Would it be fair?

ExD Definitely keep looking for the right little dog. Pets are wonderful companions, there are so many of them in rescue centres that are desperate for the loving home that you could offer.

Unless you are used to cats, it is probably better to find the right dog for you - something small and quiet and a good rescue centre would bear in mind your needs and capabilities.

Good luck. I look forward to seeing a photo of your new doggy friend.

Buffybee I had 2 Cavaliers. They were far from lazy right up to the end. They loved their walks in our local woods. They did like a cuddle on the sofa though. You have to bear in mind they can develop health problems as they get older and even with pet insurance the vets bills can be costly. Saying all that they are the most wonderful little dogs and when this pandemic eases I shall be looking for another one.

When she was your age, my mother had a dachshund. The only trouble with them is that they have to be carried up and down stairs, as their backs cannot cope with stairs.

Choose a small dog - a sheepdog would need more and longer walks than you are up to. The one I had as a child refused to sleep indoors, which could be a problem, too.

An old lady I knew had a mongrel that was mainly terrier - he was the perfect dog for her,

If you give up the notion of a dog, do get a cat, but a grown one unless you have experience of training kittens not to scratch furniture and climb curtains.

Is it possible to foster a dog as one can a cat? You can give the dog all the love and attention it needs but you will not have the vet bills which are a major consideration- my bank account knows!

Our little Yorkie cross had a lot of injuries when she was rescued. Now she can't manage a lot of exercise but is happy with short walks and lots of love.
There is a dog out there just looking for a forever home with you ExD don't give up.

ExD, I've just looked online and there are lots of rescue places for Cavaliers and Bichons.

If you could rescue an older Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or Bichon Frise, they are very lazy and would much rather be on your knee all day. Try to find a rescue for these particular types of dogs.
Any type of lap dog would be ideal, don't get a terrier type of dog, much too lively.
I would say that you need a dog proof garden to let the dog out when you're not up to a walk.
Otherwise, go for it and get your little companion.

What about a rescue greyhound? They actually need very little exercise - they'd rather sleep! You would need to make sure that it had been house trained as ex-racing dogs aren't always.

Go ahead and get a little dog, it'll get you out to stretch your legs. From what I've seen advertised there are plenty of small dogs who don't need the same exercise as a bigger one but can be just as much company and easier to manage too.

I took on a 1 year cat from the RSPCA when I was 75----you're never too old but don't look too far into the future. Animals keep you going and I can't imagine not having my cats. I hope you can find a little dog wanting a new home.

I’d do it, dogs are such brilliant company, and lots of breeds don't need lots of walking. You just need to find the right one for you, keep trying with rescue centres, they do often have well trained dogs who are there through no fault of their own.
I’m a spaniel lover, but my second bit of advice is don’t go for a cocker spaniel! Mine is the most gorgeous dog, but they are perennial puppies and often never slow down in older age.

ExD - whatever you do, do not 'forget the whole idea'!

Don't deprive yourself (and the dog) of all of the love and happiness that you will give to each other.

I hope that you and the right dog find each other soon!

If you have doddery legs, don't get a kitten. We bought one recently and he does his best to trip us up.

A friend who is in her late seventies lost her old dog and rescued a dog who had been used in a puppy farm. It was a sad, skinny dog but she looks completely different now and is probably a bit overweight but very content.