Too old for a puppy?

Henry sounds very cute! Enjoy your pup, when s/he arrives!

We got our little pooch - (a very lively cockerpoo) 4 years ago when we were 67. She’s the love of our lives and keeps us fit. She js walked/run twice a day and still she wants to play ball in the garden.
She’s curled up beside me at the moment and is my little shadow.
A dog Walker on the days you work is the answer or maybe a dog sitter , as they do yearn for company.
Go for it - you’re only a youngster . Good luck!

Henry my dog is Lhasa Apso cross cocker spaniel an odd mix but he's gorgeous. He's 5 years old. My other was cocker spaniel who was an old lad who I lost. So the puppies mum is same as Henry (his sister) and his dad is a cocker. So for me best of both worlds which is why I've been so tempted. So yes really a Heinz!

just get the dog. Is it a Heinz?

Well done for getting the puppy. We got our border terrier pup when I was nearly 70 and I bought another horse that year too. 57 is YOUNG!

at the wallpapering, Hels!

What type of dog will your puppy be?

Glad you've joined The Puppy Club. Your daughter will eat her words!

Great decision.
Have fun!

Thank you all for your wise words. Your right of course I do think my daughter has written me off when it suits! I was still fit enough for her when she needed someone to paper her lounge! I've been so blessed with my dog Henry I know ill be able to give this pup a good home im doing it! I'm going to phone tonight he will be coming home in 8 week. Thank you all. X

If you know the breeder, did she say anything to you when you got the sister? I just remembered ours saying that if at anytime it wasn't working out, for whatever reason, including ill health, to let her know. She said she would be happy to help rehome him. We actually had to sign a document to this effect.

I’m so sorry about your dog. If you can manage training a puppy whilst working part time (i.e. not coming home to little ‘surprises’!) then certainly 57 isn’t too old provided you don’t have any current health issues which mean you might not be able to look after the puppy for its expected lifespan, which obviously varies from one breed to another. It would also be company for your other dog. I was 67 and my husband 71 when we got our current rescue dog (ok, she was middle aged and now elderly) but provided we remain in good health I wouldn’t hesitate to have another, albeit not a puppy now as I think at 70 and 74 we can’t guarantee to be able to be able to look after a dog that might live for up to 15 years at a stretch in the case of our favourite breed.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend and brother Hels001 that's tough.
You are certainly not too old at 57 to take on a puppy. Our dogs bring such love and companionship don't they, as well as fun. A reason to be up and out every day. We have just taken on our second rescue dog and we are 75, they keep us fit. We have made sure they will be looked after should we not be able to do it.
There are schemes in the UK I think with Dogs Trust and Cinnamon Trust to ensure your dog will be cared for if you are not able to do it anymore. Enjoy your puppy.

You are hardly ready for the grave! You are however ready for the joys and laughter you will enjoy with a puppy. He just might help you stay young. Your daughter will learn that 59 is not “old”.

I’m 62 and got my Golden Retriever when I was 59. I like to live my life as if I have plenty of tomorrows ahead of me! I was still working for two years after getting him and like you I was able to hurry home at lunch to let him out. He went to a dog minder (a local family takes in a few dogs as extra income) several days a week. It has worked out beautifully. I know you’ll enjoy your sweet puppy!

I got a puppy when I was 66,it has been fabulous,walking him everyday.He is a rescue dog and my constant companion,we spend 24/7 together.So 57 is young,go for it.

You are not too old for a puppy.

St any age an accicent can happen and you need a plan for someone to adopt of foster your animals.

If you are permanently unable to care
for your dogs the RSPCA have a plan to rescue the animals and rehome them.

How old is your dog that you have now? He may be too old too old to have a puppy bothering him.

Have you grandkids? They may want to use your baby dog like a plaything.

Of course you are not too old!¡! You are a experienced dog owner and have spent much time planning the possibility of having a puppy. Your daughter may think you are old - you are not. Obviously a puppy is hard work and demanding but I feel you are prepared for that. The other option is an adult rescue dog. Either way the dog will have a loving home and a sensible owner. Go for it and enjoy.

i was 57 when I got my last puppy. He is 5 now. I had forgotten how much they take over your life in the early days i.e. Teething and chewing etc and all that energy! Flying around the house like a little tornado! But it passes. Really enjoy our walks and his mad antics. I don't know what breed you are thinking of but sounds like similar to the dog you have.
Go for it and have fun. You are experienced dog owner it will be fine

You’re the same age as me and I still feel very young, I also have one very young dog too (companion for an older one). Get the dog and enjoy your four legged friends! You’ll also find it gives your older dog a new lease of life!

My best friend is nearly 76 and has a shetland sheepdog who is only a few years old. She is out everyday walking her and loves having her around. She has become friendly with her late husband's carer who also has a dog and they share dog walking and dog sitting. Her life would be very dull without the dog.

I just have two cats but a dog is definitely a nonstarter with them around.

Goodness me 57 is not old, illness etc can happen at any age, you have another dog so you know already about all the things that come with dog ownership, you go for it, you go for it

Goodness me 57, is young!

However, should you decide to have another dog perhaps you could ask someone if they could be your backup in case you are ever ill and need help with the dog.
It would seem that your daughter wouldn't be keen so perhaps that is why she's trying to dissuade you.

It's your decision. The only thing that would make me hesitate (sorry) is if your dog would be happy to have another puppy in the house, especially if you are out at work.

57 is young. Unless you have real reason to worry about your health the next ten years, I wouldn't factor your age into the decision at this point. A dog lives about 14 years, depending on the breed, so even if it lives longer, you should outlive it.

None of us know what the future brings. Some people get puppies at the young age of 25 only to die before they are 30. Some people live past 100. I would base the decision based on your current health and expectations for your health in the future.

Of course it’s a serious decision to make and you are right to highlight your age as a potential issue.

I assume that you are fit and take regular exercise. But it’s not your current exercise regime that’s counts because having a puppy means that your current regime will likely be multiplied by two or three.

That means energy and commitment.

I had no idea what I was letting myself in for when I got my pup but you obviously do since you already have a dog.

My dog is my life. Beautiful, loyal and fun. I wouldn’t be without him.

Points for:
You're a dog owner already so you know what you're doing
Your new puppy would have a friend and a mentor
You only work part time
You're able to go home and check on the dogs regularly
You've benefitted so much from having dogs
You're REALLY YOUNG !!!!!!

Points against:
You'd need to have some help on standby in the very early stages, until you were sure that the dog/s were happy and you were in a good routine.

It's a no brainer to me - be very happy taking on another pup!!