Feeling so despondent - rescue dogs - ageism striking?

Sorry you weren’t successful on this occasion. There are many many lovely dogs in rescue and sadly due to lack of kennel space dogs are being put to sleep. Many families acquired puppies during Covid lockdown and now wish to relinquish these dogs. Try visiting local rescue kennels. Think about adopting a greyhound. I have three “unwanted” rescues currently. Good luck.

I’ve just adopted a 7 year GSD. 71, husband 75. Certainly no sign of ageism. Had we wanted a puppy I expect - and hope -we would have been turned down. It’s what’s best for the dog that matters.

It seems very odd that they should treat you this way. Are you being too specific in the breed you're looking for? Would you take a mongrel of unknown parentage for example?
It is possible whoever has been dealing with your request is indeed taking your age into consideration - you've mentioned Springers and Retrievers which are both lively dogs in their youth though both usually good with children - so I'd try elsewhere if I were you and just mention in passing you have grandchildren with dogs at home.
There's quite a lot at age-ism about.

I suspect that the puppy was perceived as aggressive towards a child or has not mixed with children, ridiculous on both counts as it is a puppy, from the centre's perspective if the puppy bit a child they would be liable to prosecution if they were aware of previous behaviour.

You could probably go straight to a breeder and obtain an older pup at a fraction of the price they sold for a couple years ago. I am in the market for a young pointer to go with my other two, and I see well bred pups which were £2500 to £3500 two years ago now going for under £1000, also breeders are having to keep pups longer before before selling, so you may well find a lovely 4 to 5 month old youngster at a great price if you do your homework.

You sound as if you have a lovely home set up, and a breeder would be more than happy with that. Probably extremely grateful to get the pup away where it can have the one to one, and socialisation it so needs.

Too many hoops to jump through for getting a rescue, with abit of ageism thrown in.

How many rescue centres have you tried? Why not consider an older dog - they are very rewarding and so many in rescue centres. Everyone wants a puppy and overlooks the older dogs.

Whatever the reason it’s not because of your ages. I know lots of people who have adopted rescue dogs into their seventies. The dog has probably had no socialisation at all and is very anxious around people, did you state on your application form if you’re experienced at handling rescue dogs and understand their psychological issues?

Have you tried smaller rescue organisations? They seem to be less strict than the bigger ones