Shall we get a wee dog?

May I just point out that O P has said original question was 'tongue in cheek'?
Read into that what you choose.

I get the feeling Oldbatty you possibly worded your initial post badly as you later said you certainly would pick up the poo. You also said you have visited the rescue centre several times. So you're not rushing into anything. There is no reason why you can't rescue an older dog. Lots want the younger ones leaving the oldies behind. Which removes the worry of whether it will outlive you. Which you didn't mention but others have. Retired Greyhounds can make good companions for older people as they don't need loads of exercise and are usually sweet natured. Some rescue centres will help out with any existing/ongoing health problems too. But you would need to check this and factor in the HUGE cost of vet care should an older pooch require it (difficult to get insurance with older dogs). I think, done responsibly, having a pet as a companion when you are older is a wonderful thing. As proven by health professionals. Makes a person get up and go for a walk when maybe you would've stayed in the chair. Come rain or shine! Just don't 'joke' to the rescue centre you're 'not sure' you could pick up the poo. They won't let you have one! I took you seriously. As others have said, if you are squeamish, picking up a nice dry ish poo is doable. In all my years of dog ownership however, I can report there have been times I've been mopping runny ones off the pavement. Which is how I learnt to carry a bit of kitchen roll and some wet wipes! Oh, and one time my whistle went into my poo bag when I leant forward and another time I fell over a tree root onto my 'two' poo bags, which burst and I was smothered. Hopefully that won't happen to you though! Do think it through and I hope you make a good choice.

I see everyone on here is talking about getting a puppy - not a dog. I'm 65 and my babe is not likely to see the year out. I will get another - I see no point in life without one - (although I am also considering fostering) but it will be an older dog. If you get one from a reputable rescue, they will know all about its character and behaviour so you will know what you're getting. They will also take it back if, for whatever reason, you can no longer look after it. Not many breeders will do that. Get an older dog - from a rescue. It is more difficult than buying a puppy, but that's because they care about the dog, not just the money it can make them.

I went through the exact same, and then decided to get a little Shih tzu. A few weeks later diagnosed with grade 3 aggressive breast cancer, and thought I would have to rehome her.

We coped through months of chemotherapyand radiotherapy, and a year on I'm still having treatment. I've walked her even after chemo, and believe she was my little angel sent for a reason to get me out of bed.

Very hard work with a puppy,and I did try a rescue dog but it went for me twice in 24hrs, but thankfully was on trial.

Mine is very costly as on special diet, and needs clipping every 8 weeks at £30 a time. Add on vaccinations, vet bills, kennels for holidays and pet insurance. Also I'm always watching the time when out, so very restrictive.

On the plus they are company and good excersise.

Would I do it again...not sure I would, but she has been good for me, and lifted my depression.

I wish you well yorkshiregirl I went through exactly the same as you and am now clear 8 years on. I hope that helps you to know, that, as tough as it is at the time, you can get through it. Glad your little girl got you through and lifted your spirits. You are a good example of how much they lift us in dark times.

You raised a good point re rescues. It does not always go well as I can vouch for (still got the scars on my face!) Very important you realise they will often come with issues due to poor previous ownership. Not their fault of course. But good to be aware, especially if you have visiting grandchildren.

If you want to reduce the poop, feed it a Biologically Appropriate Raw Diet. We changed over to raw when our dog was a puppy and he went from doing great big roundabouts to doing about a third of the amount. What is more, 10 years later, he has been incredibly fit and healthy, his coat has been amazing and all his dandruff disappeared overnight. It is also cheaper than a good quality kibble (a bit of an oxymoron really).
If you don't have much experience of dogs, maybe you should try Borrow my Doggie first. Dogs who may be left all day without company are matched up with people who'd love a dog but aren't able to have one full time. Rescues are often looking for foster homes so that may be a way to go too. You'd soon find out if it was for you.
There are websites where you can input what traits you want from a dog (or cat) so you can match the breed to your needs. Older dogs may be house trained, a puppy almost certainly won't be so that might be worth considering. Of course, they might have additional problems so you might want to ensure they don't suffer from separation anxiety or nervous problems.

re the original post , there is a world of difference between could and would.

re being tongue in cheek, has that been banned now?

thanks for some thought provoking comments.

breeze, your tree root story had finished this dream.

Old batty. Aside from you being facetious about picking up the poop, what are the advantages you envisage? Perhaps if you state what you think owning a dog would bring then others could come in and advise what type of dog would suit your needs?

I would never suggest anyone gets a dog who doesn't understand the breed they are getting or who doesn't have the time to be 100% committed. I am horrified by 'friends' who think a dog is like a cat! They are not (I've got both b.t.w) I haven't seen my cat all day, but my dog doesn't leave my side. We plan holidays with him, we plan nights out with him in mind.

I've had various breeds over the years, German Sheps, Labs, Retrievers ...but that was when I lived in Scotland and had lots of open land. Since moving into more confined space I didn't want a dog but was persuaded otherwise so I looked into it and have got a Cockapoo now.... he is brilliant for the grandchildren, doesn't shed hair and loves other animals too.

Doesn't mean to say we didn't have to TRAIN him. In fact, spent the first year wondering "what the hell have I done". He seemed so stupid compared to say the German Shep but now he's fabulous (4) and I am glad we got him but ...lots of work no matter what type you get. Rescue dogs can come ready trained but others are even harder to train - depending why they are there. Some people think Collies are adorable and make wonderful pets - NO they don't, they are working dogs and need to be worked!

So I would say, do your homework....ask yourself what type of dog do you need (for instance I didn't want a terrier type who's instinct is to chase rabbits, cats and anything that moves)

And yes, dogs can bring so much to your life for the right reasons.

reasons for pondering this were.....motivate us to get out and about , especially in winter. A companion, a shared interest. Fun.

If I had to choose whether to have animals in my life or humans, it would be animals every time. So much joy , unconditional love, loyalty, what more could you ask for?.

Bluegal I have a cockapoo - he's been more work than any foster or rescue dog, despite the fact I chose carefully from a reputable breeder, health checked parents, both of whom I met and also the fact a number of his half siblings live locally, all lovely dogs. Mine however, drama queen, very bright but very scatty - reminded me of a show pony for the first few years. He is now a lovely dog.
RawDiets have a genuine following and that is fine. Don't forget though, those of us with challenged immune systems are advised against feeding raw. There are some excellent kibbles around - research, decide which diet is best for your dog as well as fits around your lifestyle and other issues.
Dogs eh - by the way, to those posters who say that dogs are dirty etc etc and shouldn't be allowed near children. Can I ask you to look at the research, which suggests children who grow up with animals/dogs have less allergies and better immune systems. (They're also happy, imo and learn so much about caring for others and acting responsibly). Rest my case m'lud.

If you just want a dog mainly to walk then Borrow My Doggy is worth a look.

If you think you may want a bit more then the Cinnamon Trust looks for people to dog walk for the elderly and infirm who can no longer excercise their pooches.

They also need foster carers to take on dogs/cats/budgies while their owners are in hospital or for long term care. My DM’s 10 year old Staffy found a long term foster carer in Derbyshire and lived out the rest of her life there. Cinnamon Trust pay all vets bills and insurance and I believe may even cover some kennel costs when you go on holiday. The dog comes on a weeks trial too!

wow thanks , that sounds ideal.

Hi,
I do not think a dog is for you, I don't think your heart is really in it. A dog is for life and if you don't think you can manage to pick up poo, how will you cope if said dog was ill, with sickness and diarrhoea?
I have never been without a dog, the last one was 16 1/2, the one I have now will be my last dog as I am 72 and he is 4, Do you want to be going out in all weathers with a dog, when the rain is falling or snow and ice and even now with the heatwave, I am up and out taking my boy out for his hour walk at 7 am.

I know that raw dog food has its following but there are very good quality processed dog foods out there. We use a company called Millie's Wolfheart. Its a dried food that keeps well in a sealed bin in the shed. Suits our rescue dog's initially very delicate tummy. We get very neat compact poos and everyone comments on how fit she is and how sleek and glossy her coat is. Its a very high quality protein food so measurements are important, it might seem a bit more expensive at first but it does work out very well as there is no waste and we get it delivered, so no carrying home!

P.S. and having read an article in a magazine about doggy bad breath (evidently a low grade diet can be the cause if its not the teeth) her breath is always perfectly acceptable....just a bit meaty after a meal!

Old Batty - actually reading your reasons for a dog ... I don't think a dog is your answer t.b.h,.

Maybe join a club like a walking club? That will get you out over the winter. Shared interest? Possibly? but (this is just my experience) Dogs are 'pack' animals and they pick their leader with care. Sometimes my DH tells me he might as well not be there as HE (dog) only responds to me!! He feels superfluous to requirements lol. As I said, please try to understand a dog completely before you get one. Rescue centres are full of dogs that owners got on a whim and never understood their actual needs.

My advice to you is not to get a dog - walk one - sure. But don't get one. Not being disrespectful, just trying to save another poor dog from being mis understood.

I am64 .... .... Same here! Total nutcase for the first year, calmed down in 2nd and now is 'Perfect' but not before ruined clothes, toys, lawn etc. In face, he's fab now but this week STILL dug up the lawn .....grrrrr

I hope comments like ours will encourage people who believe cockapoos are ideal
First dogs, easy to train, good with children and don’t shed might re consider before dashing out to buy one

Ive never had a dog husband never not had one. After we got married I found the perfect compromise we volunteer dog sit for our local branch of Barking Mad We have had a dog this year as often as weve not had one I really enjoy all our doggy guests and have had my life enriched by them in unexpected ways but I still get and enjoy dog free time too

Agree Iam64.... But I truly believe there are no bad dogs - just bad owners! As I said, I've had a lot of different breeds but at the end of the day...they are all dogs! They need time, discipline and most of all time devoted to them. To me they are very much like children. They need guidance, love and perseverance. If anybody disagrees then they shouldn't have a dog imo.

I don't go with the saying "its only a dog" NO... my dogs have always been as important to me as my family! (got a lot of stick for it and people disagreeing but its how I feel)

I would never try to be disrespectful to people who don't understand, but I would try to discourage people such as OP from acquiring a dog because if their heart isn't in it or they think it will fill a gap...then ...disaster!

Bluegal, thanks so much. Whats a dog husband?

Now oldbatty...you are taking the proverbial P!!! haha ha... Was this all a wind up? I am thinking you are referring to Graunty Helen's post? Am I right? She didn't put a full stop in the sentence. Ok ....hold my hands up - you got us BUT don't even get a goldfish Oldbatty bahahaha x

BUT I really hope others reading this will take note t.b.h.

Over and out

I got a new pup 3 months ago. I’m 73.
I knew she would be hard work and she is. I never sit down without having to get up fast to let her in or out, stop her barking, take something off her, stop her chewing furnishings or electrical leads or the cat.
Walking her is still a pain as she hates her lead but she’s very good off-lead and comes when called. This may all change when she reaches adolescence.
She brings in sticks, windfall apples, dirty wet paws and snails. She jumps up at strangers in clean trousers or scratches their bare legs. She growls at big dogs and barks at everyone who passes the house.
This is the reality of owning a wee dog. Oh, she also costs £30 monthly for insurance and flea and worm control plus food, toys, harnesses etc.
The fun and love bit costs nothing.