Thoughts on getting another dog at the age of 72.

You could give a loving home to a rescue dog who has never known love or care. As long as you make plans for what would happen to the dog if necessary (family to take her, or the Cinnamon Trust, etc), I don't see why you should deprive yourselves ..... and a pet - of the love you could share...... hopefully for many years to come.

Gosh yes, 72 is nothing. A young rescue dog will grow old with you. Perfect for each other?

I agree. I think having a dog really adds vibrancy to our everyday lives. It forces you out for walks when you might otherwise be settled on the couch, gives you another being to interact with.

There is so much joy in having a pet, and love to give, so why not?

I personally don't see anything wrong in getting another dog if you are both fit and healthy. I love dogs but they do need some looking after as you know. My husband is 72 and i'm 64. He has health problems but still gets out every day for a good walk in the morning so i'd say she keeps him fit. I suppose it would depend on the breed and age of the dog you would choose. We have a rescued greyhound and we wouldn't be without her. Fantastic breed for the elderly.

Hello Rio I am so sorry you have lost your beautiful dog she looks a lovely girl.

I lost my boy last year and now have a rescue dog, a young springer cross. My life is so much better now he is here, he filled that dreadful hole left in my heart, although I will always miss my other boy.

I am a similar age to you, so yes, you should get another one, you are not too old. You will enjoy having another one to look after and take for walks.

Sending you best wishes x

Everyone, young or old - and over 70s even more- should find a person who is prepared to take dog over 'in case of need'. Our DD1 wuld take our dog on, and my neighbour would take the cat. It has to be agreed with them of course, not just 'in your head' and if possible, a fund set aside for their upkeep and vet fees.

Providing this is done, it is wonderful to have a dog companion at whatever age - as long as you choose a dog that is suited to your fitness and activity level, etc. But please, do give an older rescue your consideration - there are so many out there desperate to get a good home. One of my DDs is always putting stuff on her FB about rescues- but then chose to buy 2 expensive puppies. And so have many friends- rescue talk, puppy reality. I will never have the joy of having a puppy- but I just could not- knowing there are so many dogs out there.

Met a lady walking her dog on the beach last week who was 80; when I said it worried me that I'd had a new puppy at 67 she said I was 'just a nipper'. We've done lots of socialising and obedience training with our whippet and we're in a whippet walking group so I hope that, if something happened to us people in our group would want her. Also her breeder is one that asks for all dogs to be returned to her if necessary. 5 is awfully young; we hoped our last dog would take us into old ages but she died very suddenly. I do think it might be worth looking into having a retired greyhound; they really make wonderful pets.

The Cinnamon Trust will look after pets when owners are unable to do so.

I would say definitely yes! If you're still fit and healthy and can walk and care for the dog, then why not? Perhaps not a puppy (we all know what hard work they are!) but I'm sure you could find a suitable dog and have lots of years of pleasure and happiness from him/her. Let us know how you get on and what you decide to do!

Go for it!!

I have just adopted a beautiful little dog from Romania through Paws 2 Rescue. I am 73, and thought I might be too old. I checked with my daughter first and if the worst happens she will take her. If we get so we can't do the dog walking I will pay someone to walk her.

Yes! Will keep you both fit. Rescue greyhounds make excellent pets or contact your local rescue centre.

Yes. I had my six year old dog put to sleep just a year ago, inoperable, brutal tumour. I’d expected us to grow old together. I have an 11 year old labradoodle and several months ago a ten month old spaniel joined us. I’ve rescued and fostered dogs for forty five years but given four grandchildren under four felt it wouldn’t be right to bring an unknown adult dog into our family. The spaniel came via a friend, for good reasons. She’d been loved and cared for, that plus the spaniel temperament means she’s perfect for us.
I’m 70. My sisters and adult children would take our dogs if disaster strikes.
I volunteer for a specific breed charity. We’ve placed dogs with older people. Go for it, you’ll not regret it

I got my lovely little puppy dog when I was 65. I took her to training classes which opened a social side for me and my dog. I have now a beautiful companion. She is always at my side. I suggest get a small dog. Doesn’t need to much exercise. I take mine to garden centres, coffee shops even J L. My advice go for it but take him or her to training classes if you can.

Sorry about your dog. Do give another one a caring home.

Our little dog, a rescue, came to us nearly two years ago at the age of 10 months. We were 66. Our daughter and sil will have her if we died or were too frail to look after her so her future is secure. She brings so much joy into our lives and we get exercise and chats to others on dog walks. So long as you have a plan for the dog's care if anything happens to you I think you should go ahead op.

What a beautiful dog. I’m so sorry you’ve lost her at such a young age.

I can’t see why you couldn’t have another dog. As others say, make sure you have plans in place for ‘what if’ eventualies and that will put your mind at ease.

Then an older rescue dog might be just the ticket for you. They’re often harder to rehome because people want puppies and it would be wonderful to open your heart and home to such a dog.

We’re cat people, rather than doggy types, and we have two older rescue cats. They’re gorgeous pedigree brothers but no one seemed to want them because they were 9yo. They bring us so much joy!

RIO, yes do get another dog. Life is so empty without a dog. I am 74 DH 76 we have a mix of animals that keep us young but our 3 dogs have a special place in our ? DOGS TRUST have a free registration scheme they will provide you with a card to carry to say if anything happens to you they will collect and take your dog to re home or care for, they never put a healthy dog to sleep so your friend would be safe and loved.

So sorry that you have lost your dog . I also think it would be a good idea for you to get another dog, you have so much love to give; but as others have said, I think it would be better to get a rescue dog rather than a puppy. Older dogs are always harder to re-home, and you could give one a truly lovely life. Go for it!

Definitely a rescue dog. There are so many lovely dogs out there who are desperate for a home. We recently collected our rescue cat (partially sighted poor love) from an RSPCA Animal Shelter and some of the dogs had been there for 6 months. Such sad faces I was sorely tempted.

I had a dog that I was going to grow old with. Sadly she did not grow nearly as old as she should have done. I was 65 at the time and although reasonably healthy I did have minor mobility issues caused by arthritis. I decided to get another puppy after much thought. I did have one other dog at the time but he was on his last legs. I thought I was not ready to be a dogless house. However, roll on 5 years and my mobility issues have deterioated and in all honesty I cannot say I am giving my 5 year old pooch the life she should have. I can, on my extensive experience with the breed, expect her to live another 7 or 8 years. I'm now faced with a decision which will affect the rest of my dog's life. Does she stay with me and exist, or do I find a home for her where she can live the full and active life?

If you believe you are fit enough to have a new dog then go for it but think of how your life may be in 5 years. I know we cannot predict what is going to happen but perhaps you need a back up plan for the dog just in case something happens to you.

If you wanted another GSP you may be able to get a retired breeder or show dog from a reputable breeder.

You may well have another 10 years of good health and all will be well. I hope you do.

Make contingency plans just in case you are unwell or no longer able to look after your pet. That applies to all of us, though, whatever our age or current fitness level, doesn't it?

A neighbour in her nineties here has a red setter (very high energy) and it's walked twice a day by her daughter and a dog walker.

So sorry to hear your dog has died Rio they do leave a big gap don't they.

As everyone else said there are lots of rescue dogs out there looking for homes. Especially older dogs, Cinnamon and Dogs Trust will help if things do get too difficult. We are 74 and our dogs help keep us active as well as giving us so much love and pleasure. Go for it I say.

jura's point about having someone to take over the dog if you are unable to look after it for any reason is a good one. My friend took on a rescue puppy last year and since then has been ill although she still has her DH who can take the dog for walks. However, they have a young family member who will take over the dog if they can no longer care for it.

We still miss ours, they do leave a big gap in our lives.