Would it be fair?

Definitely do your research before you get a dog to see which breeds are more sedentary. Collies need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Don't forget that many dogs are ball obsessed so with a ball launcher, they will get a lot of exercise and pleasure that way so you might not need to walk far. Just remember to take into account things like how much grooming and things certain breed might need. Doing our Goldendoodle these days is a killer and very costly to get done.
Pets4homes have a search facility which will help you see the characteristics of each breed of dogs and cats which I have found to be pretty helpful with its accuracy.
If you think that a dog may be too much, an older cat might be just the ticket.

I too bought an 8week ol Jack Russell pup in January this year and she is absolutely brilliant. It appears all are different.

Would definitely recommend a greyhound. Beautiful, gentle dogs who don’t need a lot of exercise. However, they are big so maybe consider a whippet. Would also suggest visits to a re-homing Centre first to make sure you get the right dog for you. Also, if you really find that you are not coping they will take the dog back. I got my dog from the Dogs Trust and they were really good.

I’ve not had a thorough read through all of the replies, so forgive me if it’s already been mentioned, but how about making use of a website called Borrow My Doggy?
You can register as a borrower and have the regular company of a little local canine companion, or two. You don’t have to take them for a walk. You could just have them in the house after they’ve been dropped off. All the joy with none of the responsibilities.
I don’t know how it would all work in the current climate but I’m sure the info will be on the website.

I would contact other rescue organizations, there's definitely a dog somewhere who would fit in with your life. If you do find that you would like your dog to have a longer walk, The Cinnamon Trust has people who would be happy to help.

Tree58

I’ve not had a thorough read through all of the replies, so forgive me if it’s already been mentioned, but how about making use of a website called Borrow My Doggy?
You can register as a borrower and have the regular company of a little local canine companion, or two. You don’t have to take them for a walk. You could just have them in the house after they’ve been dropped off. All the joy with none of the responsibilities.
I don’t know how it would all work in the current climate but I’m sure the info will be on the website.

My sister does this. She has a lovely young cockerpoo one day a week and is delighted with the arrangement

I thought of www.borrowmydoggy.com as well, but the other way round. Someone can borrow your doggy and take it for walks if/when you can't. I know people who have made some good friends that way, too.

Not a bad idea Tree, I'll look into it.
Its such awful weather here at the moment things are somewhat 'on hold' but I'll resume my research when it stops raining. That sounds a bit silly, but its not much fun in a rain coat and dripping all over the floor, even though the dogs don't seem to mind, I'd adopt the lot of I could ?
I wish I could take my daughter with me but we're being sensible and only meeting briefly outdoors. She works in a busy school and is obsessive about not passing anything on to me.

Yorkshire terriers are a lovely breed . I had the toy breed , which was small enough to take every where with me . As long as you have a garden or a patio area to go out on , they don't really need a walk because there little legs couldn't take it . My yorkshire terrier would even use the cat litter box . Although remember with older dog comes problems as they are getting on just like us . You would probably find pet insurance wouldn't cover you , so be prepared for vets bills which are not cheap . Cats are more independent but still with age comes problems . I wish you all the best with your decision .

I hope what I am going to say is accurate - no doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong. My understanding of the Cinnamon Trust is that you can register your dog with them and if it outlives you the Trust will care for them and rehome. So surely it would follow that you could apply to the Trust and offer to rehome a bereaved dog.

Do not get a terrier as they are very lively. I would advise a French Bulldog or Pug. They are very loving and don't need long walks.

Please don't be bullied into taking a rescue dog that's not for you. I am 80 and have 2 west highland terriers. One I've had for 5 years. They both came from Westies rescue UK. Pauline who fostered them came to my home and spoke to me about what I could and couldn't manage. My Tilly was a breeding dog and not used to running out and about. She is quiet ,placid and so biddable. Ideal for someone elderly. Hattie came just over a year ago. She also doesn't need too much exercise. She was 8 years old when I got her just over a year ago. They are both very content to sit beside me if I'm sitting and Tilly particularly follows me about the house, while Hattie is happy to sit and sleep. Hope you find this information helpful. I found the local dog home had mostly big dogs needing rehoming.

If you are as doddery as you say you are, it would not be wise to get a dog. Whatever their age they need walking, not just put out in the garden a couple of times a day.all pets need care and attention, so you should think very hard.

watermeadow I recognised your JR description so true of the breed. Our much loved JR was put to sleep a few weeks ago, he was 15 and very bossy and vocal right up to the end.
JRs do need firm training otherwise they will take over everything. The rewards are wonderful though, we had so much fun and love with our boy we will never forget him.
Enjoy your puppy.

I have a rescue dog who I adopted when he was 2 and us now 5yrs.
I was worried a having a active dog who demands walks ect as I have RA
But Bailey my Bicheon is just perfect for me as hes is happy content loving just being on the sofa with me snuggling up keeping me warm.
Days when I'm not in pain I'm out walking him and he always loves sitting in the car
Enjoying time outside.
So it's a big thumbs up for Bicheons.

My daughter has a rescue greyhound and he is the softest, lovable, lazy and most gentle dog you could meet. This is her second rescue greyhound and I think she would fill her house with them if she could. She has 2 small children and the dog is so patient and gentle with them. As many have said, they don't need a lot of exercise (although he gets lots as my daughter is a very "outdoors" sort of person). If you are a little wobbly on your feet, perhaps you could consider a mobility scooter to take him for his walks. They are very good on the lead and tend not to pull like some dogs do. Take a look at the Forever Hounds Trust website

There's a poor little dog at one of the Last Chance Centres who was abused by his owner who had dementia and didn't realise the harm he was doing. This dog is now terrified of men so needs a woman only home with no other pets, which would preclude me but I can't stop thinking about this poor little Danny and would love to have been able to give him a home.

My son and his family rescued a chihuahua he wasn’t keen as he would prefer a bigger dog but it needed saving. Well what a character he is fairly long haired loves to pose for selfies, loves the girls and doesn’t like to walk far and demands to get in the buggy. At home loves to curl up on any lap available and cuddle. So all the convenience of a cat in a little dog.

There is a website called ‘Adopt an Oldie’ where there are all kinds of dogs from rehiring centres including ones who don’t want/need much exercise but would love a good home

Here’s another plug for the Cinnamon Trust! I walk two dogs (both border terriers) for two elderly owners who cannot cope with walks. I also took on two older cats through the CT when their owner went into care. As a long-term fosterer, the Trust covers most vet bills and they are often looking for people to take on dogs and cats whose owners can no longer look after their beloved pets.

ExD I can only speak for myself but I love the companionship of a dog. I have now got arthritis in my knee and hip so can't walk very far now.
I spoke with my daughter and decided to get a regular sized chihuahua. This little thing turned out to be my best friend and needs only minimal walks but loves sitting on my lap and is great company for me . If you go online and type in chihuahua rescue you will find a lot of older dogs who's owners have passed on or their circumstances have changed .
There are rescue charities for dogs of all breeds. I have a 10 year old rescue pug who is fat and lazy, she is seeing out her last days in total comfort with me. There are so many older dogs that need a comfy, quiet home with a loving friend. Good luck with your search.

I’d definitely say go for it and don’t be out off by your last visit to rescue centre. I’ve got 15 year old doggy with arthritis that only walks around our cul-de-sac. I have an elderly neighbour that homes elderly dogs she gives them the retirement they deserve she’s had about 3 in last 6 years. There will be an old girl out there for you that wants to cuddle on the sofa and doesn’t require much exercise.

Well, I'm a dog lover who knows nothing about greyhounds (we have a labrador), but must say that reading Mawbe's description of them, they sound perfect for you. A dog that doesn't need lots of exercise is perfect (Mawbe, wish your Hattie would have a word with our Sam, she's got arthritis and struggles on walks, but it doesn't stop her from pestering me numerous times a day to go out!). Please don't give up on getting a dog; you have so much to offer to a rescue, just think of the love and comfort you can give to an abandoned dog, it would be such a waste not to get one.

I would say that the staff at the rescue centre are some of the best people to advise you.
Before any animal is put up for adoption, as well as vet checks, it will have spent quite a bit of time being assessed as to its personality.
I think that they did the right thing in stopping you from adopting a sheepdog, elderly or not - these dogs still can be pretty frisky and still need a fair bit of exercise and as you have said, you are frail so a different breed of dog or at least one whose previous owner had also been a senior.
The shelter did it with your best interests at heart - I know of many occasions (my niece used to work at a shelter) where dogs have been returned or just dumped because their owners can't cope.
If you really want a dog, it might be an idea at the very least, to make arrangements for someone to do the dog walking for you, if only as back up ?

Can I recommend a dachshund type dog? My DIL has one (a rescue) and she is adorable. So loving and gentle and loves warmth comfort and snuggling up on the sofa with her. But she does not need to walk miles every day, a turn around the garden is often enough on cold days. I love your idea, don't give up the search, your dog will be your greatest comfort