Hi all I'm in a quandary wonder if I could have your wise thoughts and words of wisdom. I already have a much loved pooch. He's such a good boy and I wouldn't have been without him during these past few years. He was originally 1 of 2 but my older dog had to be put to sleep. I work part-time and am 57 so will still do so for a while. I've the opportunity to have a puppy from my dogs sister. I've always said I would love another however my daughter thinks I'm too old now and should I become ill in the future there would be no one to look after them. I understand this and just recently I've had a close friend diagnosed stage 4 cancer and an older brother whose going through severe illness. Im now beginning to doubt myself. I've spent several sleepless nights going through different scenarios what if this happens what if that were to happen any wise words please?
How gorgeous is he! My Romanian rescue is a year old, we’ve had her for 7 months and I’m 68, DH is 72. She gets me out for at least 2 hours a day and is a loving bundle of fun, I wouldn’t be without her!
Hi Hels. I've just joined and found your post immediately. I sincerely hope 57 isn't too old! I've just got two ( bro and sis) total Heinz's and I'm 65. Mine are from large breeds and are just 9weeks old. Hope to hear more from you ?
Hi I’m now 73 and 18 months ago I adopted a 20 month old female gsp. She is now 3 and is a dream dog . She keeps me sane and our daily exercise keeps me healthy fit and stress free! I am at home all the time and have a backup team to step in to look after her should I become unable to. You also need to be able to afford to keep a dog as sadly vets bills and food are ever increasing!
Some years ago my father who lived alone was taken ill very suddenly and died shortly afterwards. One of his neighbours kindly took his dog to a local kennels. One of my many concerns was the future of the dog. After he died we read his will and found that he had made a long-standing agreement with a friend to have the dog. Also he left her some money to go towards expenses. This was a great relief to me as I couldn’t have coped with a large, energetic dog at the time. Maybe you could find someone who would take your dog if you were unable to look after it. This would reassure both you and your daughter.
Get the puppy. Strange that some think we just crumble when we retire. If you feel walking is too much in 12 or so years, you can pay for someone to exercise the dog. Dogs live approx 14 years. You’ll be young enough to get another puppy in 14 years. Ok maybe not a huge energetic dog. The choice of dogs is so varied these days and as another person suggested there are the rescue centres for older dogs. I say this as our family have all rescued dogs. Dogs can keep you fit and be good company and treatment plans from some vets work out cheaper than gym membership.
You’re 57? I got my present dog when I was 73. I have a friend older than I am who has recently got a dachshund puppy. We both have daughters who will take our dogs if we drop dead but you can’t live the rest of your life (30 years or more) expecting to pop off any day.