Too old for a puppy?

Hels001 so….you are too young to retire yet…at the grand old age of 57 and you( only ) work part time but your daughter thinks you are too old now !! Have I read right?

Does your daughter think perhaps that you will burden her with dog sitting duties? Just a? thought.
In my opinion your daughter should: (a) realise that people can get ill at any time and any age, (b) remember that they often as not recover again and (c) try to cultivate some empathy, as you are clearly feeling vulnerable because of your friends late stage cancer diagnosis and your older brothers’ serious illness.
If you believe your are up for a puppy and all that the first year will entail and that you, your other dog and finances will cope then you should go for it. ?

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Thank you so much for your advice. I'm fortunate to work close enough to be able to nip home during breaks im not out of the house long. I think I'm probably reacting to what's been happening to friends and family. Goodness my boy has been my saviour these past couple of years such good company I sometimes wonder if I'd have had a reason to get up if not for him. I think I will go ahead. Your right I need to stop dwelling on what ifs and tell my daughter I'm not past it yet. Thank you.

Think of it as an investment in your health. A puppy keeps you fit, happy and contented. I've not stopped smiling these last few weeks with mine!

You're not too old.

Get the puppy!

Not too ld- but everyone of any age, who takes on a pet should have a plan in place, just in case- and with the approval of course of the possible takers over. Or join a charity where you pay a small sum regularly to ensure your pet would be looked after and re-homed - should anything happen, short-term, long-term ... or forever. Anything can happen!

Have fun, enjoy.

You’re not old at 57! Do you have any particular reason for thinking you may succumb to poor health within the lifespan of a new dog? If not, then get another dog, if it’s what you want. I understand that there are ways of ensuring a pet left behind can be cared for - if that would give you peace of mind, it’s something worth considering.

Sorry, I meant to say that I'm so sorry to hear your friend and brother are so poorly. Your dear dog must be such a comfort to you at the moment. They are always there for us when we need them aren't they.

57 is young! You know exactly what looking after dogs entails and if you feel able I would go for it. None of us know what's around the corner but if you are in good health and capable then you have to live as though you're not going to die for a good while...or just sit waiting to die.

I see that most of the dogs for adoption on our local board are from younger people whose housing/work situation has changed rather than from older people who have become incapable or died.

I'm bound to say it....could you not get a rescue dog rather than a puppy? There seem so many needing homes.

Goodness me, 57 is no age at all! Anything can happen to anyone at any age, but you can't let that stop you. However you say you work part time, who would look after the puppy while you were at work? If you can sort that one, then go for it, you could have another 30 active years ahead of you at least! There are organisations that will take a dog if their owner is unable to look after it, you could investigate those and reassure your daughter. If mine had suggested I was getting past it at 57 she would have got very short shrift!

Maybe you could have the puppy and find a dog share person or two. There are websites that match people who want to dog share. My daughter has two dog babysitters who look after her dog a couple of days a week, especially whilst she is at work.

You’re certainly not old at 57. Just think that in 10 years time you’ll only be 67 and still (hopefully) fit and healthy. We generally live longer these days. You can grow older gracefully (or disgracefully) together.