Would it be fair?

Sorry I've not been around, but this has been put on a bit of a back burner just now, as an old friend age 97 is in hospital and his wife isn't allowed to see him, so I'm currently spending much of my time on the phone with her trying to keep her spirits up
He doesn't have covid but I fear he's dying although she is certain he'll recover. Its exhausting trying to prop her up when we can't really meet as you would normally - no sitting chatting over cups of tea, no visiting hospital, no care for her somehow.
So the dog hunt will restart after Christmas, when there might be a few 'mistakes' in the kennels??
Meanwhile I have lots of advice stored up, and thank you all for your really helpful suggestions.

ExD
I think you could still manage a smaller older dog. As long as you can manage a short walk every day and have the use of a small garden that should be okay.
I see many people with little Yorkshire Terriers which are manageable a neighbour near me got one from the dog rescue a few months ago.
Also the rescue has quite a few dogs (Older ones) whose previous owners have died and the dogs only want a cosy home to spend some time with a new loving owner.

I'm coming to that conclusion Shropshirelass. Not a kitten, but an older cat who's feeling a bit like me, looking for quiet companionship, I've decided to wait until after Dec 2nd however.

I think you might be better with a cat, dogs need exercise and if you are struggling then this might be difficult for you and not really fair on a dog or you. Puppies are hard work and demanding so yes, giving an older dog a home might be nice but they can come with health issues meaning big vets bills. Cats can be lovely company, more independent too, we had a Tom (castrated) who was a real fuss pot, the she cat could be a bit stroppy! Enjoy, whatever you decide to do.

Phoenix can they! A friend has got one that’s why I suggested it, hers does bark quite a lot if someone comes to the door, but he’s taken out three times a day and seems fine, he doesn’t moult too much, doesn’t really need to go that far on his walks, they did take him to dog training classes from young,

Please please please think carefully about the breed you are taking on, many people are suggesting Bichons for you, I totally disagree! I’ve had 5 Bichons, my mums had 2, friends had 6 and daughter in law has 1. They are adorable and I absolutely love them to bits but as I’ve got older (64) I was finding them harder work when we lost our 2 last year. They need grooming at the groomers every 6 weeks as they don’t moult, you need to give them a good brush every other day to keep knot free, you must insure them as in old age their cruciates often go, ear infections etc. They can be yappy and suffer separation anxiety also. They are adorable and I love them to bits but you need to know they can be hard work as too many end up in rescue due to people not knowledgeable on the facts of what Bichons require. Last year after I lost my 2 I took on a little rescue Maltese from ‘Many Tears’ who rescue from these vile puppy farms, he’s 10 years old, he had health problems but they’ve been sorted out, he’s gorgeous but doesn’t like walking so we have a pram which he loves. He needed house training, took a few months but he’s got the hang of it (sometimes the odd accident) a thing to bear in mind with a rescue. How about an elderly dog, there is a dog rescue for elderly dogs if you google it or many tears often have an elderly dog looking for a home. You can always ring them and have a chat, put your name down and they will let you know when they have one. They will also meet you in your own area, also Battersea? Good luck, I hope like me you’ll give an oldie a comfortable home when it needs it most as it’s most rewarding.

Have you thought about a retired working dog? We had a greyhound who was very lazy and a guide dog who was absolutely adorable. They retire them when they are too old to walk so a trip to the shop and back is perfect.

Septimia

What about a rescue greyhound? They actually need very little exercise - they'd rather sleep! You would need to make sure that it had been house trained as ex-racing dogs aren't always.

I knew quite a frail gentleman who had a rescue greyhound. He walked slowly with her and said she was quite lazy!

Settle for an elderly cat.they give just as much love as a dog.

Try the Cinnamon Trust. My friend always has her dogs through them. They find homes for dogs whose owners can no longer keep them (usually declining health or had to move to a care home). So the dogs are generally fairly elderly and undemanding. Good luck.

(why does it do that?)

I agree with Caragran that a terrier could be good company.

I do take mine for long walks but she won't go out at all in the rain. She gets plenty of exercise tearing around the garden anyway but is quiet and fairly lazy indoors. She's content just to be near me or dozing in her bed.

I agree with Caragran that a terrier could be good company.

I do take mine for long walks but she won't go out at all in the rain. She gets plenty of exercise tearing around the garden anyway but is quiet and fairly lazy indoors. She's content just to be near me or dozing in her bed.

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

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 ?

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’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.

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.

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.

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

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'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 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

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.

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.