My last dog or cat?

We've been pet free for twelve years now after our last animal, our beloved Springer died. After years of rising early to turn out ponies, clean stables and walk dogs, I'm still up by six each morning but don't regret our decision not to have another dog - yet. We wouldn't have a cat as there are too many prowling around our neighbourhood but a dog is still a maybe one day. When we stop travelling, staying out all day at No Dog venues (NT properties, etc), and so on.

We do get our dog fix several times a year when our grand dogs come to stay. For instance we've got one coming in June (with DGS) for a couple of weeks when DiL has her op. One in July for a few days and two coming in August for three weeks while DD1 and family go to France. We see them with their families quite a lot too and they treat our home as their own.

Our 3 were all put in the garden. We then planted a shrub in that place. I often used to go and have a chat with them and felt they were still with us as a family. Daft I know but when a pet means so much to you it is a great loss.

phoenix I have a feeling you are right We shall wait and see ....

Mawbroon I know exactly what you mean. I feel a real sense of doom whenever I think about my dog ageing and eventually dying. He is such a wonderful character and a real joy to us and I know we will be totally devastated to lose him.

However, you are right - there is much more cleaning to do and it does mean that we can't spontaneously go off for a few days without getting someone to look after our dog or finding accommodation that allows dogs. Even then it can present problems - dogs not being allowed on certain beaches in the summer and not being allowed to stay in hotel rooms in your absence, etc. Holidays abroad mean imposing on our son and his partner (who are quite happy to help but we know it puts extra pressure on them) or paying a lot for someone to look after him in their or our home.

I really don't know what the answer is. Having a dog, as well as having real health benefits, lifts the spirits. A dog forces you to go out for a walk even when the weather might in other circumstances give you an excuse to stay at home. It is a way of meeting people and exchanging a few friendly words, thus getting to know more about your community and neighbours.

What about fostering a dog or even being paid to care for people's dogs in your home when they go on holiday? In that way, you still can still enjoy the company of a dog but can pick and choose when and for how long.

We decided not to have another dog after we retired although I would love to have one. However, we would be restricted about going away and could not afford kennel fees for an extended stay and at our age would it be fair on the dog if we do not have as much energy as it would require?
The DC have dogs and cats (well just one cat now ) so we are happy to share theirs when we see them.

DH was rushed into hospital over Easter while we were staying with DD2. On top of everything else I had to arrange extended stay at the kennels for our two dogs for a few more days. Thank goodness they had room.

The bill was not a pretty sight.

They're ten and seven and I'm pretty sure they will be our last.

It's too soon yet Maw but don't forget the Cinnamon Trust look for long term foster homes. You don't actually own the dog, but it stays with you for ever, unless you find yourself unable to cope. You get a weeks trial too to see if you're both suited. And they help with vets bills and such. Mum's Staffie went to a couple in Derbyshire as she was afraid of children so we wouldn't risk taking her (and DH can't stand Staffies) She settled wonderfully well.

Please mawbroon have a look at puppy walking for one of the assistance dogs organisations - they offer boarding if you need to go away - and you'd be really helping someone maybe go out on their own for the first time ever. (thinking of guide dog pups)

Get an old dog.me and my Ernie, two old dogs together, if he goes before me I shall get someone ancient from a shelter.

Retired guide dogs become available apparently and are very well trained.

Had you thought about short term fostering of rescue dogs. They can be all ages and you give them a loving home until their permanent home is found - which of course could be you if you felt it was right

Our third rescue was pts when he was very ill at about 15 and for 6 years or so we without either a dog or a cat - however when I was made redundant my first thought was to get another dog - we did and drive over 300 miles to pick him up - however he was pts after 2 days by my vet following a sustained buying attack in both husbsnd and I - it turned out that a previous vet had recommended the same a few years earlier as the dog had an on/off switch - it was devastating
However a friend then phoned and I voted me over to her farm for tea - she then took me into an out building and handed me a 3 week old miniscule black bundle if I wanted him
I fell In love and Rollo my beautiful Westlake has been with us for since he was ready to leave his mummy - yes we've had to cancel holidays etc but omg the love we give and get from him is priceless - we're both 70 and love our walks and outings

We had to have our 20 year old cat put to sleep at Easter. Like the OP said, we are very sad, but the house is cleaner and fresher now. Before the house seemed to smell of cat food. There was hair everywhere, and often we'd come home to find the cat had been sick, or even worse. We can now go away for holidays without me worrying about asking the neighbours to look after a very old cat. Hubby thinks we should never have another pet and I agree with him. To the OP, I'd say take your time. See how you feel in a few months time.

One of the things that keeps me going is that when I'm eventually able to retire probably not for a few years yet I will be able to get myself a small dog for company and to get me out of the house walking this post has really made me think about wether or not it's a good idea

My FIL did in his late 70's - it is only a small dog but it has been good for FIL - keeps him active and interested in someone other than himself. The problem now is who will go first and if it's the dog FIL will be devastated.

Maw, I know just how you are feeling right now having had to put our wee cross terrier PTS four days before Christmas. We've had a dog all our married life (43 years) and so we miss having a dog in our life. We've chosen not to get another one right now though as we help out our daughter with our twin grandsons who are 2. However never say never! Give yourself a wee while to adjust. Thoughts are with you. X

I'm dreading being in your position my staffy is 13 and started to slow down and has arthritis, it's brought home to me how heartbroken I'm going to be when I lose her. However I've seperated from my partner last November and days out are difficult as it's only my DD that I can get to have her and if I go out with her I'm in a right dilemma. So it's very bitter sweet I adore her and she keeps me fit with the walks but is a concern if I have to leave house for long periods.

I help out at a dog rescue and they often have elderly dogs brought in for various reasons. Maybe you could consider one of those as they usually just want love and food and don't need much walking.

Grateful to read this thread as I've been longing for a dog, preferably an older whippet for a long time and haven't dared take the plunge because of age (73) and vetinerary costs. Keep looking at rescue sites, loads of greyhounds, poor things but no whippets.
I look after a friend's two young border collies for a couple of hours each weekday and have just done a 24 hour dog sitting. I'm exhausted, the younger one is eight months old and a real firecracker,so regretfully I must conclude that I'm too old and unfit to take on even an older dog now and will content myself with my borrowed charges, and be grateful I can give them back!

My beautiful Burmese cat passed away at 18 years of age. I was devastated. I'm now 71 but could not bear not having a little animal in the house. It was not long before I was visiting cat shelters and chose a rescue cat. I'm not sorry that I did and if my family won't take him on our death, I have arranged for the Cat's Protection League to rehome him. Many animal charities will do this if you ask for a form and leave instructions in your will.

Don't deprive yourself of an animal if you want to have another. They are a great source of amusement and comfort.

Hannah, collies are exhausting but greyhounds, lurchers sleep a lot and I've always found them gentle (except near cats!)

Lots of (((Hugs))) Maw

We have had dogs and cats ( and rabbits, gerbils, goldfish, budgies and hamsters!) since we got married. Our last dog was pts about 5 years ago and I still miss him and we currently only have one standoffish cat!

What I don't miss is de-pooing the garden, trudging (and picking up poos!) in the wind, rain and snow, having to arrange kennels, washing the kitchen floor, having a messy garden etc.

It's a dilemma isn't it but, on balance, our lives are much easier without a dog buy I am working on more, friendlier, cats.

As others have said, it's early days, Maw. Try a sense of freedom for a while, then see how you feel. And your husband. You're not 'past it' yet.
My friend is 79, their previous dog was pts because of cancer, and soon after they took on an 18 month old black lab. This dog had been left alone after a divorce, and was 'maladjusted' but they worked hard with her and she's now a lot calmer, and a lovely companion.
So see how you both feel in a few months.

I can't be without dogs, clean houses and de pooing don't compensate. I still grieve everyday for my beloved Hugo who was killed 5 years ago, I still have Poppy (born the day after he was killed) and Bess. I will always have a dog, but will gauge the age and life expectancy of both of us later on in life. Until then it's dog central, all friends' dogs welcome unless the girls are on heat. Clients bring their dogs too, gets a bit much at times but dogs are such fun.. We have had clients' dogs racing through our bedroom doing a Badminton horse trials, friends poodles on a lilo in the pool. who wouldn't miss that. To say nothing of the wonderful walks. If worst comes to worst I trust my DCs with do the needful.

Christinefrance, or anyone else, have you heard of Trusted House Sitters? People around here have been using them and are very happy with the arrangement. I understand you pay an enrolment fee, possibly yearly, of about €100, and pay nothing for the housesitters. You give them a meal on arrival, just leave them enough food for a day and then they take over. They tend to be people travelling around Europe, good with animals and they have to have a CPR check. We will enrol once we get the chance/money to leave this Paradise.

This sounds so sad. Life expectancy for a woman is over 80. Stop thinking about death and live life. (Maybe talk to your chikdren about how you feel)

I bought a dog six years ago when I was 65, and another two years later. My DH was dead against the whole idea. But they filled a gap in my life which retirement had caused. DH absolutely adores them.now, and they go everywhere with us.....I find the essential walking a super discipline for me, and just love their company, dependence and devotion.