Dont want to upset anyone

It sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
You have enough to contend with, and the dog will enjoy having a more suitable environment.

Better to admit that it's not working out than to try and struggle on.

You sound very sensible and reasonable.
A puppy is a great deal of work and commitment.
You are making the right decision.

Unless there is a way for your son and DP to give you more support while the puppy is a pup ?

You have done the right thing. You can pop over to see the dog and they will bring him over. It's always nice to be straight and open from the start.
A couple of years ago, I was asked to do the nursery run for my little grandson. I'm the world's worst, nervous, driver, so I explained my fears to my son and d.i.l. They understood ..... a bit awkward at first, but everything is fine now .

It’s not a problem at all, they said they will have him and you will still see him. Puppies are just babies, we all remember what hard work babies were/are but we just forget about dogs! Perhaps when the dog is adult....in about two years!....you can get involved again.b

A puppy is an enormous strain on anyone, particularly with the problems you've had. If you'd wanted a dog, perhaps your son could have got you an adult rescue dog instead, where you'd know its personality and needs. For example, he could have chosen one which was very quiet and didn't need a lot of exercise.

I have an older friend in her early seventies who shares ownership of a gorgeous dog with her married daughter. It seems to work out very well. They both have days or weekends of custody! The dog has different rules at the two houses - not on sofas at one, never on beds at the other. She knows exactly what’s allowed at each house! She gets super excited going to either house after a stay at the other one! The daughter trained the pup with regular stays with mum. Now a beautifully behaved dog everywhere.

Thankyou for the advice i do think its the right thing to do even though he is drop dead gorgeous at least my sons family will love and enjoy him they live in the counrty so he can have nice long walks .

Don't feel guilty sweetpea - I'm sure you're doing the right thing. Perhaps if you'd been able to get a dog 10 or 15 years ago it would have worked out better. Puppy will go to a home where they are better able to cope. We all make mistakes. You'll still be able to enjoy the little dear during visits.

Maybe your son was really really wanting another pup, so very sneakily gave you one - knowing that he would get it eventually ! .

But seriously, you are doing the right thing - and will still enjoy visits from pup but not have the hassle.

This sounds like an ideal solution - good luck for the future.

I think you are doing the right thing, not only for yourself but the puppy too. You will still be able to see it hopefully and maybe look after it on the odd occasion A neighbour bought a puppy even though she worked nights which meant the dog was alone all night and most of the day while she slept. I was so happy when she told me she decided to rehome it. It has gone to a couple with a small holding so it will get plenty of lovely exercise and be happy. Sometimes we have to put our pets feelings before our own and you are to be applauded for doing so.

Sweetpea Please don't feel bad about this you have given it long enough for you to know it is not going to work out for you and I applaude your son for being so understanding and rehoming the puppy you will find that the two puppies together will grow up to be good pals and keep each other company.
When you visit your sons home you can take the puppy out for a walk and have cuddles so you will still see him on a regular basis.

This is the exact reason animals should never be given as gifts.

It may not be an option for you, but our mechanic looks after his daughter's dog during the day. She works, and he has a farm, so he keeps the pup with him and she picks it up at night. He calls it the Rent-A-Dog program

I am in a very similar situation to you. After much discussion we decided to get a puppy. Nearly drove us mad and DH to a break down. I came within a hairs breath of rehoming. However I knew she was going to be a good dog so I persevered. That was 10 years ago and she's an integral part of our home. She has brought a lot of life and joy into the house. I walk her every day, get to chat to different people and she keeps my husband company while I am out. It was hardwork, but she grew up and we have grown old together.

A dog share arrangement is the perfect solution and my son does this with his in-laws. You all get quality time with the pup, but also the help when needed. As long as you talk candidly with your son, express your gratitude and mention your concerns too, all should be fine.

Puppies can be very hard work, but the adolescent stage can be even harder. It's a pity the timing isn't right for you as you do love dogs because once they're adults they can be a wonderful addition to the family. I hope you can work out what's right for you.

How about adopting an older dog from a good Rescue such as Dogs Trust. There is the good thing that the dog will be more settled, hopefully picked by the Rescue to match your needs.
Or you could try adopting an older cat from Cats Protection where my lovely cats came from.
Good luck in whatever you choose even if you only share your puppy.

As you say you have a lot of stress I definately agree a puppy is hard work, you have to think about these things before you get a dog with other things going on in your life, I think it’s fantastic idea for the puppy to go with another dog where it can run off it’s energy it will have great fun, and you will be able to see it and watch it grow without the added responsibility of owning it, an older dog much easier but saying that still needs walks several times a day, cats are much easier

I'm 64 and full-time carer for hubby who is 71 and now had Lewy Body Dementia. I lost my little dog of 12 years a few weeks ago and I miss her so much. We have my daughter's rescue dog who is 10 and has lived with us since she was 2 and I think she is missing Pip too. I would love to have another dog but feel that a puppy would be too much with everything else going on, so I understand where you are coming from. I've considered an older dog from rescue but I'm a bit worried that I don't know their background, especially with grandchildren visiting. By the way you're not old at 60 but if you're like me, I bet some days you feel it xx

Your son and his wife are kind and understanding people and you are all, to my mind, doing the right thing. Puppies are very hard work, especially spaniels! You can repay their kindness by looking after the dogs when they go on holiday perhaps?

what a dilemma. It is certainly the right thing to say that the dog is a bit difficult for you. I would also tell your son that you would be very happy to look after the dog when they need a dog-sitter.

My husband recently finally agreed to us having two puppies he retires. I am out all the time, so someone needs to be at home with them. I was over the moon until I gave it some thought and realised that in our mid-seventies we may not have the energy for such a big responsibility. I never in my life believed I would turn down such an opportunity, I love dogs, but realised that I really like the life we have now and don't actually want to change it.

I'm sure that you've given them all the reasons you don't feel able to keep the dog and therefore they will totally understand. And it's a lovely solution as your puppy is still going to be 'part of the family' and you'll see him regularly.
I love our rescue dog, but she was 11 when we got her and sleeps all the time (much like DH!). I would find a boisterous puppy very hard to cope with now I'm in my 70s, it was hard enough when I was in my 50s!

I do not believe in giving someone a pet of any kind following a 'bad time' in their lives. Let that person make the choice as I dread to think how many of these pets are pushed aside unless fortunate ?enough to be taken to a sanctuary for rehoming.