Too old for a puppy?

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.

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.

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.

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

Great decision.
Have fun!

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

at the wallpapering, Hels!

What type of dog will your puppy be?

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!

just get the dog. Is it a Heinz?

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!

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

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

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! 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.

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

'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.

Hels001,
Any closer to following your dream ?

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.

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.

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!

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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!

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

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.

Congratulations Hels.