new dog in old age

Come on, love, 65? - you're only a spring chicken! 65 is the new 40 (or whatever age you want it to be!) When my mum lost her 16-year-old Jack Russell she was 78 and I offered to get her another dog, but she didn't want another, so thought she might appreciate a sponsorship of what was then CDL - actually she was so rude about that, too, that I was really hurt - but that's another story and she was diagnosed a few months later with demential, so that could explain a lot. I'd have a dog or cat tomorrow, but living on a busy main road and caring for disabled DH, it's not practical at the moment.

Have you thought about getting a rescue doggy, one that's passed the puppy stage and won't chew your furniture but needs a loving caring home. Dogs trust, RSPCA or Blue cross any of these have doggys looking for love. Wish you well

We got our dog from Labrador rescue and he has brought us so much joy, he makes us laugh every day. Dogs go into rescue for so many reasons so they have lovely dogs of all ages - personally I wouldn't have a puppy, all our dogs over the years have come from dogs homes and rescues.
If you are worried about the future most rescues will take the dog back if you become ill or unable to cope.
Worth considering ?

I would love another dog but having to be the one who has taken every cat or dog we've owned on that final visit to the vet I cannot do it again.
That's 13 dogs and 7 cats over 40 years (obviously we had more than one animal at any one time).
The last time was 7 years ago, I miss that dog so much and it nearly finished me off having her put to sleep.
DH says he'd like one but he won't be the one doing all the care yet again (although he's perfectly capable!)

Oscar is such a cute boy, one of our ' dear ' little dogs is now heading for the shower after rolling in cow poo, oh the joys of being a pet owner.

alima Oscar's mother is a miniature blue poodle and his dad a miniature pepper and salt schnauzer. When the sun shines on his fur it looks quite brown though. I've just been trying to groom him but he grabs the brush and chews it. It's just like having a toddler in the house again. Even have the stair gate back out of the loft.

Oldgoat, Oscar is beautiful! What is he a cross between? I get the oodle bit, what's the schn part? Schnauzer?

You are never too old to have a pet, my Mum was still walking her dog everyday in her 90s it kept her active!

If you are worried just make sure you leave instructions what is to happen to your animals in the event something happens to you. I know that WHW offer a scheme you can sign up to for a home for life to horses who lose their owners, but not sure if a similar scheme is available for dogs or other pets.

Do visit a rescue, or if you want a particular breed try that breeds rehoming/rescue service, taking on a rescue is very rewarding.

OH and I both had dogs when we were children but couldn't have one when we were both at work all day. Since our old cats passed away a few years ago we haven't had any pets but recently decided to get a puppy. OH is 73 and I am nearly 70 and our schnoodle puppy has brought so much pleasure to our lives that I wish we had done it years ago. OH is like a new man. He loves taking Oscar out for walks and to puppy classes and strikes up conversations with complete strangers and other dog walkers. It's really given him a new lease of life, and me too!

Please visit your local reforming shelter. There are many dogs who are there because they have lost a loving home/family because their owner has gone into accommodation which doesn't allow pets, or who has passed away. Don't get a pup, don't buy a pup, and most importantly don't buy from a dodgy breeder who could possibly be getting designer dogs from puppy farms. Also an older dog (already housed trained e.g.) could settle in to your way of life much more easily. We got our darling Daisy from a shelter. She is beautiful, both aesthetically and in temperament. I have never had a more loving animal companion. She is now 16 and it breaks my heart to think of the inevitable parting with her. I don't know if I will get another dog, but if I do I know the first place I will look.

Dogs bring such a lot of pleasure and love to your home, always a welcome when you return .
On the down side, a puppy needs a lot of attention and training, if you are the only person responsible for this it can be hard work. An older rescue dog would be easier and there are so many needing a good home. We have just got our third dog, rescued from ill treatment by gypsies and she is a delight, we are 70 and the dogs keep us active and give lots of fun.

My husband and I got a puppy when he was 67 and I was 63 and we really adore her - she's 5 now. Yes, she's a worry when we want to go out or on holiday BUT it's all worth it for the pleasure she brings us. So I say Go For It!!

It was me who expressed concern on the other thread about getting another dog, because I had confused you with the OP of that thread (bereavement) jenn, who was 85. Sorry.

Of course you are but a spring chicken yourself, and I wish you joy with your new pet!

What kitty said Jenn 65!! !! Spring Chicken!! Get a lovely puppy and enjoy the company. (smile]

Full on, not ill on!

The only note of caution I would add is re springer spaniels. They are lovely and loving dogs, but are ill on and need lots of exercise and/or mental stimulation. Having said that, our cocker is probably even more full on than the springer. Hindsight tells me we were mad to have 2

Go for it Jenn

ps I forgot, your situation is a bit different, already having a horse, which takes a lot of your time, and love, I expect.

I agree with Alima - you're still young enough to give at least one dog a lovely life.
Think of it from the dog's point of view - most dogs are very sociable, dependent on human company. There are many who are deprived of this, for various reasons. I'm 80 and our little sweetheart is nearly 15 so hasn't long to go. We're (at least I'm) thinking of getting a younger dog now, as a companion for her.
There are so many dogs looking for a new home.

Added to what kitty has said, you really would like another dog, I can tell! As well as having another 20 plus years in you to look after one there is a marvellous organisation called The Cinnamon Trust who care for dogs when they need a home or just a temporary fostering. It would be worth looking into what they can offer. Happy hunting for your new best friend!

Our old dog is 17 now, and getting rather doddery. We would love to be able to go out and do things now that my OH is semi- retired, but unless our son can come and look after her, we are tied to the house. She doesn't travel well any more, so we can't take her with us. She's been a lovely dog, but when she's gone we won't be having another.
Good luck with the puppies!

Hi jenn I too am thinking of getting a puppy, lost my lovely cat several weeks ago, and need a pet to make a lot of fuss of, will be good for my waistline to walk dog, am thinking of springer spaniel as spent a lot of time with one whilst on hols. I say go for it and two will be great company for each other when you are riding the grumpy git! Also I am 66, live by myself and yep the future can sometimes look bleak, but we are still breathing and that's got to be good

I don't think you should consider your age as things can happen to dog owners of any age that make them less able to cope with their animals. The amount of companionship and affection one gets from animals is wonderful. I have a recently widowed friend of 77 who also lost her dog last year and I think the best thing she could do now is to get another dog, but maybe not a puppy as that might be too much hard work. How about an older rescue dog?

65 is not old, repeat after me, 65 is not old!