but he was on his last legs. I thought I was not ready to be a dogless house. However, roll on 5 years and my mobility issues have deterioated and in all honesty I cannot say I am giving my 5 year old pooch the life she should have. I can, on my extensive experience with the breed, expect her to live another 7 or 8 years. I'm now faced with a decision which will affect the rest of my dog's life. Does she stay with me and exist, or do I find a home for her where she can live the full and active life?

If you believe you are fit enough to have a new dog then go for it but think of how your life may be in 5 years. I know we cannot predict what is going to happen but perhaps you need a back up plan for the dog just in case something happens to you.

If you wanted another GSP you may be able to get a retired breeder or show dog from a reputable breeder.

You may well have another 10 years of good health and all will be well. I hope you do.

Definitely a rescue dog. There are so many lovely dogs out there who are desperate for a home. We recently collected our rescue cat (partially sighted poor love) from an RSPCA Animal Shelter and some of the dogs had been there for 6 months. Such sad faces I was sorely tempted.

So sorry that you have lost your dog . I also think it would be a good idea for you to get another dog, you have so much love to give; but as others have said, I think it would be better to get a rescue dog rather than a puppy. Older dogs are always harder to re-home, and you could give one a truly lovely life. Go for it!

RIO, yes do get another dog. Life is so empty without a dog. I am 74 DH 76 we have a mix of animals that keep us young but our 3 dogs have a special place in our ? DOGS TRUST have a free registration scheme they will provide you with a card to carry to say if anything happens to you they will collect and take your dog to re home or care for, they never put a healthy dog to sleep so your friend would be safe and loved.

What a beautiful dog. I’m so sorry you’ve lost her at such a young age.

I can’t see why you couldn’t have another dog. As others say, make sure you have plans in place for ‘what if’ eventualies and that will put your mind at ease.

Then an older rescue dog might be just the ticket for you. They’re often harder to rehome because people want puppies and it would be wonderful to open your heart and home to such a dog.

We’re cat people, rather than doggy types, and we have two older rescue cats. They’re gorgeous pedigree brothers but no one seemed to want them because they were 9yo. They bring us so much joy!

Our little dog, a rescue, came to us nearly two years ago at the age of 10 months. We were 66. Our daughter and sil will have her if we died or were too frail to look after her so her future is secure. She brings so much joy into our lives and we get exercise and chats to others on dog walks. So long as you have a plan for the dog's care if anything happens to you I think you should go ahead op.

Sorry about your dog. Do give another one a caring home.

I got my lovely little puppy dog when I was 65. I took her to training classes which opened a social side for me and my dog. I have now a beautiful companion. She is always at my side. I suggest get a small dog. Doesn’t need to much exercise. I take mine to garden centres, coffee shops even J L. My advice go for it but take him or her to training classes if you can.

Yes. I had my six year old dog put to sleep just a year ago, inoperable, brutal tumour. I’d expected us to grow old together. I have an 11 year old labradoodle and several months ago a ten month old spaniel joined us. I’ve rescued and fostered dogs for forty five years but given four grandchildren under four felt it wouldn’t be right to bring an unknown adult dog into our family. The spaniel came via a friend, for good reasons. She’d been loved and cared for, that plus the spaniel temperament means she’s perfect for us.
I’m 70. My sisters and adult children would take our dogs if disaster strikes.
I volunteer for a specific breed charity. We’ve placed dogs with older people. Go for it, you’ll not regret it

Yes! Will keep you both fit. Rescue greyhounds make excellent pets or contact your local rescue centre.

I have just adopted a beautiful little dog from Romania through Paws 2 Rescue. I am 73, and thought I might be too old. I checked with my daughter first and if the worst happens she will take her. If we get so we can't do the dog walking I will pay someone to walk her.

Go for it!!

I would say definitely yes! If you're still fit and healthy and can walk and care for the dog, then why not? Perhaps not a puppy (we all know what hard work they are!) but I'm sure you could find a suitable dog and have lots of years of pleasure and happiness from him/her. Let us know how you get on and what you decide to do!

The Cinnamon Trust will look after pets when owners are unable to do so.