How can I have another dog?

Lovely ideas. I'd love another cat or dog but the vets fees terrify me. So I'd love to look after someone's pet if they are poorly. I'd do it any shape or form without vets, it's a responsibility and upsetting it prevents giving the love you have for them

We lost our little Minnie schnauzer during covid lockdown. We could not be with her during her last trip to the vets because of restrictions.
We were totally devastated and couldn't give any thought to another dog. However (Im sure you guessed) we both came to the conclusion that life was empty without a little furry companion.
We eventually found an excellent breeder with puppies and took the plunge. We now have another little schnauzer, totally different but with all the schnauzer characteristics.
However,I had forgotten how much work a new puppy is and several times I doubted my sanity. Standing in the pouring rain with a small puppy at three in the morning hoping for her to wee comes to mind!
She is now 3 and fast asleep on the sofa at the moment. She is easy to look after and incredibly loving and makes us very happy.
I have been told that rescue centres are overflowing with dogs. We recently met a retired couple with 2 beautiful little rescue mini's who were unwanted by breeders after they served their purpose. It would be wonderful if you could provide a loving home to a needy schnauzer.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

I currently have a Miniature Schnauzer Katjoy and know how loving they are. Speak to your local rescue centre about an older dog and discuss your concerns with them. My local rescue also does boarding and yours may too in an emergency. You could well meet another local dog walker who would take your dog in an emergency, we are a friendly lot. See what the possibilities are and hope you find a new companion.

Barking Mad Dog Home boarding. A dog on your terms. I do it and I lost my dog Max 3 years ago but cannot commit to having my own again, as I also look after my autistic grandaughter. This ideal solution.

BlueBelle

Will rescues rehome to older people ? I ve heard a lot of people who don’t get accepted because of their age

depends on the older person's health and fitness (and the dog) Older dogs for older people make perfect sense. We adopted current rescue staffie over 2 years ago when we were 77 and he was 9, all three still active and healthy.

A more sedate person could pick a lazy old lap dog.
There are charities that rehome or foster out older dogs; google "golden oldies".

The Dogs Trust offers a free Canine Care Card so that if an owner becomes to old/infirm to care for their dog, DT will take it in and care for it for life.

Would you be interested in being a pet carer. When going on holiday our dogs were cared for by people who were doggy sitters. The dogs are match with people and go to stay in their home. The company was Barking Mad abd think it's still on the go, at least where I live. You'd have the company of a dog albeit different ones without the cost and responsibility as an owner. If you did buy another one check insurance cos as OPs have suggested.

Your dog is beautiful and they make such wonderful companions, it’s no wonder you’re missing her.
What part of the country do you live? There are various rescues who have older dogs who need a quiet, loving home and you sound like an ideal candidate to have one.
Have a chat with one of them and explain your situation and see what they suggest.

If you are “haile & harty” maybe you might consider fostering for Guide Dogs for the Blind, they are crying out for puppy walkers/foster carers and you would have their assistance and back up as and when required…

I was also going to mention the Cinnamon trust.
They are very helpful.
Don't deny yourself the joy of giving and recieving love from an older doggy because of your worries. You could have many years of a wonderful relationship. Xxx

We're on our 4th labrador who is 6. Hubby 73 me 68. When ours runs over Rainbow Bridge we won't have another no matter how much we miss her. We believe that if anything happened and we had to give it up, it wouldn't be fair for it to be rehomed.

We had a Labrador from a puppy when our children were you g. He adored me and I adored him. After he died aged 15 we got an older Labrador rescue from Dogs Trust and had him for 3 years. When he died I felt that I didn’t want to sign up again for another 15 years with a puppy and also that i could only cope with a smaller dog,. We tried for another rescue dog but were unsuccessful probably because we have small grandchildren who visit. Last year our son asked us if we wanted to see his friend’s cocker spaniel puppies. Of course the inevitable happened and we ended up buying a puppy. She is now 1 and I have to say we have no regrets. My DH positively dotes on her and she is very good with the children. My advice would be to go for it and solutions to any problems will become apparent.

I had four dogs and became disabled . I have a dog walker . She comes in and does an hour with each pair of takes all four to a specific dog field.
It’s about £150 a week.
I have doggy friends for back up if I’m ill. And if I die I have left the house to whoever looks after the dogs . At the moment that’s a good doggy friend.

The Dogs Trust have a wonderful project - Freedom - where they take a dog into a 6 month foster home so the owner can escape a domestic abuse situation. All costs are covered and you can go on holiday as they will place the dog whilst you are away. I’ve had lots of dogs this way and they have all been adorable and (mostly!) well behaved. It’s a great way to have a dog and you’re helping victims of abuse too who are often reluctant to leave their dog behind. Good luck 🤞

I am 81 and a few months ago I joined Borrow My Doggie. (www.borrowmydoggie.com) you register and say what kind of dog you are looking for. Within a couple of days I was contacted by a lovely young mum living only a few streets away. I borrow her miniature rough-haired dachshund about twice a week. We have a lovely time together before I take him home to “mum”.

I've always had lots of animals ,but now I don't.
It's very expensive and I can't stand the pain of losing them .
I think that you have to be realistic and have a contingency plan .
Last year friends were trying to get me to adopt a cat and a dog .

Despite my kind and well meaning neighbour promising to look after them if I went away I said no .
She was the source of both animals through her sister -a nurse at the local vet surgery .
They were both very enthusiastic about my having them .

I haven't seen her for a few days .
I'm not sure where she is and when she's returning.
She's gone on yet another holiday but didn't mention it when I saw a great deal of her last week .
Over the last three years she disappears for long periods .
I've come to realise that people make sorts of promises ,
but don't always live up to them.
I'm really glad that I didn't adopt either .

Do contact www.barkingmad.uk.com/become-a-dog-sitter/ and see if they have a branch in your area. If so, you could become a host for dogs whose owners are on holiday or travelling for work. The great thing about this company is that the local franchisee is your 24/7 support. Whilst they rely on you to routinely honour commitments they will step in very quickly if you are poorly or have a domestic crisis and find an alternative host. This isn't an income generation scheme for the host but there is a small daily stipend paid as acknowledgement and thanks. The dog's are carefully matched to your preferences and brought to your home with everything they need for their holiday. Barking Mad provides insurance and are a licensed service and in the unlikely event a guest dog becomes poorly they will sort the vet visit etc. It's a lovely service that provides one to one care for dogs and if you want to you can get together at social events with other hosts. Give it a try because I'm sure you'd love it!

If it was me I’d make arrangements for its care if the worst happened….then I’d put that aside… and get a rescue dog. You’re not that old and many dogs desperately need a loving home….go ahead!

You can sign up with The Dog’s Trust for a scheme where they guarantee to give your dog a home or find a home should you die. Also The Cinnamon Trust has volunteer walkers who walk dogs for those too frail to do so. I think if you could give an older rescue dog a home surely it is better it lives with you than in kennels? As you like Schnauzers contact Schnauzer Rescue to see what their policy is. If all else fails you could foster for a rescue or join Borrow My Doggy and have regular time with one or more local dogs. Go for it!

An older dog could be the answer, as others have said.
A relative of ours, now in her early 80’s, got a retriever puppy 12 years ago, and with our consent, has it written into her will that ddog comes to us if she passes before the dog. Would you be able to organise something like that to put your mind at rest?

You are an experienced and loving dog owner, with plenty of years in you yet! Please do consider some of the suggestions that have been made here - you still have so much to give. And you know how doggy people meet other doggy people - you may well meet someone who will help out if ever you are incapacitated. Or you may well be the one helping out. Do some research about the Cinnamon Trust to reassure yourself. My daughter knows someone with ankylising spondylitis - when she’s too poorly to walk her dog, the CT arrange for someone to do this - it doesn’t have to be full on foster care.
And don’t worry about something that hasn’t happened, when you could be enjoying the company of a dog that really needs you.

A lady in my village also my DD mil they are both mid 70s and both rescue older dogs that need a slow stroll and a comfy sofa and when they pass away the ladies both get the next old girl that needs love and a comfy sofa. You have love to give to an older dog, so I’d contact a local rescue if they don’t have one to suit I’m sure they can point you in the right direction or google if there is a place local to you. Good luck please come back and let us know 🐶

Have a look at the Cinnamon Trust UK who can arrange volunteers to walk your dog for free if you are feeling poorly.

Lots of useful advice as usual very informative. Good luck Katjoy

Such a beautiful girl, Katjoy, and I can understand how lonely you must feel. Lots of recommendations here, so I would suggest you contact every local dog rescue centre, with a view to adopting an older dog, preferably without issues, who will easily fit in with your lifestyle, and become your close companion.

Some rescue places like to ave volunteers to come in and play with the dogs, or even siy and read to them.