Thoughts on getting another dog at the age of 72.

Thank you all for your very kind messages of support. Coco has turned out to be a dream dog. Although very active and needing a lot of exercise, she finds that 2 walks a day suits her fine! In the home she settles down and loves her garden. I am now a very content dog owner. And above all she doesn’t care if I’m old! ????

Well done Rio. How lovely. You've got so much love to give a dog and you decided to rescue one. How lucky is she. You know what they say -

'Please don't breed or buy, when rescue dogs are left to die!'

It's true. There are so many beautiful dogs of all ages waiting for homes, even unusual or pedigree dogs of all ages if you're willing to wait for one. I hope that Coco will give you both joy and soften the sadness that you have endured with the loss of Saffi. Be happy!

I was 73 when my beloved Cavalier died. I couldn’t live without a dog and bought a new puppy soon afterwards. I couldn’t get the breed mix I wanted from a rescue.
This little dog has been very very hard work. She’s extremely noisy and maniacally active. I love her but regret not taking longer to find a more suitable pup for someone old.
I’d never say don’t get a dog because you’re getting old but take your time and make sure you choose something suitable.

4 years ago I was 72 when our two 17 Year old cats died within a couple of months of my husband, one with cancer and the other with a cardiac problem. I could not bear the empty house so got a pair of year old rescue cats, Anthony and Cleopatra. I took out life membership of the Cinnamon Trust so that I can be confident that they will never be separated.

They have been an absolute godsend, particularly during lock-down. I would say, “ Go for it. Take on a lovely new companion.”.

I’m nearly your age and if I were going to get another dog (I’d love one but there are reasons why not) it’d be an older rescue dog. Neighbours of a dd recently got a rescue greyhound - she’s lovely.

I’d have to get someone else to choose for me though - I couldn’t bear looking at all those dogs needing homes and choosing just one. ?

That's wonderful news Rio. She is gorgeous and will fill the hole in your heart.

Hi all. Now have a wonderful rescue gsp called Coco. She is nearly 2 years old . A bit younger than I would have liked but she is very manageable and calm. Best thing I’ve done since losing my dear Saffi. Hopefully we’ll spend many healthy years together.

Retired Greyhounds - I have to endorse all those who mentioned these wonderful dogs.
6 weeks ago I welcomed Cassie into my life and she is the easiest most loving dog. She came with good manners and fully house trained. She lets you do anything to her without fuss, teeth, ears and nails all cleaned and clipped no trouble.
she still wants to chase small furries but is getting used to other well behaved dogs.
Best thing I ever did.

I have a phone ‘interview’ with Battersea this morning to ask and answer questions.
Will check out Dogs Trust too.
Thanks for input all. Much appreciated.

If you go to a really good rescue, such as the Dogs Trust, they will always take back a dog that doesn’t work out.

Silverlining a word of caution, you mention that you want a "well behaved" dog. Rescue dogs may have had a troubled history and take a while to settle into life with their new owners. Don't expect things to be perfect straight away, you will be rewarded with so much love and pleasure. I have two rescue dogs and we have a good life altogether. Good luck.

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Hete is Rana . My 5 month old saluki. It seamed like a great idea but you forget how much wotk is attached. Shes gorgeous yes and i love her yes but my home is full if toys and dog food and treats and instead of a floral smell its wet dog esp now.
In hindsight i should have rescued an older dog but i was worried of the history with grandchildren.
I will perservere as shes part of our family but its not easy x

Silverlining48 I think that dogs with short wiry coats are better for those with allergies than the smooth soft coated dogs. I'm someone whose been allergic to dogs and cats (and the rest) since I was a child. Many people would think am very stupid but I love/loved all my pet, both cats and dogs.

I think that one can build up a tolerance to the animals (no scientific basis for this)

As regards the cockerdoodles and the rest, the Australian who originally thought of the labrador poodle cross now regrets it because the breeders aren't putting sufficient thought into the breeding process.

The other I came across the certificate for one of my cairns (the only puppy that I paid good money for) and was shocked to see that on her father's side he had the same sire twice ( his grandparents)

Some months ago I got called out on here for referring to mongrels but they are usually healthier than many of the pure bred dogs.

We got our rescue cats from a centre which promises to take the cats back if we were unable to care for them. Also we have pet insurance which would pay for a cattery if we were both in hospital or incapacitated. Plus we have asked around family and have people willing to care for them in an emergency. So get your worries covered and go for it! Life is for living and you should have a furry friend if you are able.

We are early 70s have never had a dog though thinking about it now. We are in good health and walk a lot and and looking to rehome an older well behaved dog not a puppy which needs training but most importantly one which doesn’t shed because of allergy. So a cocker doodle or similar.

Have been in touch with battersea but there is nothing suitable at present so need to look at other options. We have met people walking recently both having rehomed cockerpoodkes from Cyprus.

Feeling nervous because we have always been cat people but that’s no longer possible, but also excited, although because of the anti allergy issue wonder if we will find our new companion.
Daughter happy to take over if we can’t cope later.
Any suggestions or advice for me?

Yes go for it I’m sure you’ll be ok and it’s definitely what you want so do it.

There are often puppies available at the various charities. I have two dogs, both of them acquired as puppies. My girl (8) is a sheep dog cross. I don't know what with has she was found in a car park on a very stormy evening and taken to the shelter. She still doesn't like storms and, as I am typing this there is thunder outside and she is quivering beneath my desk. My boy (6) is a fox terrier who was taken to a shelter with the rest of his litter, we think because their tails had been docked too close to the body so he just has a tiny stump. (This is in France, in case anyone is wondering about tail docking)

Other GNers have mentioned older dogs and some of those will have come into a shelter because their owner can no longer keep them or has died.

There are also breed rescue societies and in the past I've got a cairn and a westie through those. Both "adoptions" were very successsful.

So, good luck.

I am so very sorry for your loss.
I realised that at 72, Hattie would probably be my last dog as she is only 4. However there may be a serious kidney issue and I am having to face the idea that I might lose her sooner than I had thought.
Could I go through that again? Is it fair to a dog especially one who may have more years left in them than me.
I honestly don’t know the answer but I am sure your heart will guide you

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Hi all. Just to let you all know that I’m still trying to find a suitable rescue dog. I’ve been pipped to the post with 2 possible gsps so maybe the 3 rd interesting one may be mine! With the present situation (coronovirus) it would be best to delay dog hunting for a while. I’m definitely going to get another sweetheart as I can’t tolerate the void that my departed dog has left. ?

I'm sorry, Rio, I haven't read all the posts, but I do get a general feeling that most people would suggest you go ahead and invite another dog into your home. You must be missing your girl so much, and it is only natural that she has left a huge gap in your lives. Why not look into rescuing a dog? We rescued ours, after our Penny, a Collie Cross died, when we were 71 (fit & healthy) from The UK Griffon Adopters & Fosterers Group, which is worth looking into. There are many dog rescue homes around, and sadly many dogs who need loving homes. You won't regret it.

I was broken hearted when my six year old spaniel x died a year ago. He was absolutely fit and healthy, until 24 days before he was put to sleep because an aggressive inoperable tumour left him unable to walk, confused and doubly incontinent. Just awful. Several months later, a friend put me in touch with a breeder who was reluctantly selling a nine month old spaniel, she'd kept to show. Ten months later, I couldn't be happier with my young dog. If I fall out of a plane one of my daughters will take her x

My Mum had a similar worry, but got a rescue who was older - he was 10 and she was/is a very fit 82, now 84 but is so fit because of the dog as they walk a lot - do it! The Cinnamon Trust may actually have dogs that need a home, that was where she was initially waiting for one to come up, but it didn't so we found her a rescue JRT elsewhere - I suspect as she is still so fit, that we may have the same issue again at some point?

There is a web site called Borrow my Doggy. If you want a dog lover to assist with dog walking, either occasionally or regularly, you can match up with someone local.

I know someone who does "borrow a dog" as they can't have their own, they even have him for the odd night now if the owner goes away. It works well for them both, and the dog is very happy. No money changes hands.

I just thought this might be of help, if anyone suddenly is unable to walk their own dog. I know the Cinnamon Trust offer help on a short term basis too.

I got a new pup when I was 73. I was heartbroken after losing a dog I adored and wish I’d been more rational. I happily took the first pup I found and have spent the two years since regretting that she is half Jack Russell. She is hyper-active and a serious barker.
Get a new dog but make damn sure it’s suited to you and will still be when you’re ten years older. A GSP is a very energetic breed, something small might be better.