When we retired a decade ago the very first thing we did was adopt our beloved Jack Russell mix-up type terrier from a rescue centre. From day one she has been a joy and the three of us have been devoted and inseparable. If the dog can't come with us we don't go and she has only been left alone for short periods in extremis (e.g. hospital visits). We are outdoorsy, active folk and walk for miles every day and go camping for weeks on end in the summer.
Over the last year our dear old dog has slowed down really noticeably and is happy just to have a couple of short plods around the park each day and then retire to her basket to sleep. She's had several check overs by the vet who confirms that she's 100% well and happy and it's just that at 13 she's getting on a bit.
We adore her and want to do the best for her, but are desperate to continue involving her in all aspects of our life. She is our priority and we find we have become much less active and adventurous ourselves to accommodate her needs As still reasonably active, young at heart retirees this is not ideal. Hopefully the dear old thing has years ahead of her so we are thinking of this as a long rather than a short term situation.
We have no family we could leave her with and if I'm honest, even if we did we wouldn't do that.
I wonder if anyone has been in a similar situation and how did you handle it so as to do the best for your dog without putting your own life on hold?
Passports not in the drawer I always keep them in. Turning the place upside down.