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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To adopt an 11 year old dog?

276 replies

ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 12:01

I'm finally returning to the UK after having spent almost 4 years working away across various countries.

I have always been utterly desperate for a dog, I've had Border Collies before and love them.

I have my own business now so DP and I will both be working from home, we're financially stable so I think we're in a good place.
Only slight niggle is that we talked about doing some travelling, which we couldn't with a dog.

I always expected to get a puppy when we were ready, but I've been keeping my eye on the local dog shelters and have fallen in love with an 11 year old border collie at our nearest one. (not actually met her tho)

I love the idea of rehoming a dog, particularly one who may be struggling to find a home (at a guess her age may be putting people off).
However I've some concerns about rescue collies in general (I've had one and he was so damaged, bless him. Border Collies are high needs and it can go bad when those needs aren't met).
Also, an 11 year old Collie only has 3-4 years left - so I'd be setting myself up for heartbreak really very soon (I know that's really selfish).
On the other side (and I'm aware this is an awful thing to think), she'd be lower commitment than a puppy time wise.

Im not concerned about supporting her through old age, we have the time and money.

AIBU to consider it with such reservations? Is there any factors I've not thought of?

OP posts:
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19
CMOTDibbler · 14/05/2019 12:04

I think adopting an older dog is a wonderful thing, and so many people overlook them. Go and talk to the rescue about her - many older dogs end up in rescue because their owners die or cannot cope anymore rather than due to an issue with the dog

Fcukthisshit · 14/05/2019 12:06

I’d go and meet her and then see how you feel. Good luck - I hope she’s the right one for you!

Honeyroar · 14/05/2019 12:07

You'd be doing a lovely thing for an old dog that might struggle to find a home. You sound like you already know the pros and cons. Spend time with the dog, if possible, take it for walks if you can, get to know it. Speak to the rescue. Not all dogs in rescues have issues, a lot (especially older dogs) are there duet to owners not being able to take them when they move, or even dying. Most rescues settle very easily with proper care and exercise. I've got three rescue dogs.

Original poster
ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 12:11

Sadly I'm not back in the UK until June, else I'd be over to meet her like a shot. I've emailed the rescue however.

For my partner it may be a nice start for dog ownership (he's never had one before) without the full mad energy of a puppy.

I was planning on getting a BC and doing flyball and agility, but that'll be too much for her I'd think - but we can certainly do a lot of playing and activities at the park, so perhaps a nice middle ground to get started

OP posts:
Aimily · 14/05/2019 12:12

Personally I think you'd be doing an amazing thing adopting her at that age, she'll be living her twilight years loved and cared for.

Reservation wise, meet her first and see if you can do a day/overnight stay with her, the rescue we got my dog from allowed this it helps to make sure you are a good fit for eachother and get on etc. Don't think too much on the longevity of having her, you'll start breaking your own heart before you need to even think about goodbye.

It it helps Aimpup is a chihuahua cross, he was 9 when we got him 4 years ago in July, was a total state (he was an abandoned stray, skin and bones, no fur apart from his head) they didn't think he would last long, he'll be 13 in August and is still going strong, got plenty of years in him, if he stops inhaling his food and choking himself 🙄

DirtyDennis · 14/05/2019 12:12

Please adopt this dog. Until my current dog I've always adopted older dogs. They're completely wonderful and seem to understand that you're making some sacrifices to give them a good retirement home

Many have always been in loving homes but owners have died and they find themselves in kennels - cold, alone, scared, confused. If you can do something about that, please do.

I think the key is to approach the situation in a different way, thinking of it as temporary and going into it knowing you'll lose them in a couple of years. It sounds horrid but it really does make things easier.

I find adopting older dogs very liberating for me personally as well because I can realistically plan things for 2-3-4 years time when we don't have a dog. Again, it sounds so cruel but that's the reality. So, for example, I wouldn't be sad that a dog stopped me going on holiday because I'd just think I could go in a few years when we don't have a dog for a while. It also means that after one dog has gone, you have freedom to decide if you want another one or when you might get it.

Do it, OP!

Aimily · 14/05/2019 12:14

Ah sorry I missed that you're not in the UK until June, I would ask if they have a Foster service that take the dogs to hold them as such?

Original poster
ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 12:18

I find adopting older dogs very liberating for me personally as well because I can realistically plan things for 2-3-4 years time when we don't have a dog.

This is exactly what I was thinking, as cold as that sounds. A BC puppy is a 15 year commitment, approximately, and that is a huge timescale to think of (I'm only 28! So I'm trying to think back when I was 13,thats a long time!). I'd be more inclined to make that kind of commitment when we have children and are more settled.

OP posts:
Original poster
ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 12:19

@Aimily I've mentioned in the email about June. Ive also asked how long she's been there.

OP posts:
Original poster
ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 12:19

Photo ♥️

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
OP posts:
TinselAndKnickers · 14/05/2019 12:21

She is bloody gorgeous! Go for it OP. My lovely old boy who's no longer with us, came from a rescue at 9 years old simply as his owner had died Sad fingers crossed you end up with this dog!

berninisbeloved · 14/05/2019 12:22

Please take this dog, it is such a kind wonderful thing to do.

NeverSayFreelance · 14/05/2019 12:22

My beautiful BC passed away at age 12 sadly. They should live longer, but he developed cancer and it was inoperable.

That said, older dogs need homes too! I would just prepare yourself that she may not have a lot of time and that could be very painful.

I would love to adopt older dogs but I don't have the strength to keep going through what comes next :(

Mayalready · 14/05/2019 12:22

Our collie lived to be 20 op!! You maybe have many years left with her!!
Ywbu to not get her imo.

GodDammitAmy · 14/05/2019 12:26

Oh she's beautiful! How could you not? My senior was 10 when I adopted him. He's an absolute sweetheart.

EveWasShamed · 14/05/2019 12:36

She's lovely OP, definitely get her Smile

GodDammitAmy · 14/05/2019 12:42

And to add - my other rescue is a collie and she was very traumatised by her past. It's taken a good couple of years to win her round - and she is absolutely amazing now. But yes, collies are smart and they will have learnt from any bad experiences they have had.

HappyLifeError404 · 14/05/2019 12:45

Go for it. I adopted a dog who was 9 years old, who people kept walking past as she was considered old. She was the best dog ever - dog of a lifetime. She lived to be 17, so we had 8 years together. She was so amazing, that I never regretted it for a second.

KissUntilTheyDieOfRabies · 14/05/2019 12:47

This is my old man. Had him two months. He's between 12 + 14. Best dog I've ever had.

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
Judashascomeintosomemoney · 14/05/2019 12:55

Do it! We always adopt and the last three have been older dogs. Had a young Labrador boy throughout but adopted 8 year old Labrador sisters, one sadly passed away very soon from a lung condition but her sister surprised us all by making it to 14! Two months ago we adopted this almost 12 year old (alien!) Grey. She’s adorable and has fitted in brilliantly and we all love her, seems like we’ve had her ages. We would have happily adopted her 14 year old kennel mate too but the rescue decided they were keeping her due to her health issues. Only downside, Insurance for an old dog is high for obvious reasons.

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
Original poster
ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 13:42

DP is hugely up for it.
It was actually his first thought when we found out I'll be coming back.

The shelter have said she's been there a couple of weeks, and is there because of a bereavement.

She's got a little video and looks very attentive and affectionate.

Thinking of sending in DP to see her, I'm not home until 27th May and now I'm worried we'll miss the chance - we've talked it through and she's perfect from all we can see.

OP posts:
LaLoba · 14/05/2019 13:52

She’s lovely! She’ll be so grateful to come home with you.
I have tears in my eyes now thinking about my old boy, a terrier of unknown age who was only with us 2 and a half years - he had plenty of issues, it made it all the more special that he loved and trusted us.

Keletubbie · 14/05/2019 14:23

Our first dog was a senior citizen Staffordshire bull terrier. We had three glorious years with her, before she succumbed to illness. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Our new rescue dog is an insane 2 yr old pug...

VeryLittleOwl · 14/05/2019 14:32

Definitely do it. I adopted a 10-year-old springer spaniel and she had a very happy three years running round the fields here, it was only in the last year that she started to slow down a bit.

SirVixofVixHall · 14/05/2019 14:44

I so hope you get her op. She has lost her owner and her whole life has changed. She is so pretty !

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