Former pet lovers who are now pet-less

[WindyBindy]

I have always had a dog or a cat or multiple of each, for the entirety of my adult life. However I’m getting to the stage now where I’m wondering if life might be easier without. Mainly the constant cleaning and messes (freshly washed duvet and boom, sudden vomit, for example), but also we’re at an age where we can travel but making travel arrangements are burdensome for everyone (us and the pets). I’m trying to imagine a life without pets in it. Right now we still have a few years left before they pass on but normally I would be thinking about getting another pet right about now. Don’t get me wrong, I love them dearly, but I would like to hear from people who have made this transition. How is it?

I will be interested to see replies to this as we are reaching the same point. We are fairly sure we won’t be getting more dogs as we don’t have anyone who could offer one a home if we became unable to care for them. We will probably be over 70 when the current dogs pass away.

We had to miss a concert the other week that we had been looking forward to as our dog sitter wasn’t available, it would give us more freedom not to have them now the children are adults and we could travel/go out more. I think we will always have at least one cat (two currently) as they are less of a tie and adult DC could offer a home if necessary.