Dont want to upset anyone

Meant to say 'small spaniel'

I care for my daughter (though that's not as taxing as caring for an older person ), and think I'd go crazy if I didn't have an hour out with the dog every morning - though it's another commitment. I'm much nearer your husband's age than yours.
A dog-share if they're not too far away?

You were given an unasked for pup, you can't manage it, it's happily been taken back by DS- where's the problem?

Well spaniels are very intelligent lolol

I'm glad you clarified that, sazz1 - try as I might, I couldn't think how such a dog would suit a gambler

Ramblers not gamblers lol

We have a working cocker spaniel and I can tell you they are very high energy. Very very loving but 2 speeds asleep and calm or very active at home constantly on the go. Need 2 x 1 hrs run at a minimum every day. Suit joggers, farm or small holding owners, hikers, gamblers etc. Outdoor people who enjoy the countryside, beating and shooting, rural life. Definitely not for anyone houseproud - they shed all year round and actively seek out mud and water. Most loving cuddly dog we have ever owned but not for people with limited mobility. Good luck Hope ýou still see the dog at your sons xxx

A friend of mine is having a spaniel puppy and said she had been told it will be like looking after a baby so she isn’t looking forward to that stage, and she is in her forties!

A dog is a huge commitment.

There is no obligation to have one if its not right for you.

Not a rescue, not an older dog, not a dog share.

Its kinder to say "No thanks".

Anyone watching 'the dog house' can be in no doubt of the therapeutic value of pets. Having said that you only get back what you put in. Of course not all dogs are the right match, which is a vital consideration. Even the mildest mannered pooch is going to take a lot of commitment.

This sounds like the ideal solution, you can continue to see the puppy but without all the hard work that puppies can cause.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.