Too old for a puppy?

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.

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.

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.

Warning!
When you go out today and on your return find that your puppy has taken a liking to your Bvlgari sunglasses!

If you have the means then get the dog! 57 is very young. You have at least 20 years ahead of you so enjoy it.

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!

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 ?

Congrats to you Hels001 and BlueBalou. Dogs add richness to our lives, and definitely keep us moving!

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!

Thank you and thank you all for your kind and thoughtful advice.

Welcome to the puppy club Hels001!
In next to no time they become rowdy adolescents, but still lovable.

What a little cutie, enjoy time together Hels001

Congratulations Hels.

i had thought about getting a dog over the last few years but illness has put a stop to that, i was planning to get a dog from a home rather than a puppy, although i would be home all the time and i feel that is what a puppy would need for a while, i just thought there is so many dogs who need re-homed. if you are fit and well and your work hours don't mean a puppy being on there own for too long then get a puppy but think about the restrictions a puppy would have on your life for a few months and if it would fit with an older dog.

Well done. Keep us up to speed with his progress won’t you!

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Well folks Sidney has arrived and is settling in really well. He's a handful to say the least and yes its hard work but he's a bright boy with lots of love to give everyone!

You certainly aren't too old, I'm 62 and we're thinking of having another dog, after many years without while working, our biggest problem is deciding the type of breed! Your older dog would be a great influence and keep the pup in check as long as they get some time apart!

At 57 you are not too old by any stretch of the imagination. I got my dog Ruby from a refuge when I was 65 and then a second dog from a refuge when I was 68. I'm now 74 so wouldn't get another puppy because it could out live me. Instead, at the beginning of the year I homed another dog who's 8. There are lots of older dogs who need new homes but I don't think you've yet reached the age where it's the best option.

Hels001 Congratulations on your decision you are certainly not too old,I am 71 and looking to rehome a small rescue dog but have not been successful as yet I lost my Lhasa Poppy in January and feel lost without her but the rescue centres only have larger dogs for rehoming and I only have a small bungalow I will keep looking as many are being abandoned as people are returning to work and can't look after them properly.

Hels001,
Any closer to following your dream ?

'my daughter thinks I'm too old' - what a cheek!

If you were unable to look after the dogs, is there an arrangement with family or friends to care for them? Who will look after the puppy while you work?

That applies at any age though. Enjoy your new puppy - and watching the companionship between the dogs.

When your daughter is 57 herself, she’ll realise she isn’t old but that she wasn’t very smart in her thirties.

57! In my book, that's relatively young.

I don't think we should live life thinking about our demise. Of course, it makes sense to take reasonable precautions but, in my view, that shouldn't preclude having a pet - if you want a dog, get a dog.

I believe the Dog's Trust has some sort of scheme whereby they guarantee that, should something happen to you, your dog will be cared for. Possibly there are other charities which have similar schemes.

A friend of mine has three dogs (and a cat) and she is 84. I believe they keep her fit and healthy, both mentally and physically.

We had to have our dog put to sleep in July and I miss him very much. He was wonderful company and a reason to get out in the morning and evening.

If you are reasonably fit, I think it would do you the world of good.

If she were my daughter I would tell her to go and chase herself!

Old? You say you are 57- that's NOT old. Trust me, I know, I am 69 and don't feel too old for a couple of new kittens once I have finished mourning the two cats we have just lost.

If you should become ill while either your present dog or the puppy is still alive, they might have to be re-homed, but cross that bridge when you come to it.

If on the other hand you remain healthy and live to be 97, there is more than one dog's lifetime in your future.

Tell your DD that she can be quite certain you won't ask her to care for your dogs, or anything else. How old is this young woman? She sounds about ten, but must be older!

57 is not too old to have a puppy, go for it and enjoy. You can’t live your life on what ifs!